How long do I cook a 20 lb turkey?

If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.

How long will it take to cook a 20 lb turkey at 350 degrees?

If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at:

1. 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours.
2. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours.
3. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.
4. 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

10 нояб. 2020 г.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

Can you Spatchcock a 20 lb turkey?

If I spatchcock my turkey, how long should I cook it? I’m cooking an 18-pounder. I’ll start at 450 degrees and reduce to 350, unless you suggest otherwise. … A smaller bird will cook more quickly; start checking at 45 minutes for a 12-pounder, while an 18- to 20-pound bird could take an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.

How long does it take to cook a 20 lb frozen turkey?

18-20 lbs turkey: 6 3/4-7 1/2 hours. 20-24 lbs turkey: 7 1/2- 7 3/4 hours.

How do I keep my turkey moist?

Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe

1. Choose a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one. …
2. Roast two small turkeys rather than one large one. …
3. Brine the turkey. …
4. Rub soft butter under the skin. …
5. Truss loosely, or not at all. …
6. Roast the turkey upside down at first. …
7. Don’t overcook it. …
8. Let the turkey rest before carving.

What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?

Put the turkey in the oven at 400°F, uncovered. For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so.

Is it better to cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.

How long should a 20 lb turkey cook at 325?

If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

This table from the USDA is based on a 325°F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we’re talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.)

Why do you Spatchcock a turkey?

Why Should You Spatchcock a Turkey? Not only will spatchcocking turkey ensure plenty of crisp skin (since virtually all of it is out in the open), it makes it much easier to cook the white and dark meat evenly—meaning the breast will stay juicy. It cuts down on the total cooking time too, always a plus.

What is the best way to season a turkey?

Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the quartered lemon, onion and apple and leftover herbs. Use your fingers to loosen and lift the skin above the breasts (on the top of the turkey) and smooth a few tablespoons of the herb butter underneath.

Should I Spatchcock a turkey for smoking?

Why You Should Spatchcock Your Holiday Turkey

This method makes it possible to cook the bird a little faster than smoking a whole turkey. Spatchcocking a turkey gives you easier access to all of the meat on the bird, making it much easier to apply your brine.

Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?

Thawing turkey in a sink of cold water is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it’s not safe to leave it in the sink to thaw overnight.

Is it safe to eat a turkey frozen for 2 years?

According to the Butterball Turkey Talk Line, you can keep a turkey stored in the freezer up to two years and it’s still safe to cook. … For the best quality, the USDA recommends using the frozen turkey within the first year of storage.

How do you cook a frozen turkey overnight?

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Tent the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place the turkey into the oven overnight to cook for approximately 10 hours.