How Long Should You Cook a 19 Pound Butterball Turkey?

Cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion can seem daunting, especially when dealing with a large bird like a 19 pounder Have no fear! With some simple tips and tricks, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful 19 pound Butterball turkey cooked to perfection in no time

Choosing and Thawing the Turkey

First things first, purchasing your turkey. The Butterball brand is always a great choice, known for producing tender, moist turkeys. You’ll want to allow plenty of thawing time for a bird this size – never thaw on the counter! The safest method is in the refrigerator, which takes about 24 hours per 4 pounds of turkey. So for a 19 pounder, allow at least 5 days in the fridge.

If you’re in a pinch, you can thaw in cold water, allowing 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed

Prep Work

Once thawed, pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavities. Season the inside generously with salt and pepper.

For extra flavor and moisture, you can stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon or orange slices. Truss the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the bird cook evenly.

Finally, coat the skin liberally with softened butter or olive oil. This helps the skin get crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the skin.

Calculating Cook Time

The Butterball website recommends roasting an 18-22 pound turkey for 31⁄2-4 hours and a 22-24 pound turkey for 4-41⁄2 hours. Since your bird is 19 pounds, plan on roasting for about 4-41⁄4 hours.

Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness – cook to 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh. If stuffed, the center of the stuffing should reach 165°F.

For a stuffed turkey, add 30-45 minutes to the cook time.

Step By Step Roasting Method

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the prepped turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.

Roast for the calculated time, basting occasionally with pan drippings. If the skin starts browning too quickly, tent with foil.

About halfway through roasting, I like to add some chicken or turkey stock to the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey nice and moist.

Use your instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature about 30 minutes before the estimated cook time. Cook until it reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.

Once done, remove the turkey from the oven, tent with foil and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for better flavor.

Roasting Alternatives

Besides traditional oven roasting, there are other methods you can use to cook your 19 pound Butterball turkey if you’re feeling adventurous:

• Smoking – Wonderful for adding deep, smoky flavor to the meat. Cook at 225-250°F and allow extra time.

• Grilling – Great way to add charred, grilled flavor. Use a charcoal grill and indirect heat. Rotate frequently.

• Deep frying – Quick cooking time! Submerge in 350°F peanut oil and fry for about 4 minutes per pound. Extreme care must be taken.

• Sous vide – Cooks the turkey gently and evenly in a water bath. Pre-sear before and after.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

You can rub your turkey with the seasoning a couple days in advance, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Cooked turkey keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Slice breast meat and refrigerate in shallow containers for quick cooling.

Cooked turkey also freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Slice meat from the bones and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

With proper thawing, prep, and roasting time of about 4-41⁄4 hours for a 19 pound Butterball turkey, you’ll have a holiday bird with juicy, tender meat and crisp, golden skin your guests will rave about!