How many hours per pound do I cook a turkey?

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Calculate Turkey Cooking Time and Temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

How many hours per pound should you cook a turkey?

The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey.

How do you calculate cooking time for a turkey?

The time to cook a turkey is usually around 20 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.
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Third, different ovens vary slightly in temperature.

Turkey Size	Cooking Time (unstuffed)	Cooking Time (stuffed)
18 – 20 lbs	4 ¼ – 4 ½ hours	4 ¼ – 4 ¾ hours
20 – 24 lbs	4 ½ – 5 hours	4 ¾ – 5 ¼ hours

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How many hours per pound do you cook a turkey breast?

Roasting times for a turkey breast cooked in a 325 degrees F oven: Unstuffed, a 2 to 3-pound turkey will cook from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Unstuffed, a 7 to 8-pound turkey will cook from 2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours; if stuffed, it will cook in 3 to 4 hours.

How long do I cook a 20 lb fresh 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 do I keep my turkey moist?

Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe

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

What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?

165°F is the USDA recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures.

How often do I baste a turkey?

The short answer is no — basting isn’t required when the goal is to roast a beautiful, juicy turkey. The main theory behind basting is to ensure moist and tender meat, usually by spooning pan juices over the roasting turkey.

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.

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Do you cover a turkey when you cook it?

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.

Do you cook a turkey at 325?

The USDA says a turkey is safe when “cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. … 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.)

How many will a 6 pound turkey breast feed?

A whole (six- to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts, still joined at the breast bone) will feed six to eight people.

How long does it take a turkey breast to cook in the oven?

When it comes to oven temperatures and timings, roast turkey breast has the same requirements as a whole roast turkey – so at a temperature of 190C/170C fan/gas 5, you’ll need to cook it for 40 mins per kilo, plus an additional 20 mins.

How long should a 20 pound turkey cook at 350 degrees?

If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at: 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.

How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?

While 1 pound per person could feel like too little, and 1 1/2 pounds for each guest might be over-doing it, 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per mouth is the perfect balance. At that rate, feeding a large party of fifteen or more people will require 20+ pounds of turkey.

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Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?

Should I cover my turkey with foil? Roasting a turkey with heavy duty aluminum foil is a method that helps lock in moisture to prevent drying out while in the oven. It’s an easy step to help ensure your turkey is tender and moist for dinner.