Roasting the perfect turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition. But determining the right oven temperature can be confusing with so many different cooking recommendations. Good news 375°F is the ideal temp for achieving a tender juicy turkey with crispy skin every time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why 375°F is the best turkey cooking temperature
- How long per pound at 375°F
- Cook times by turkey weight
- Adjusting time for stuffed vs. unstuffed
- How to tell when turkey is done
- Carving and resting tips
With these simple guidelines, you’ll take the guesswork out of roasting times. Just set the oven to 375°F and rely on our handy oven temp chart for foolproof holiday feasting.
Why Cook Turkey at 375°F?
Through extensive testing, we found 375°F strikes the ideal balance between cooking the turkey quickly and evenly without drying it out.
Higher temperatures above 400°F can overcook and toughen the meat. Lower oven temperatures below 350°F lead to uneven cooking and extended roasting times.
375°F gets you a tender, moist interior and beautifully browned skin in the shortest time. It works for all turkey sizes whether stuffed or unstuffed.
##Turkey Cooking Times Per Pound at 375°F
As a general rule of thumb, whole turkeys take:
- 13 minutes per pound at 375°F if unstuffed
- 15 minutes per pound at 375°F if stuffed
So a 12-lb unstuffed turkey will need about 2 hours 30 minutes total cooking time at 375°F.
Use these estimates to calculate approximate cook times. Always confirm doneness by temperature.
Turkey Cook Times at 375°F by Weight
Unstuffed
- 8-10 lbs: 1 hr 45 mins – 2 hrs 15 mins
- 10-12 lbs: 2 hrs 15 mins – 2 hrs 30 mins
- 12-14 lbs: 2 hrs 30 mins – 3 hrs
- 14-16 lbs: 3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 mins
- 16-18 lbs: 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs
- 18-20 lbs: 4 hrs – 4 hrs 15 mins
Stuffed
- 8-12 lbs: 3 hrs – 3 hrs 30 mins
- 12-14 lbs: 3 hrs 30 mins – 4 hrs
- 14-18 lbs: 4 hrs – 4 hrs 15 mins
- 18-20 lbs: 4 hrs 15 mins – 4 hrs 45 mins
- 20-24 lbs: 4 hrs 45 mins – 5 hrs 15 mins
How to Tell if Turkey is Done
The best way to test doneness is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the innermost thigh. It should register 165°F when done. The turkey juices should also run clear with no pink color.
If stuffing the turkey, insert the thermometer into the center of the stuffing to ensure it reaches 165°F as well.
Let the turkey rest 30 minutes before carving for juices to reabsorb.
Key Tips for Roasting Turkey
- Thaw frozen turkey completely before cooking
- Preheat oven fully before roasting
- Use a thermometer for accurate doneness
- Tent turkey with foil while resting
- Allow turkey to rest 30 minutes post-oven
- Carve turkey over a large cutting board
- Serve with gravy and cranberry sauce
The Takeaway
Cooking whole turkey at 375°F produces ideal results every time. Refer to our handy chart for estimated cook times by weight. And always confirm safe doneness by temperature, not just time. Follow these simple guidelines for your best Thanksgiving turkey yet.
FAQ
How long does a turkey cook at 375 degrees?
Step 8. Cook time: approximately 4 hours at 375°F.
Is 375 good for a turkey?
If you’re wondering what temperature to cook a stuffed turkey, it’s the same number: 375℉. What temperature do you cook a 16-pound turkey? 375℉.Nov 25, 2024
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
Can you cook a turkey breast at 375 degrees?
375°F is the ideal temperature for roasting bone-in turkey breast with skin. This temperature creates a beautiful crust and at the same time, it helps retain moisture by rendering the fat slowly.
How long to cook a Turkey at 375?
Another important consideration is how long you want your bird to cook- typically, a turkey will cook in about 20 minutes at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). However, there are some variables that can affect these times and temperatures.
How do you cook an unstuffed Turkey at 375?
Use these guidelines for roasting an unstuffed turkey at 375°F to get a juicy, perfectly cooked bird. Always verify final doneness with a thermometer. An unstuffed turkey cooks more quickly than a stuffed one, so allot slightly less time. Basting is also easier without the body cavity filled.
Can you cook a Turkey at 375 degrees?
When cooking at 375°F it is important to make sure you don’t get overcooked turkey on the outside, while the meat remains undercooked. Remember, this is a big bird and you want to make sure it cooks thoroughly There is also a risk of serving your guests a dry turkey, but more of that later in my cooking tips.
How long does it take to cook a pound of Turkey?
See the instructions here. It should take 10-12 minutes per pound to cook a turkey at 375°F However, a few variables can affect this. See the variables below. What is The Weight of The Turkey? Make sure you know the number of pounds of turkey you have! If you have brought it to a supermarket, then it will be on the packaging.
How long do you cook a Turkey in the oven?
This will help you save time when cooking the bird. 2. To ensure that your bird is cooked through, start by turning on the oven to400 degrees Fahrenheit before putting your turkey in it. 3. Place your bird in the oven and let it cook for 20-25 minutes per side, depending on its size.
What temperature should a 20lb Turkey be cooked at?
Some people prefer to cook turkeys at a lower temperature, such as 375 degrees Fahrenheit, while others prefer higher temperatures, such as 400 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many pros and cons to each temperature, so it is important to decide what is best for your bird. How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 375?