On Thanksgiving Day, there can be a fierce competition for oven space as people bake their own pies, reheat their favorite holiday casseroles, and brown the dinner rolls. You need a detailed plan to make the perfect feast. You need to know exactly when the stuffing will go in and the mac and cheese will come out. And then theres the true hog of the oven: the ever-important roasted turkey. Not only does it require lots of space to roast to juicy perfection, it requires plenty of time. But just how much time?.
The turkey is the most important part of a Thanksgiving meal, no matter how good the sides are or how pretty the dessert table is. What else is there to say? Turkey Day is all about the bird! That’s why it’s important to know how to thaw a turkey, season it, and cook it for the right amount of time. 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. For people who like brined turkey, you might want to add an extra day. The Pioneer Woman does this. ).
The best thing you can do on Thanksgiving Day is plan ahead. This guide will help you make sure you have enough time to cook your turkey, whether you want to stick to the traditional roasted turkey or try something new this year, like Ree Drummonds’ fancy bacon-wrapped bird! And no matter what, do like the pros and factor in resting time for your bird. It’s best to let the turkey rest for at least an hour after cooking so that the juices can redistribute and make the meat as juicy as possible.
Cooking a large 28 pound turkey for Thanksgiving or any big holiday meal can seem daunting. Many home cooks wonder, how long should I cook my 28 pound turkey to ensure it turns out moist flavorful and cooked through?
I’ve cooked my fair share of big birds over the years, and have learned some helpful tips and tricks along the way when it comes to getting the cook time just right. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to roast a 28 pound turkey to perfection.
Determining Cook Time Based on Weight
The most important factor in determining how long your 28 pound turkey needs to cook is its weight The general rule of thumb is that you should plan for approximately 15-18 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey,
For a 28 pound bird, this means you’ll need between 7-9 total hours of cooking time. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 28 lbs x 15 minutes per lb = 420 minutes total (7 hours)
- 28 lbs x 18 minutes per lb = 504 minutes total (8.4 hours)
So for a 28 pound turkey cooked at 325°F, the cook time will fall somewhere between 7 and 9 hours. I always recommend planning for the longer end of this timeframe, as it’s better for the turkey to cook a bit longer than to be underdone.
USDA Recommended Cook Times
The USDA provides specific recommended cook times based on the weight of your turkey to ensure it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
According to the USDA’s guidelines, a 28 pound turkey should cook for approximately:
- 5 to 5 1/2 hours for an unstuffed turkey
- 5 1/4 to 5 3/4 hours for a stuffed turkey
These times are based on roasting at a temperature of 325°F, which is the temperature I recommend.
So for a 28 pound turkey, you’ll want to plan on at least 5 1/2 hours for an unstuffed turkey, and up to 5 3/4 hours if your turkey will be stuffed. This helps provide a safe buffer of time to guarantee the bird reaches the proper internal temperature.
Factoring in Thawing Time
One important factor to consider is whether your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. If your 28 pound turkey is still partially frozen, it will require significantly more time to finish cooking.
Here are some thawing guidelines:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: Allow approximately 1 day for every 4-5 lbs of turkey. So a 28 lb turkey will need 6 days thawing.
- Thaw in cold water: Allow 30 minutes per pound. A 28 lb turkey will thaw in 14 hours.
- Cook from frozen: Add 50% more cooking time. A frozen 28 lb turkey may require up to 8+ hours.
Ideally you want your turkey to be fully thawed before roasting to ensure even cooking. If cooking a partially frozen turkey, plan for extra time and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Checking for Doneness
The only way to accurately determine when your 28 lb turkey is fully cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature by inserting the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, without touching the bone.
The turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If it hasn’t yet reached 165°F, continue roasting and check the temperature every 30 minutes until it hits this minimum safe temperature.
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. The internal temperature can raise another 5-10°F during this resting time.
Recap: Cook Times for a 28 Pound Turkey
To summarize, here are the recommended cook times for a 28 pound turkey:
- Unstuffed: About 5 1/2 hours at 325°F
- Stuffed: Up to 5 3/4 hours at 325°F
- Frozen: Add 50% more time, around 8 hours
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached 165°F at the breast and thigh. Rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.
With proper thawing, adequate cook time and temperature monitoring, your 28 pound turkey will turn out juicy, tender and golden brown this holiday season. Enjoy!
How long per pound do I cook my turkey?
How long the turkey needs to roast depends on how big it is and whether it’s stuffed or not. As a general rule, roast your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. However, to make sure the bird doesn’t get too rare or too done, a thermometer reading is the best way to go. 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. An instant read thermometer must read at least 165 degrees in the middle of the stuffing to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. A turkey that isn’t stuffed must also reach 165 degrees, but the thermometer probe should be put into the deepest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone, so that the reading is correct.
Our advice? Cook the stuffing separately in a baking dish. This keeps things from getting dirty and is also the only way to make sure the stuffing turns golden and slightly crisp on top. Of course, the holidays are all about keeping family traditions alive, so it’s up to you if you stuff your bird or not.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
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