How long you cook your turkey can vary, depending on the temperature of the oven and whether or not your turkey recipe calls for a stuffed or unstuffed bird. We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We've done the math for you -- check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!). Show
How Long to Cook a TurkeyFollow this chart for turkey cooking times based on the size of your bird. All cook times are based on placing a whole unstuffed turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and into a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven.
Important Notes:
How Much Turkey to BuyThe general rule is 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person, depending on how much you love leftovers! If you're not going to make turkey soup or sandwiches, 1 pound per person is all you will need. If you look forward to leftovers almost as much as the main event, definitely go for 1 1/2 pounds per person. See our Turkey Buying Guide for more tips. How to Thaw TurkeyKeep in mind a whole turkey can take several days to thaw and the above cooking times are for a completely defrosted bird. In general, after placing the turkey in the refrigerator you need 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey, but if it's Thanksgiving morning and your turkey is still frozen solid -- don't worry, you have options! Our Turkey Thawing Guide walks you through three different methods for thawing turkey safely. MeredithHow Long to Cook a Stuffed TurkeyA stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey. Roast a stuffed turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F. It is important to check the temperature of the stuffing; it should be 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) when you insert the thermometer into the center of the stuffing. Pictured: Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy How to Cook a Turkey in Five Easy Steps
Get more tips and expert advice in our How to Cook a Turkey guide. How to Know When Turkey Is DoneThe only true test for doneness is the temperature of the meat, not the color of the skin. Turkey is done when the thigh meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). To get an accurate reading, be sure that your thermometer is not touching the bone. See our guide that shows you how to check the temperature of a turkey the right way. To prevent your turkey from drying out, factor in carry-over cooking while the turkey is resting: The internal temperature of the turkey will continue to rise 5 to 10 degrees once it is out of the oven. You can remove the turkey from the oven when the thigh meat registers 155 degrees F (68 degrees C) and let carry-over cooking do the rest. While the turkey is resting, check the temperature again after 10 minutes to ensure the turkey has reached 165 degrees F. Make Gravy While the Turkey RestsUse the 20 to 30 minutes while your turkey is resting to make a delicious gravy. Refer to our step-by-step guide to see how to make turkey gravy from drippings. How to Carve TurkeyFor some of us, carving the turkey is the most intimidating part. If you've remained patient and let the turkey rest before carving, you're already halfway there! Resting the turkey lets the juices redistribute, ensuring that your turkey isn't dry but also avoiding a big juicy mess on your cutting board, making it harder to carve. See our step-by-step video and guide on how to carve turkey for all you need to know to get the turkey on the table! Related Recipe Collections and Advice
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.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 350 or 400?400°F (204°C) is the perfect temperature for cooking a whole bird. You'll get crispy skin without compromising tenderness.
What temperature do you cook a turkey at 325 and 350?(If using an instant-read thermometer, insert when checking temperature later.) Roast in a 325° or 350° (depending on size of bird; see below) oven until thermometer registers 160°. If turkey is unstuffed, tip slightly to drain juices from body cavity into pan. Transfer turkey to a platter.
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