Your question: What temperature should I set my oven to cook a turkey?

10. Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

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.

What temperature do you set your oven to cook a turkey?

Place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan, and into a preheated, 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven (or follow your recipe’s instructions). To enhance the gravy you’ll likely make with the turkey’s drippings, place aromatics and herbs below the roasting rack, such as carrots, onion, celery, garlic, rosemary, and sage.

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Is 375 a good temperature to cook a turkey?

The Test Kitchen agrees that 375℉ is the best temperature to cook a turkey, because it’s not too hot, not too cold, and cooks quickly enough to ensure that a juicy, flavorful bird is ready by dinnertime. … Allow your turkey to rest for at least 25 minutes before carving. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it hot.

How long do you cook a turkey at 325?

How Long to Roast a Turkey

  1. For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.
  2. For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3 to 3¾ hours.
  3. For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3¾ to 4¼ hours.
  4. For one 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

Should you wash your turkey?

Wash Hands and Surfaces; not the Turkey

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces.

Is turkey done at 165 or 180?

While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.

How long do you cook a 10 pound turkey at 325?

Roast in a 325°F oven for 2-1/4 hours. Remove foil; cut band of skin or string between drumsticks so thighs cook evenly. Continue roasting for 30 to 45 minutes more (1 to 1-1/4 hours if stuffed), or until the thermometer registers 180°F; and the center of the stuffing (if using) is 165°F.

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How long do I cook a 14 pound Butterball turkey?

Lift turkey onto platter and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. 7-9 lbs. / 4-4 1/2 hrs. 9-12 lbs. / 4 1/2-5 hrs. 12-14 lbs. / 5-6 hrs.

How long do you cook a 40 lb turkey?

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bird between the breast and thigh (being sure not to hit bone). It’s done when the thermometer just reaches 165ºF. In general, you should plan to cook a turkey for around 15-20 minutes per pound at 325ºF to get to that temp. But that’s only an estimate!

How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 375?

  1. Preparing the bird – Heat oven to 375 degrees. …
  2. Cooking the bird – Estimate 12-15 minutes per pound for stuffed turkeys. …
  3. Testing for doneness – You can either test by checking the temperature or checking the color of the juices. …
  4. Finishing off – Remove bird from the oven.

How long do I cook an unstuffed 12 pound turkey?

The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Should you cover your turkey with aluminum foil?

Just make sure you uncover the lid about 30 minutes before the turkey’s done roasting so the skin has a chance to get crispy. … Covering the bird with foil mimics what a roaster lid would do — it traps steam and moistness so the turkey doesn’t dry out — all the while allowing the skin to crisp up.

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Should you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Q: Should I roast the bird covered or uncovered? A: The Butterball folks recommend cooking the turkey uncovered in a roasting pan. … If you put foil on the breast, remove it about 30-45 minutes before the turkey is done to allow the breast to brown.

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