There are a lot of variables to consider when making a Thanksgiving turkey. For instance, you might be wondering how to thaw a turkey, what size turkey to buy, and even how to add flavor by seasoning the turkey and basting it while cooking. One of the most commonly asked questions surrounding the bird: How long does it take to cook a turkey?
With the battle for oven space being limited on Thanksgiving, its no wonder youre curious exactly when the stuffing will go in and the turkey will come out. It could make or break your detailed holiday cooking schedule, after all.
Thats why its important to get your turkeys cooking time right. Use this guide and there will be no guessing games on Thanksgiving Day. To determine the cook time, start with the size of the bird and whether or not its stuffed. (Fans of brined turkeys will also want to factor in an extra day, which is what The Pioneer Woman likes to do.)
The best thing you can do on Thanksgiving Day is plan ahead. Whether youre sticking to a classic roasted turkey or want to try something a little different this year (like Ree Drummonds gussied up bacon-wrapped bird), this helpful guide is here to make sure time is on your side. And no matter what, do like the pros and factor in resting time for your bird. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking—longer is even better—so that the juices have time to redistribute for the juiciest meat possible.
Cooking a large 30 pound turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner can seem like an intimidating task. Many home cooks worry about undercooking the bird and serving unsafe food, while overcooking can result in dry, tough meat However, by following some simple guidelines, you can roast a flavorful and juicy 30 pound turkey with confidence
Overview of Cooking Times
The general rule of thumb for cooking an unstuffed turkey is 15-20 minutes per pound at an oven temperature of 325°F. This means a 30 pound turkey will take approximately 7.5 to 10 hours to cook through fully. Yes, that’s a long time!
For a stuffed turkey, planning for 18-24 minutes per pound is safer to ensure the interior stuffing reaches 165°F. So for a 30 pound stuffed turkey, calculate around 9 to 12 hours of roasted time.
Keep in mind that every oven cooks a little differently Factors like the accuracy of your oven temperature, how crowded the turkey is in your roasting pan, and how often you baste or open the oven door can all impact the total cooking time. Using an oven-safe thermometer is the only sure way to confirm your turkey is fully cooked
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow these steps for roasting turkey success
-
Defrost – If using a frozen turkey, be sure to allow ample time for it to thaw in the refrigerator. Plan for 24 hours of defrosting for every 4-5 pounds of turkey weight. A 30 pounder will need 6-7 full days in the fridge.
-
Prep the bird – Remove giblets from the inner cavity. Rinse the turkey and pat the skin dry. Coat with oil or butter and season both the interior cavity and outer skin liberally with salt and pepper.
-
Use a low roasting temp – Preheat your oven to 325°F. The lower temperature prevents the delicate breast meat from drying out.
-
Roast uncovered – Cook your turkey uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate freely. Basting leads to uneven cooking.
-
Cook breast-side up – Lay your turkey directly on the roasting rack breast-side up. The dark meat in the legs and thighs needs to cook longer than the breast.
-
Rotate occasionally – Gently rotate your turkey front to back every hour for even cooking.
-
Test temperature – Begin checking your turkey’s temp about 2 hours before the expected finish time. Insert a food thermometer deep into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. Minimum safe temperature is 165°F. The thighs should reach 175°F.
-
Let rest before carving – Waiting 30 minutes before slicing allows juices to redistribute for moister meat. Use this time to make gravy from the drippings.
-
Store leftovers safely – Cut turkey off the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days.
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
-
Opt for an unstuffed turkey to shorten cooking time and eliminate food safety concerns with the stuffing. Cook your favorite dressing in a baking dish instead.
-
Brining the turkey in saltwater for 12-24 hours before roasting deeply seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.
-
A roasting rack inside a heavy roasting pan allows air flow under the turkey for even cooking. The pan catches drippings for gravy.
-
Tenting the turkey with foil halfway through prevents over-browning of the skin and drying of the breast meat.
