When it comes to how long to cook a turkey, you don’t want to play guessing games.
If your Traeger turkey cook time is too short, you’ll end up with an undercooked bird that could make your loved ones sick. If you cook your bird for too long, you’ll recreate the famous dry turkey scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. There’s not enough gravy in the world to fix that!
Unfortunately, the answer to “How long does it take to cook a turkey?” doesn’t have a quick answer. Your timing is going to depend on several factors, including weight, stuffing, and cooking methods. But don’t worry because we’ve rounded up all the answers you need for a crash course in cook times that’ll help you make sure the bird comes out picture-perfect on Turkey Day.
Smoking a turkey is a favorite Thanksgiving tradition for many families. The smoky, savory flavor takes ordinary turkey from bland to beautiful. While smoking temperatures vary, 325°F creates a nice balance of smoky flavor and moist, juicy meat. But nailing the cook time takes some finesse. Undercook your bird and you risk food poisoning. Overcook it and you’ll have a dried-out disaster.
I’ve smoked my fair share of turkeys over the years. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered exactly how long you need to smoke a turkey at 325°F to get ideal doneness. Follow my tips below for a foolproof smoking time chart based on turkey size. I’ll also share the best way to prep your bird, signs it’s done, resting tips, and more so you can serve up smoked turkey perfection.
How Long to Smoke an Unstuffed Turkey at 325°F
Smoking an unstuffed turkey at 325°F takes approximately 15 minutes per pound, So for cook times
- An 8-10 pound turkey takes 2-2.5 hours
- A 10-12 pound turkey takes 2.5-3 hours
- A 12-14 pound turkey takes 3-3.5 hours
- A 14-16 pound turkey takes 3.5-4 hours
- A 16-18 pound turkey takes 4-4.5 hours
- An 18-20 pound turkey takes 4.5-5 hours
These cook times are approximate. You should always use an instant read thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time
How Long to Smoke a Stuffed Turkey at 325°F
If you plan to stuff your turkey smoking times increase. The stuffing must reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
For a stuffed turkey at 325°F, plan on 15-30 minutes of extra cook time. So if you have a 12 pound stuffed turkey, smoke it for 3.5-4 hours instead of 3-3.5 hours.
As an example, approximate smoking times for a stuffed turkey are:
- An 8-10 pound turkey takes 2.5-3 hours
- A 10-12 pound turkey takes 3-3.5 hours
- A 12-14 pound turkey takes 3.5-4 hours
- A 14-16 pound turkey takes 4-4.5 hours
- A 16-18 pound turkey takes 4.5-5 hours
- An 18-20 pound turkey takes 5-5.5 hours
Turkey Smoking Tips
Follow these tips for flawless smoked turkey every time:
- Brine your bird. Brining keeps turkey extra juicy and adds flavor. Make a simple saltwater brine or get creative with apple juice, spices, and herbs. Brine 8-24 hours before smoking.
- Truss the turkey. Tying the legs together helps the bird cook evenly. Use butcher’s twine or silicone trussing bands.
- Apply a rub. For even more flavor, coat the turkey inside and out with a savory dry rub. Try profiles like brown sugar, citrus, or spicy pepper.
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only way to accurately gauge doneness. Turkey is safe at 165°F. For carryover cooking, remove at 160°F.
- Rest before carving. Letting the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes allows juices to redistribute for more moist meat. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- Carve properly. Use a sharp carving knife to carefully slice the breast meat. Cut the leg quarters off the backbone before slicing.
How to Tell If Your Smoked Turkey is Done
Checking temperature is the only reliable way to tell if your smoked turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
According to the USDA, turkey is safe at an internal temperature of 165°F. To allow for carryover cooking, it’s best to remove the turkey when the thickest part of the breast and thighs reach 160°F. After resting 20-30 minutes, the temperature will climb to 165°F.
