Thank goodness for Thanksgiving! It’s the one time of year most families are guaranteed to eat a tasty turkey. But it doesn’t have to be!
Turkey meat can be consumed any time of year, and they’re healthy enough to consume on a regular basis. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein, turkey is an excellent option for a nutritious meal.
Aside from its health benefits, this popular poultry is also delicious. A whole turkey has fatty, crispy skin and dark, rich meat.
Cooking a whole turkey takes some planning and precision. Turkey cooking time and turkey oven temperature are essential things to consider.
What temp to cook turkey and turkey roasting time depends on the size of the bird. If you’re prepping for a big feast, you might ask how long to cook a 20-pound turkey at 350?
How Long to Cook A 20-pound Turkey At 350?
If you’ve got a hefty bird in your hands, congratulation! You are in for a tasty treat.
Now, you are probably asking how to cook 20 lb turkey. If you’ve set the oven temp to 350, you need to know how long to cook a 20-pound turkey at 350?
You should cook a 20-pound turkey for 4-41/2 hours at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the center gets cooked thoroughly and the skin is nice and crispy.
What Temperature to Cook a Turkey: 325°f or 350°f?
Are you wondering what temperature to cook a turkey?
There’s no specific temperature to cook turkey, but this meat cooks best between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal range to cook a turkey thoroughly without drying it out.
The turkey cook time will depend on its weight and the temperature. The heavier the bird, the longer cooking time it’ll require. Cooking the turkey at 325 will take slightly longer than 350.
Do You Cover a Turkey While Cooking?
You should cover a turkey with aluminum foil when cooking. Cover the entire thing loosely.
However, I recommend removing the covering for the last 30 minutes of roasting. This will achieve that delightfully crunchy skin you crave.
Cooking Time for Different Sizes
The average-sized turkey is around 15 pounds. However, turkeys come in different weights– and their cooking times vary accordingly! Follow this guide below for roasting your turkey.
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed turkey cooking time | Oven temperature |
| 10 lb | 2 hours and 10 minutes | 350 degrees |
| 12 lb | 2 hours and 36 minutes | 350 degrees |
| 13 lb | 2 hours and 50 minutes | 350 degrees |
| 14 lb | 3 hours | 350 degrees |
| 15 lb | 3 hours and 15 minutes | 325 degrees |
| 18 lb | 3 hours and 50 minutes | 325 degrees |
| 22 lb | 4 hours | 325 degrees |
| 24 lb | 4 hours and 30 minutes | 325 degrees |
How Long to Cook a Frozen Turkey?
If it comes frozen, how long do you cook a turkey? You should cook a frozen turkey for 50 percent longer than the recommended cooking time for turkey.
So if your turkey is 20 pounds, you would usually cook it for roughly 4 hours at 325 degrees. Add 50 percent more time if frozen– or an additional 2 hours, totaling 6 hours.
How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey?
If you want to upgrade that roasted turkey, stuffing is the way to go! Some butter, garlic, onions, and herbs go a long way in adding flavor to this tasty dish. With added features also comes added cooking time.
Wondering how long to cook a stuffed turkey? Well, I have the answer for you!
A stuffed turkey should be cooked for about 15 minutes per pound. So, if your turkey is 20 pounds, you would cook the turkey for 300 minutes or 5 hours.
How To Know When Turkey Is Done
How long does a turkey take to cook? There are several different ways to cook your turkey, but the best way to know your meat is done is to use a meat thermometer. Check the turkey temperature in the breast and the thigh.
The breast should have an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while the thigh should have been 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Roast A Turkey (five Easy Steps)
Roasting a turkey is simple when you follow the right steps! Here are 5 easy steps to cook that tasty turkey today:
- Prep the pan. Add veggies to the pan as a garnish or side. They will also contribute flavor to the bird in the cooking process.
- Stuff and season the turkey. Stuff the turkey with veggies and herbs of choice. I recommend butter, rosemary, thyme, onions, and garlic.
- Secure the skin of the turkey. Pin the legs together with toothpicks to stay secure and add to the presentation.
- Season the skin. Paint the skin with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place in the oven and roast! Follow the correct timing and temperature guidelines detailed above.
Cooking Tips for The Perfect Turkey
If you want to know how to cook a turkey perfectly, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some tips to get your turkey tasting delicious:
- Brine the turkey meat. Make a saltwater mixture and let your turkey marinate overnight before roasting. This will make the meat extra juicy and help it absorb the seasonings more.
- Cook the turkey breast side down. This way, the juices will collect and keep the meat moist rather than dry it out.
- Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your meat is fully cooked without drying out. The breast temperature should get to 170 degrees and the thighs 180 degrees. You can remove the turkey just before this temperature as the inside will continue to cook until it cools down. However, make sure the turkey reaches this safe temperature before serving.