-
Resist opening the oven door frequently to check on progress. Use your oven light instead.
-
Letting the turkey come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before roasting helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
-
Maintaining a consistent 325°F oven temperature is critical. Consider investing in an oven thermometer if your appliance tends to run hot or cold.
With the right technique, even an intimidating 30 pound turkey can turn out juicy, golden brown, and utterly delicious. Trust your thermometer, carve carefully, and enjoy the fruits of your Thanksgiving or Christmas labor. Just save me a drumstick!
How Long It Takes to Cook a Turkey
Roasting times for the turkey will vary based on the size of the bird as well as whether its stuffed or unstuffed. As a general rule of thumb, plan on roasting your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound—though to prevent undercooking or overcooking the bird, youll need to use a meat thermometer. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey thats roasted at 325 degrees.
8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours
8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
Do You Cook a Turkey Longer if it Is Stuffed?
Yes, a stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed bird. The very center of the stuffing must register at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer to ensure that its cooked all the way through.
Your best bet? Cook the stuffing separately in a baking dish. This not only reduces the risk of cross contamination, but its also the only way to ensure the stuffing gets golden and slightly crisp on top. Of course, the holidays are all about honoring family traditions, so whether you stuff your bird or not is up to personal preference.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 30 lbs turkey?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
| 24-30 lbs. | 4½-5 hrs. | 5½-6¼ hrs. |
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.Nov 6, 2024
Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?
… way to ensure you wind up with a perfectly roasted turkey—juicy and flavorful no matter what part you dig into—is to both cover it and not cover it with foilDec 25, 2024
Will a 30 lb turkey fit in my oven?
A 30” wall oven (convection or conventional) will hold up to a 35 lb. turkey. Note: For 30” Single/Double Wall Ovens, it is recommended to go by turkey size rather than weight. Check oven interior dimensions by model.
How long do you cook a 24 pound turkey?
24- to 30-pound turkey cooking time (unstuffed): Cook for 4½ to 5 hours at 325°F. 24- to 30-pound turkey cooking time (stuffed): Cook for 5½ to 6¼ hours at 325°F. Test Kitchen Tip: Toward the end of the cooking time, your recipe might instruct you to cut the string you’ve used to tie the drumsticks together and remove the foil covering the breast.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 300?
Cooking at 300°F is considered a low and slow method, resulting in exceptionally tender meat but requiring more time: For an 18-pound unstuffed turkey: 18 pounds × 20 minutes = 360 minutes (6 hours minimum cooking time) How long to cook a turkey at 275? The 275°F cooking temperature is an ultra-low and slow method:
Can you cook a 30 pound turkey?
Cooking a 30 pound Turkey is a little different than cooking a 15-20 pound turkey! Thirty pounds of turkey is a much larger bird, it serves up to 30 people, and you can’t cook it the same as a 20-pound turkey! First, you’ll need to find a big enough shallow roasting pan like this one.
How long do you cook an unstuffed Turkey?
Cook time depends on the size of the turkey, and if there is stuffing in it. Unstuffed turkey takes less time to cook fully. Roast an unstuffed bird, 30 pound of turkey, for 5 -6 hours till the meat thermometer inserted in the deepest meat reaches 165°F degrees.
How long to cook a stuffed 30 pound turkey?
Cook a stuffed 30-pound turkey for 6 – 61/2 hours till the meat thermometer inserted in deepest meat reaches 165° F. Roasting a fresh turkey saves you so much time in defrosting! you are roasting a fresh turkey, you can skip the 8 days of defrosting needed for frozen turkeys.
How long should you cook a Turkey before carving?
When your turkey finishes cooking, cover it loosely with foil and let it stand 15 minutes before carving to give the juices time to redistribute. If you’re going the classic route, stuffing your turkey rather than cooking the stuffing in its own dish, you’ll increase the above roasting times by 15 to 45 minutes.