Use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature in multiple spots:
- Innermost part of the thigh
- Innermost part of the wing
- Thickest part of the breast
The juices should run clear with no traces of pink when the turkey is pierced. The leg joints should rotate easily. If underdone, return to the smoker for more time.
Master the Perfect Smoked Turkey at 325°F
Smoking a turkey seems complicated, but it’s easier than you think with the right techniques. Now that you know exactly how long to smoke a turkey at 325°F based on size, stuffing, and doneness, you can serve up the star of your Thanksgiving table with confidence.
Follow the timing chart carefully and use an instant read thermometer for perfect results. Brine, truss, rest, and carve the bird properly for incredibly moist, tender smoked turkey that your guests will rave about. rendy new electric mountain bike that would make cycling a more feasible commute option. With an electric bike, I could get some exercise on my way to work without showing up a sweaty mess. The battery would give me a boost to get over hills and across town faster. An e-bike could truly be a car replacement for my relatively short 7-mile commute.
After extensive research comparing features, prices, sizes, and capabilities, I decided to splurge on the RadRover 6 Plus from Rad Power Bikes. This powerful e-bike has fat tires, hydraulic disc brakes, a sturdy frame, adjustable settings, and impressive range. Of course, it wasn’t cheap at $1,799. But I decided it would be worth it if biking became my primary commute mode and I ditched my car for local trips.
The Electric Bike Commuting Experience
When my RadRover arrived, I eagerly unpacked it, charged it up, and took it for an inaugural spin around the neighborhood. I loved the smooth electric assist that kicked in as soon as I started pedaling. I barely had to exert myself sailing up and down hills and zipping along the paved trails. This was going to make my commute a breeze!
The first few days riding to work were exhilarating. The e-bike ate up the seven miles with hardly any effort from me. I loved feeling the wind on my face as I pedaled along, getting fresh air and exercise. No wasting time hunting for parking either – I just rolled up and locked up my bike.
However, it didn’t take long for some disadvantages of e-bike commuting to emerge. Here are a few negatives I experienced:
Weather issues. My first week featured beautiful sunny skies. But when it started raining, riding a bike suddenly seemed miserable. I had fenders on my RadRover, but still arrived at work with wet pants from all the road spray. And cold winter months in Colorado promised to be downright brutal on a bike.
Safety concerns. As an avid cyclist, I was used to riding on the road. But commuting during rush hour was more nerve-wracking with all the cars whizzing by. Bike lanes were intermittent at best, leaving me cringing on high-speed shoulders. And bike paths added distance and hiking up curbs to the route.
Time commitment. It took me about 35 minutes each way to bike to work. Driving only took 15-20 minutes. So riding cost me an extra hour total commute time per day. Over a workweek, that added up to 5 hours – almost an entire extra day!
Physical exhaustion. Even with electric assist, riding 7 miles each way proved tiring. I regularly showed up to work sweaty and fatigued, especially if I encountered headwinds or hills. Chugging up an incline at the end of the day was the last thing I felt like doing.
Inconvenient stops. Driving allows you to travel from point A to B quickly and directly. But on a bike I had to map out a safe cycling route with bike lanes and trails. This meant sometimes lengthy detours and indirect paths. If I needed to stop for gas, groceries, or errands, lugging it all on a bike proved challenging too.
Strenuous cargo capacity. I rigged up a basket on my RadRover to tote stuff, but its cargo capacity was limited. Transporting bigger or heavier items like gallons of water or bags of potting soil was nearly impossible. I had to plan carefully to avoid buying more than I could carry.
The Verdict: E-Bikes Have Limitations for Commuting
While riding an e-bike was fun for casual neighborhood jaunts, using it as my sole commuting option ultimately proved impractical. The extra time commitment, physical fatigue, weather vulnerabilities, safety concerns, inconvenient stops, and cargo challenges just made driving much easier for a 7-mile commute across town.
However, people with shorter commute distances of 3 miles or less may find e-bikes ideal for getting to work. You can likely avoi
What Is the Best Temperature to Cook a Turkey?
