Let’s discuss the part of preparing a turkey that we all fear the most: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!
Whether you’re preparing a modest 4-pound turkey breast or a whopping 24-pound full bird, I have tips to help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey.
Plus, I’ve included some of my best tips and tricks for knowing when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’re definitely going to want one of these bad boys).
Scroll down to view all of the content, or use the Table of Contents box above to skip to the content you need.
Plus, I have a printable how long to cook a turkey in the oven chart with turkey cook times at the end.
Below, you’ll find estimated cook times for unstuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and stuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep a close eye on things throughout the cooking process to make sure everything turns out perfectly.
Roasting a turkey can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re tackling the bird for the first time. With so many steps from thawing to trussing to basting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One of the most common questions new turkey roasters have is “how many minutes per pound should I cook my turkey?”
The short answer is that you should plan on roasting an unstuffed turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F. However there are a few caveats to keep in mind to ensure your turkey turns out tender and delicious.
Calculating Roast Turkey Cook Time
Figuring out the total cook time for your Thanksgiving turkey starts with knowing how many pounds it weighs Here are the steps
-
Weigh your raw turkey – The easiest way is to keep it in the wrapper or bag from the store and place it directly on your kitchen scale.
-
Determine the cook time per pound – For an unstuffed turkey, allot 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature.
-
Do the math to get your total cook time – Multiply the turkey’s weight by the minutes per pound. For example, a 12 lb turkey should roast for 12 x 15 minutes = 180 minutes total (3 hours).
Most experts recommend allowing a turkey to cook for the longer end of the range, so 15 minutes per pound is a good guideline. Stuffing the turkey will add about 30 minutes to the total cook time.
Turkey Cooking Time Chart
To take the math out of the equation, just refer to this turkey cooking time chart. It gives approximate roast times for unstuffed turkey at 325°F:
| Turkey Weight | Total Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs | 2 hrs 45 mins – 3 hrs |
| 12-14 lbs | 3 hrs – 3 hrs 45 mins |
| 14-18 lbs | 3 hrs 45 mins – 4 hrs 15 mins |
| 18-20 lbs | 4 hrs 15 mins – 4 hrs 45 mins |
| 20-24 lbs | 4 hrs 30 mins – 5 hrs 15 mins |
Key Factors That Affect Cook Time
While the minutes per pound method works for most turkeys, there are some variables that can slightly adjust the total cook time up or down:
-
Oven temperature – The times above are based on roasting at 325°F. Lower temps will increase cook time, higher temps will decrease it.
-
Brining – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine hydrates the meat, allowing it to cook a little faster. Reduce time by about 10-15 minutes.
-
Stuffing – As mentioned, a stuffed turkey takes about 30 minutes longer to allow the interior to reach a safe temperature.
-
Thawed vs. frozen – Always thaw frozen turkey completely in the fridge before roasting. Cook time for frozen will be 50% longer.
-
Oven hot spots – If you notice one part of your turkey browning faster, tent it with foil. Your oven may run hot.
-
Basting – Brushing the turkey with pan juices helps it brown evenly but doesn’t significantly affect cook time.
Ensuring Your Turkey is Fully Cooked
While the minutes per pound method gives you an estimate, it doesn’t guarantee doneness. You’ll also need to:
-
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
-
If removing your turkey early, factor in carryover cooking as the temperature will rise 5-10°F after removed from the oven.
-
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Take the Guesswork Out of Roasting Turkey
If you follow the simple 15 minutes per pound roasting rule, reference our chart for total times, and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, you’ll have a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey every time. Focusing on proper technique rather than exact minutes will ensure your first turkey experience is a success.
So go enjoy time with your guests while your turkey roasts to golden brown perfection!
Unstuffed Turkey Cooking Times
These times are based on cooking a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
- 6 to 8 pounds: 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 8 to 10 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours
- 10 to 12 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 45 minutes
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 3 hours to 4 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes
These times are based on starting a room temperature turkey at high temp (450 degrees F), then lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to 1 hour (recommended for crispy skin).
- 6 to 8 pounds: 35 minutes to 1 hour
- 8 to 10 pounds: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 10 to 12 pounds: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12 to 14 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 16 to 18 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 18 to 20 pounds: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
What If I Forgot to Thaw My Turkey?
If the thawing timeline above has now become impossible for you, don’t panic! You can still thaw your whole turkey using an ice-water bath.
Submerge your packaged turkey in an ice water bath (your sink, a large bucket, or even a cooler will work), ensuring the water stays between 32 degrees F and 38 degrees F. Check it constantly to ensure it stays ice cold.
This method will still take a while (about 8 hours for a 15-pound turkey), but it will be much faster than the times listed above and result in tender meat.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
- Weight: The larger the turkey, the longer it’ll take to cook
- Stuffing: Stuffed turkeys take longer to cook than unstuffed turkeys
- Temperature: The oven temperature affects the cooking time
- Oven: The shape and specifications of your oven can affect the cooking time
- Room temperature: How long the turkey has been at room temperature before cooking can affect the cooking time
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
-
350 degrees:This is the most common recommended temperature for roasting a turkey, offering a good balance between cooking time and achieving a crispy skin while keeping the meat moist.
-
325 degrees:While considered a “slow and steady” method, cooking at 325 degrees may take longer and might result in less crispy skin.
-
High-heat start:Some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature (like 425 degrees) for the first part of cooking to brown the skin quickly, then lowering to 350 degrees to finish cooking the turkey evenly.
How many minutes per pound for unstuffed turkey at 325 degrees?
These times are based on a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on about 15 to 17 minutes per pound (the times below are based on 15 minutes per pound).
How long does it take for a 10 lb turkey to get done?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
How long do you cook a Turkey per pound?
The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones. At what temperature should I cook turkey?
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
How Long To Roast Turkey Breast – General Rule: The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an un-stuffed turkey, or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Or 15 minutes per pound at 325 unstuffed and 17 minutes per pound at 325 for a stuffed turkey.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 325?
Brush the leftover herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, legs, and wings with a basting brush. Roast at 325°F for 13-15 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached when a thermometer is put in the middle of the thigh and breast.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey?
The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones. At what temperature should I cook turkey? Techniques for cooking a turkey vary. Some cooks swear by starting the bird off at 450°F to get a crispy skin.
How long do you cook a 12 lb turkey breast?
Use a → Meat Thermometer ← to Check the internal turkey temperature about ¾ of the way through that time, and then again every 10 minutes, and roast until the temperature reads 165°F when checked at the thickest area of the thigh (do not touch the bone) and thickest area of the breast. 8 – 12 lb Turkey Breast, roast at: 325°F for 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
How do you cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Place turkey breast on a roasting rack, in a roasting pan, on the counter at room temperature for 1 hour. Move your oven rack down to the lowest level, and preheat to 325°F or 350°F oven (which ever you are using). It is recommended that your roast your turkey at 325°F so that the middle cooks before the exterior dries out. 4th – Prep Turkey!