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Learn how long to cook a turkey and get a perfectly cooked bird for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! The general rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound, but turkey cooking time also depends on oven temperature, whether or not the turkey is stuffed, and whether it's fresh or frozen.
How long to cook a turkey?
Want to cook a juicy, tender whole turkey with lots of flavor and crispy skin? We'll show you how to get the best results every time. No more dry turkey!
The cooking time of a turkey depends mainly on its size, but also on the temperature of the oven. You should cook the poultry to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with ainstant read thermometer. You'll also need to allow plenty of time to rest the turkey so that the juices can be redistributed through the meat to keep it moist.
Addendum: We recommend using an oven food thermometer and leaving it in the turkey while it cooks. This will allow you to monitor the temperature inside without opening the oven.
What temperature to cook a turkey at: 325°F or 350°F?
- Hornear a 350°Ffor any turkey under 14 pounds (5.9 kg)
- Hornear a 325°Ffor a turkey over 14 pounds.
How long to cook a turkey per pound
Here are the general rules for how long to cook turkey per pound according to theUSDA:
- Unstuffed turkey:15 minutes per pound at 325°F, o13 minutes per pound at 350°F.
- Peru recheado: 16 to 17 minutes per pound at 325°F, o14 to 15 minutes per pound at 350°F
Keep in mind that these times apply whether you are using a fresh turkey or a thawed turkey.
turkey cooking time per pound
Turkey cooking time varies greatly depending on size. You might be wondering how long a 20lb, 25lb, 12lb, 15lb, or any other size turkey should cook. Here is a time chart for cooking a turkey without stuffing:
| Leaves weight | turkey without stuffing Time to cook | Peru recheado Time to cook | oven temperature (recommended) |
| 10 pounds | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 40 minutes | 350°F |
| 12 pounds | 2 hours 40 minutes | 3 hours | 350°F |
| 14 pounds | 3 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours 50 minutes | 325°F |
| 15 pounds | 3 hours 45 minutes | 4 hours | 325°F |
| 18 pounds | 4 hours 15 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes | 325°F |
| 20 pounds | 4 hours 40 minutes | 5 hours | 325°F |
| 22 pounds | 5 hours | 5 hours 20 minutes | 325°F |
| 25 pounds | 5 hours 15 minutes | 5 hours 45 minutes | 325°F |
| 30 pounds | 5 hours 30 minutes | 6 hours | 325°F |
Note: If you are using forced air or convection oven, you will be able to bake 15-30% less time.
As there are variations in kitchen equipment, always check that it is ready at least 30 minutes before the specified time and check with a thermometer rather than relying on timing alone.
How long to cook a stuffed turkey?
It is always better to fill in thetip of the neckof the turkey, as filling the body cavity will block the airflow needed to cook the bird evenly. Fill before cooking and place the skin to seal.
follow thecooking time above using weight of 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 frozen turkey, the cooking time is at least 50% longer, depending on theUSDA. This means that you will have to planRoast your frozen turkey for 22 minutes per pound or more.
How do you know when a turkey is done?
The most accurate way to check doneness is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (breast, outer thigh, and inner thigh), making sure the probe does not touch the bone. A temperature reading of 165°F to 170°F means it's done.
Keep an eye out during the final stages as the temperature can rise from 130°F to 170°F in just 30 minutes!
how to roast a turkey
In fact, roasting a turkey is pretty easy as long as you follow the cooking time guide and don't overcook the bird.
- brine: this optional step makes the turkey more tender and juicy. The basic ratio is 2 cups of kosher salt to 2 gallons of water.Brinefor 8-18 hours in the refrigerator and rinse the turkey with water before cooking.
- Seasoning: Rubbing with butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper and oil before roasting will add moisture and flavor to your turkey.
- cooking: Follow the cooking time and temperature guide given above until you reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- resting: Let the roast turkey rest for 30 to 60 minutes covered with aluminum foil so that the juices spread throughout the meat. It's important not to cut the meat right away, as it will lose its juices and the turkey will dry out. You can make salsa during this time.
Frequently asked questions about turkey cooking time
How long to cook a 12 pound turkey?
A 12-pound turkey without stuffing will take approximately 2 ¾ hours at the recommended oven temperature of 350°F or, alternatively, 3 hours at 325°F. If the turkey is stuffed, add an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
How long to cook 14 kilos of turkey?
A 14 pound turkey without stuffing will take 3 1/2 hours in the oven at 325°F or 3 hours at 350°F. If the turkey is stuffed, add an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey?
A 15-pound unstuffed turkey will take approximately 3 ¾ hours at the recommended oven temperature of 325°F. If the turkey is stuffed, add an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
How long to cook 40 pounds of turkey?
