How much time does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey?
If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.
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 is a 20 pound turkey done at?
Turkey is done at an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving. Using an an oven thermometer and a meat thermometer to get accurate temperature readings is recommended.
How do you know when a 20 lb turkey is done?
You’ll need a meat thermometer to make sure you cook your turkey to the right temperature. Insert it close to, but not touching, the thigh bone. If it reads 180 degrees F in the thigh and 170 degrees F in the breast, it’s done and ready to serve.
How many people will a 20lb turkey feed?
For 14 people, buy a 20-pound turkey.
Is a 20 lb turkey Big?
If the result is less than 12 pounds, then multiply by 1.5 since there will be a little less meat. If the result is larger than 15 or 20 pounds then consider getting more than one turkey for the meal.
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What Size Turkey Should you Buy?
| People | Turkey Size |
|---|---|
| 18 | 18-27 lbs |
| 20 | 20-30 lbs |
| 25 | 25-38 lbs |
| 30 | 30-45 lbs |
Should you wash your turkey?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not washing your turkey before cooking it: Doing so can cause the raw juices from the bird to contaminate your countertops, utensils and other foods, and that can make you sick.
Do you cover a turkey while cooking?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
Do you roast 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.
How long do I need to thaw a 20 pound turkey?
Using the guide of one day for every 3½ to 4 pounds of weight, here’s how many days to thaw a turkey.
- 3 to 4 pounds: 1 day.
- 4 to 8 pounds: 2 days.
- 8 to 12 pounds: 3 days.
- 12 to 16 pounds: 4 days.
- 16 to 20 pounds: 5 days.
- 20 to 24 pounds: 6 days.
How long does it take to cook a 22 lb Butterball turkey?
For an unstuffed turkey, Butterball recommended:
- 6-10 pounds: 1½ -2 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
How long does it take to cook a stuffed 19 lb turkey?
How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey
- For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours.
- For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours.
- For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours.
- For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours.
- For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours.
How long should you let turkey rest?
The amount of resting time depends on the size of the bird, but at least 20 minutes is needed. A large bird can wait up to 40 minutes or longer, depending on the temperature of the room.
Is pink turkey safe to eat?
The best way to be sure a turkey — or any meat — is cooked safely and done is to use a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the turkey, as measured in the thigh, has reached 180°F. and is done to family preference, all the meat — including any that remains pink — is safe to eat.
How do you tell if a turkey is done without a thermometer?
To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, pierce it with a fork in the mid-thigh muscle, explains Nicole Johnson, the co-director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. “When the juices run clear, and no longer reddish or pink in color, it’s a good indication that your turkey is done.”