Quick Answer: How long do you cook a turkey?

But the very general rule is around 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey at 325ºF. That time will vary, though, based on the size of your bird, the oven temperature, and if it’s stuffed. So let’s say you’ve got a 10-pound unstuffed bird. At 325ºF it should cook anywhere between 2.5 hours to 3 hours and change.

Do you 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 do you 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.

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How long do you cook a 15 pound turkey?

We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.

How Long to Cook a Turkey.

Turkey Weight Servings Cooking Time
10 to 12 lb 6 to 8 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
12 to 14 lb 8 to 10 2 3/4 to 3 hours
15 to 18 lb 10 to 12 3 1/4 to 4 hours
18 to 20 lb 12 to 14 4 to 4 1/4 hours

How long does it take to cook a 6 pound turkey?

Approximate Times for Roasting an Unstuffed Turkey

Weight Time
6-8 lbs. 2 1/2 to 3 hours
8-12 lbs. 3 to 4 hours
12-16 lbs. 4 to 5 hours
16-20 lbs. 5 to 5 1/2 hours

How do I keep my turkey moist?

When you roast that turkey, it will retain more moisture, making for juicier, tastier meat. To dry brine a turkey, gently separate the skin from the breast meat, and rub kosher salt into the cavity in between, as well as all over the legs and back.

Is it better to cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

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. … We’ve found that covering a turkey in foil yields much moister results than roasting it without foil, and we favor simply covering up the breast to even out cooking time.

What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?

165°F is the USDA recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures.

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At what temperature do you cook a turkey?

What temperature to cook the turkey? Preheat the oven to 450°F then drop the temperature to 350°F after putting the turkey into the oven. What temperature should the turkey be? The turkey is done when it registers a minimum of 165° in the thickest part of the thigh.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.

How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting is optional when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.

Can I wash my turkey the night before?

The turkey may be rinsed in cold water the night before and rewrapped for roasting the next day. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw poultry.

How many minutes per pound do you cook a turkey?

When calculating your roasting time, plan on about 15 minutes per pound. 4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed.

Can you cook a turkey at 250 degrees?

As long as the turkey registers a temperature of 165 degrees F. it is safe to eat no matter the color. This requires a cooking time: At 235 degrees F your turkey will take 30 to 35 minutes per pound. At 250 degrees F your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound.

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How do I roast a turkey in a convection oven?

Place the turkey in the preheated 400º oven for 20-30 minutes, until nice and golden brown all over. Lower the heat to 325º (on your convection – roast setting). Place a sheet of aluminum foil loosely on top of the turkey covering the breast and top of the legs. Cook for another 2 hours…

Should you baste a turkey?

Do Not Baste.

Basting the skin is not necessary to flavor the meat. You’ll flavor the skin, but you’ll also let heat out of the oven each time you open it to baste. “That means the bird is going to be in there for a longer time cooking, which means it’s going to dry out more,” Brown says.

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