An 18-pound unstuffed turkey will take approximately 4 ¼ hours at the recommended oven temperature of 325°F. If the turkey is stuffed, it will take about 4 1/2 hours.
How long to cook a 20 pound turkey at 350?
A 20-pound unstuffed turkey will take approximately 4 ¼ hours at 350°F. If the turkey is stuffed, it will take 4 1/2 hours.
How long to cook a 22 pound turkey?
A 22-pound unstuffed turkey will take about 5 hours at the recommended oven temperature of 325°F. If the turkey is stuffed, it will take 5 ¼ to 5 ½ hours.
How long to cook a 25 pound turkey?
A 25-pound unstuffed turkey will take approximately 5 ¼ hours at the recommended oven temperature of 325°F. A stuffed turkey will take between 5 ½ and 5 ¾ hours.
Thanksgiving Turkey Side Dishes
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner accompaniments includebaked breaded potatoes, Stewed green beans,pastinaga assada,Roasted Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes, gratins and much more!
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How to cook a turkey (+How long to cook a turkey)
Learn how to cook a turkey to perfection for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! Follow this step-by-step guide to enjoy juicy, tender turkey at its best!
Setup time:15 minutes
Time to cook:3 hours
Total time:3 hours 15 minutes
Servings:10 people
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey,(15 pounds or 6.8 kg) fresh or thawed, see notes for other sizes*
- 1/2 glass butter without salt,softened (1 bar)
- 3 clove this,minced (1 tablespoon)
- 1 soup spoon olive oil
- sal,like
- Pepper,like
Instructions
Prepare to prepare:(Optional:pickle the turkeyfor 8 to 18 hours for extra softness). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. Remove giblets from body cavity or neck. Dry with paper towels. It's okay if the turkey is still fresh after being at room temperature.
Seasoning:In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Rub all over the turkey. Then rub with olive oil. (If you have stuffing, stuff it into the turkey's neck.)
Preheat oven to 425°F:Place an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Then preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Then place the turkey breast side up on the grill. If available, insert an ovenproof meat thermometer up to the thigh and leave it during cooking.
Place the turkey in the oven and turn the heat down to 325°F:When the oven is hot, add the turkey and immediately lower the heat to 325°F.
Roast the turkey:It takes about 3 hours to cook in a regular oven and 30 minutes less in a convection/forced air oven. Baste the turkey with the pan juices in half. Start checking the turkey's internal temperature regularly after 2 hours.
Check doneness:Look at the meat thermometer or insert an instant-read thermometer into the thigh and breast of the turkey. Your turkey is done as soon as it registers 165°F (74°C). If it's not done, put the turkey back in the oven. (Note: temperature can rise quickly after 140°F.)
Rest the turkey:When the turkey is ready to roast, remove it from the oven. Using an oven mitt, lift one end of the pan lengthwise to allow any liquid in the cavity to drain. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Cover with aluminum foil and let rest 30 to 60 minutes before slicing.
grades
- *Cooking times for other turkey sizes (without stuffing):
- 12 pounds: 2 3/4 hours at 350°F(or 3 hours for 325°F)
- 14 pounds: 3 1/2 hours at 325°F (or 3 hours at 325 °F)
- 15 pounds: 3 3/4 hours at 325°F
- 18 pounds: 4 1/4 hours at 325°F
- 22 pounds: 5 hours at 325°F
- 25 pounds: 5 1/4 hours at 325°F
- 30 pounds: 5 3/4 hours at 325°F
- Reduce times between 15 and 30% using aconvection oven.
- If stuffing the turkey, add the weight of the stuffing to the total weight used to calculate cooking time. If you don't have a scale, an extra 30 minutes is usually enough for smaller turkeys and an extra 15 to 20 minutes for larger turkeys.
- Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer, depending on directions.USDA.
Nutritional information
How to cook a turkey (+How long to cook a turkey)
Value per ratio
calories
458
% Daily Value*
gordo
25
grama
38
%
Saturated fat
10
grama
50
%
Cholesterol
210
milligrams
70
%
Sodium
290
milligrams
12
%
Potassium
581
milligrams
17
%
carbohydrates
1
grama
%
Sugar
1
grama
1
%
net carbs
1
grama
2
%
Protein
56
grama
112
%
vitamin A
428
UI
9
%
Vitamin C
1
milligrams
1
%
Football
33
milligrams
3
%
iron
2
milligrams
11
%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Please read ournutrition disclaimer.
Author:Cindy
Course:scene, main plateau
Kitchen:americano
Keyword:How long to cook a turkey, How to cook a turkey
Did you make this recipe? leave a commentbelow!
More questions
HimUSDAprovides a meat and poultry hotline available toll-free at 1-888-MPHotline or 1-888-674-6854. Alternatively, you can also chat live with a food safety expert atAskUSDA. This service is available in English and Spanish between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday.
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