To Roast: The best temperature to cook a turkey is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This consistent temperature will cook the interior of the bird while the outside crisps nicely. At higher temperatures, the exterior of the bird can start to burn before the interior is cooked.
To Smoke: One very low-and-slow method of cooking a turkey is smoking. If you make smoked turkey, cooking at 225 to 275 degrees Fahrenheit for the start of the cook will deliver the best results.
You can monitor your turkeys internal temperature through an internal meat thermometer like a MEATER.
How Long Do You Cook a 15-Pound Turkey at 325 Degrees?
You should cook a 15-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit anywhere from 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours. Bear in mind this time range is for a bird of between 14 and 18 pounds, and the exact timing will (again) depend on whether your turkey is stuffed.1
An unstuffed bird of 15 pounds will likely finish at around the 4-hour mark (or just before). A stuffed turkey will take at least 4 hours to cook, and typically takes an extra 15 minutes until you’ve hit that desired internal temperature.
But no matter what method you’ve used, the same USDA rules on inner temperature apply for a 15-pound turkey. Don’t stop cooking your bird until your thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh, wing, and breast.
How to Smoke a Turkey Full of Flavor and Dripping with Moisture
FAQ
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 350?
The best approach to smoking a turkey breast is to cook it at around 350°F. It’s not a traditional barbeque technique, but instead it’s what I refer to as “smoke-roasting” the bird.
How long do you smoke a turkey at 325?
A small bird (8 to 12 pounds) requires 2-1/2 to 3 hours at 325 degrees F; a medium (12 – 18 pounds) will need 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours; and a large bird (over 18 pounds) could take up to 6 hours.
How long to cook a 20 lb turkey at 325 degrees?
- 10-12 pounds: cook 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
- 15-16 pounds: cook 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- 18-20 pounds: cook 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
What is the best temperature to smoke a turkey?
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Lower temperature for moist meat:If you prioritize a very moist turkey, you can smoke at a slightly lower temperature around 225°F.
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Higher temperature for crispier skin:To get extra crispy skin, you can increase the temperature slightly to around 275°F, but be careful not to overcook the meat.
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Monitor internal temperature:Regardless of the smoking temperature, always monitor the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F.
How long does it take to smoke a 15 pound turkey?
This is because, at this temperature, the turkey will take about 15 minutes per pound instead of the typical 20 or so minutes. If you have a 15-pound turkey, for example, and you choose to smoke it at a temperature of 325℉, it will take approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes to finish.
How big can a Turkey be smoked at 325 degrees?
However, if your smoker is on the large side, you may be able to fit a turkey that is about 20 pounds. When you are considering smoking your turkey at 325℉, however, the size of the turkey does not matter, as long as you adjust the time it takes to complete the cooking process.
How do you smoke a smoked turkey?
Preheat a smoker to 300 to 325 degrees F (160 to 165 degrees C). Combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, mustard, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl for the dry rub; stir to mix thoroughly. Place turkey on a cutting board and pat dry to remove as much moisture as possible from the meat.
Should you smoke a Turkey on a grill?
The long duration and low temperature allows the fat to permeate the meat. Lean meats don’t have a high fat content. Poultry, like your turkey, can be cooked at a higher temperature and a shorter cooking time. This means less time on the grill. You can shave off about half the time when smoking a turkey.
Should I smoke my Turkey at a lower temperature?
For those who want a more authentic smoky flavor for your turkey, you should consider doing so at a lower temperature. This is because a smoker is designed to operate low and slow which will result in your meat is tender, juicy, and deliciously smoky.
How do you know if a Turkey is finished smoking?
Use an instant read thermometer to test the thickest part of both the breast and thigh. The breast should reach 165°F and thigh area 175°F before removing turkey from the smoker. If the breast temp goes much higher, it is likely to dry out. Other signs your turkey is finished smoking: When in doubt, go by temperature over time!