From a 15-pound turkey to a 20-pound bird, our food editors talk about how to cook, when to carve, and what temperatures to use in the oven. They also give advice on how to keep the turkey moist.
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Over the years, we’ve cooked a lot of turkeys here at Country Living. We don’t want to brag, but we think we have the technique down pat. (We can even help you fix a burnt turkey if need be. If you follow these easy steps, you’ll be able to carve a bird this year that looks like it came from a Norman Rockwell painting.
When it comes to cooking a small turkey for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering getting the timing right is key. Undercooking risks food safety while overcooking dries out the tender meat.
As an avid home cook and food blogger, I’ve cooked my share of small turkeys. Through trial and error, I’ve learned how to accurately determine cook times based on the turkey’s size.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips for calculating how long your small turkey needs in the oven or grill to turn out juicy, flavorful and safe to eat Let’s get cooking!
What Qualifies As A Small Turkey?
First, let’s define what’s considered a “small” turkey. Most small turkeys range from 8 to 14 pounds. Here’s a general size breakdown:
- Mini or Micro: 8 to 10 lbs
- Compact or Petite: 10 to 12 lbs
- Small: 12 to 14 lbs
For reference, a turkey under 16 pounds is typically considered small, while classic Thanksgiving turkeys are usually 18 to 22 lbs.
You can also purchase just a turkey breast, which commonly ranges from 4 to 8 lbs.
The smallest turkeys, under 10 pounds, can serve approximately 6 to 8 people. A 12-14 pound turkey will feed about 10 to 12 guests.
Calculate Cook Time Based On Weight
The standard roasting time for turkey is approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound. This general rule applies to small turkeys too.
Here are estimated cook times based on a small turkey’s size:
- 8 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours
- 10 lb turkey: 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours
- 12 lb turkey: 3 to 4 hours
- 14 lb turkey: 3 1⁄2 to 4 hours
These times are for an unstuffed turkey baked at 325°F. Stuffing the cavity adds about 30 minutes to the total roasting time.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on cook time.
Factor In Thigh Temperature
To properly temp a turkey, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh rather than the breast. The thigh needs to reach 165°F for the turkey to be fully cooked.
The thigh often requires longer cook time than the breast to reach the safe minimum temperature. Check early and continue roasting if needed to sufficiently cook the thighs.
Increase Heat For Crispier Skin
For ideal browned, crispy skin, crank up the oven heat to 375°F or 400°F for the last 30 to 45 minutes of roasting.
Keep in mind the turkey may cook faster at higher temperatures, so carefully monitor the temperature and cook time.
Grill A Small Turkey
You can also grill a small turkey to get that delicious smoky flavor. Plan for approximately 30 minutes per pound when grilling indirectly at 350°F.
Use a digital probe thermometer to monitor the internal temp without continually opening the grill lid.
Handy Cook Time Tips
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Always let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving for juicy results.
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Cutting into the turkey immediately releases all the juices and moisture.
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For accurate cook times, be sure to use an reliable oven thermometer placed inside the oven. Most ovens run slightly hot or cold.
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Calibrate your instant-read thermometer annually for precision temperature readings.
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Cook stuffing in a casserole dish, not inside the turkey cavity, for food safety and even cooking.
Common Small Turkey FAQs
What if my turkey is partially frozen?
Allow approximately 5 to 6 hours of thawing time per pound of frozen turkey in the refrigerator before roasting.
Can I speed up thawing in cold water?
Yes, place the turkey in a leak-proof bag then submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Estimate 30 minutes thawing time per pound. Cook immediately after thawing.
Should I brine or marinate the turkey?
Absolutely! Brining or marinating adds delicious flavor and moisture – just factor in extra resting time before roasting.
Can I roast a turkey breast by itself?
You sure can. Roast bone-in turkey breasts for about 2 hours at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I stuff my small turkey?
We don’t recommend stuffing for food safety and even cooking. Instead, bake stuffing in a casserole and roast your turkey unstuffed.
The Takeaway
Cook your small 8 to 14 pound turkey for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound, calculating from the total raw weight. Rely on an accurate digital thermometer over cook time guidelines for the best results. With these handy tips, your holiday bird will turn out perfectly cooked from the inside out.
When to Put Water in the Turkey Roasting Pan
Putting vegetables in the bottom of the roasting pan will help the gravy taste better. Before you put the bird in the oven, add 1/2 cup of water to keep the vegetables from burning. You can substitute 1/2 cup dry white wine for extra flavor. If you are sans veggies, you can skip putting liquid in your roasting pan.
Next: Air-Dry the Turkey and Season it With Salt and Pepper
Once the turkey is no longer frozen, take it out of all of its packaging and place it on a so air can flow around it. Then, pat it dry all over, and season it generously with salt and pepper. Put it back in the fridge for at least an hour, and up to overnight.
This way of letting the skin dry will help you get a beautifully browned roast turkey with skin that is crispy and full of flavor. And putting salt on it ahead of time lets it soak into the meat, making it tastier and more flavorful.
