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Learn how long to cook a turkey and get a perfectly cooked bird for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! The rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound, but the cooking time also depends on oven temperature, whether the turkey is stuffed or unstuffed, and fresh vs. frozen. How long to cook a turkey?Want to cook a whole turkey that’s tender and juicy, with lots of flavor and crispy skin? We’ll show you how to get the best results every time. No more dried-out turkey! How long to cook a turkey depends mainly on its size as well as the oven temperature. You need to cook the bird to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) measured using an instant-read thermometer. Also you’ll need to budget enough time to rest your turkey so the juices can redistribute through the meat to keep it extra moist. Tip: We recommend using an oven-proof food thermometer and leave it in the turkey while roasting. This will allow you to monitor the internal temperature without opening the oven. What temperature to cook a turkey: 325°F or 350°F?
How long to cook a turkey per pound?For an unstuffed turkey (fresh or defrosted), the general rule is about 15 minutes per pound at a 325°F regular oven according to the USDA. If you’re using a convection oven, your turkey will cook slightly faster. Cooking time for different sizesTurkey cooking time varies widely by size. You may be wondering how long to cook a 20 lb turkey, a 25 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb turkey, or any other size for that matter? Here is a time chart for cooking an unstuffed turkey:
Note: If you’re using a convection oven, bake for 15-30% less time. As there’s variation in kitchen equipment, always verify doneness using a thermometer instead of relying on time alone. How long to cook a stuffed turkey?It’s always best to stuff the neck end of the turkey, as filling the body cavity will block the flow of air needed to evenly cook the bird. Stuff right before cooking and tuck in the skin to seal. Follow the cooking time above using the weight of the stuffed turkey. You can weigh the stuffed turkey if you have a scale or estimate the new weight based on how much stuffing you added. How long to cook a frozen turkey?If you roast your turkey from frozen, the cooking time is at least 50% longer according to the USDA. That means you’ll need to plan to bake your frozen turkey for 22 minutes per pound or more. How to tell when a turkey is done?The most accurate way to check doneness is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (breast, outer thigh and inner thigh), making sure the probe is not touching the bone. A temperature reading of 165°F to 170°F means it’s done. Keep a watchful eye during the final stages, as the temperature can rise from 130°F to 170°F in as little as 30 minutes! How to roast a turkeyRoasting a turkey is actually quite easy, as long as you follow the cooking time guide and don’t overcook the bird.
Side dishes for Thanksgiving turkeyTraditional side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner include green bean casserole, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gratin and roasted Brussels sprouts. How to Cook A TurkeyLearn how to cook a turkey to perfection for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! Follow this step-by-step guide to enjoy tender and juicy turkey at its best!
Nutrition Facts How to Cook A Turkey Amount Per Serving Calories 458 Calories from Fat 225 % Daily Value* Fat 25g38% Saturated Fat 10g50% Cholesterol 210mg70% Sodium 290mg12% Potassium 581mg17% Carbohydrates 1g0% Sugar 1g1% Protein 56g112% Vitamin A 428IU9% Vitamin C 1mg1% Calcium 33mg3% Iron 2mg11% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Please read our nutrition disclaimer. Cooking Equipment
© TIPBUZZ. Images and text on this website are copyright protected. Please do not post or republish without permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please link back to this post. This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here. Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
How long does a 15 lb turkey take to cook at 325?Assuming you are roasting your turkey in a 325°F oven, plan on 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time for each pound of an unstuffed turkey. Plan on 20 to 22 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.
What temperature do I cook a 15 pound turkey at?For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so. Then reduce the heat further to 225°F until done, anywhere from a half hour to an hour or more.
How long does it take to cook a Butterball 15 lb turkey?Roast 3 to 3½ hours or until meat thermometer reaches 180°F when inserted into deepest part of thigh not touching bone. Cover breast and top of drumsticks loosely with foil about two-thirds of the way through roasting to prevent overbrowning, if needed. Let stand 30 minutes before carving.
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