How Long to Cook a Turkey at 250 Degrees for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking up a delicious Thanksgiving turkey is a cherished tradition for many families. While there are several methods for roasting a turkey, using a low and slow technique at 250°F produces incredibly moist, tender and flavorful results. But exactly how long should you cook your turkey at this temperature? Let’s break down the timing and technique for slow roasting turkey perfection.

Why Cook at 250°F?

Typically, recipes call for roasting turkey at temperatures from 325°F to 350°F. However using a lower 250°F oven temp provides some major advantages

  • Gentle, even cooking – The turkey roasts slowly, allowing heat to fully penetrate the meat. No hot or cold spots.

  • Maximized moisture – The lower heat prevents the turkey breast meat from drying out. Skin crisps up at the end.

  • Smoother gravy – Turkey juices don’t burn at low temp, making gravy rich and delicious.

  • Room for error – More leeway in cook times. Less likely to overcook and dry out the bird.

Cooking turkey low and slow at 250°F gives you the most tender, juicy and flavorful meat possible. Now let’s look at timing.

Calculating Cook Time at 250°F

The general guideline for roasting turkey at 250°F is to calculate 15-20 minutes per pound. But cook times can vary a bit depending on:

  • Turkey size – A 20 lb turkey takes more time than a 12 lb turkey.

  • Thawed vs. frozen – Fully thaw turkey in fridge 1-2 days before cooking.

  • Unstuffed vs. stuffed – Stuffed turkey may need 30-45 mins extra time.

  • Oven accuracy – Confirm temp with an oven thermometer.

Use these tips to estimate cook time:

  • Calculate 15 minutes per lb for minimum cook time.

  • Calculate 20 minutes per lb for maximum cook time.

  • Actual time will be somewhere in between.

Turkey Cook Times at 250°F

Here are approximate turkey cook times at 250°F:

  • 10 lb turkey: 2.5 – 3 hours
  • 12 lb turkey: 3 – 3.5 hours
  • 14 lb turkey: 3.5 – 4 hours
  • 16 lb turkey: 4 – 4.5 hours
  • 18 lb turkey: 4.5 – 5 hours
  • 20 lb turkey: 5 – 6 hours

Cook until the breast temp reaches 165°F and thighs reach 175°F. Let rest 30 minutes before carving.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey at 250°F:

  • Thaw – Thaw turkey completely in fridge 1-2 days before cooking.

  • Prep – Remove giblets. Rinse turkey and pat dry.

  • Season – Rub skin with oil or butter. Sprinkle with herbs and spices.

  • Roast – Place turkey on a rack in roasting pan at 250°F, breast up.

  • Baste – Baste turkey with pan drippings every 45 mins – 1 hour.

  • Check Temp – Monitor temperature after minimum cook time.

  • Rest – Remove turkey from oven and let rest 30 mins before carving.

  • Make Gravy – Use pan drippings to make gravy.

Turkey Roasting Tips

Follow these tips for best results:

  • Brine turkey 1-2 days before for added moisture and flavor.

  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor breast and thigh temp.

  • Baste with broth or butter every 45-60 minutes for maximum juiciness.

  • Add veggies like onions, carrots and celery to the roasting pan.

  • Tent turkey at end if skin is getting too brown.

  • Let turkey rest at least 30 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey at 250°F

Cooking turkey low and slow at 250°F delivers incredibly tender, juicy and delicious results. With proper thawing, seasoning and calculating cook times based on weight, you’ll get phenomenal turkey every time. Monitor the temperature and baste frequently for best flavor. Follow this simple guide for your best turkey yet.

how long to cook a turkey at 250 degrees

Seven Crucial First Steps for Cooking the Perfect Turkey

Time Required to Thaw a Turkey
8 to 12 lbs. 2 to 3 Days
13 to 16 lbs. 3 to 4 Days
17 to 20 lbs. 4 to 5 Days
21 to 24 lbs. 5 to 6 Days

Its absolutely critical that the turkey is completely thawed to be successful using a low-temperature, slow-bake recipe. Heres a helpful link that will show you how to be certain that your turkey is totally thawed. This website also has ways to cook a partially frozen turkey. Its good to have a backup plan.

DO NOT USE MY SLOW COOK RECIPE IF YOUR TURKEY IS STILL FROZEN!

The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever!

This recipe is extremely simple and the absolute best way to cook a turkey. Thats because

  • cooking the perfect, juiciest, mouth-watering Thanksgiving turkey is as easy as popping it in the oven and walking away; and
  • even better, you know with absolute certainty that your turkey will be incredibly tender, moist, and delicious! Its hands down, the best turkey you, your family, and guests have ever tasted!

The turkey is now the big hit at our house on Thanksgiving. Before, it was always the other great recipes on the table.

Thats because turkey is usually dry. And why is it so dry? Because I, like most people, overcooked it!

Now youll learn how to cook a perfect turkey using a slow cook method that will keep it super moist (yes, even the white meat) and incredibly delicious.

How to cook a TURKEY at 250 degrees

FAQ

How long will it take to cook a turkey at 250 degrees?

So what is the answer? How long does it take to cook a turkey at 250 degrees? The short answer is a cooking time of 20 mins per pound.May 13, 2023

Is it better to cook a turkey at 250 or 350?

It’s better to cook a turkey at 350°F after preheating the oven to 450°F. This makes the skin crispier and ensures the turkey will get cooked evenly.Nov 3, 2023

How do you cook a turkey low and slow?

This is how you do it: Simply place your turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and butter it up. Stuff the bird with lemon and herbs, then roast low and slow for 10 hours, basting frequently. An hour before dinner starts, crank up the heat and finish the turkey for that crispy, golden skin.

Is it better to roast a turkey at a lower temperature?

Oven-Roasted Turkey

We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.

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