How many minutes per pound do you cook a turkey and at what temperature?

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The minimum internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety. 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.)

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.

How long do you cook a turkey how many minutes per pound?

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

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.

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How many minutes per pound do I cook a stuffed turkey?

Mix stuffing and lightly fill cavity. Allow 1/2 to 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
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Stuffed Roast Turkey.

Unstuffed
8 to 12 pounds	2 3/4 to 3 hours
Stuffed
8 to 12 pounds	3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds	3 1/2 to 4 hours

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.

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 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.

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 long do you cook a 36 lb turkey?

When you’re ready to roast your turkey, here is what our Test Kitchen and the folks at Butterball suggest for 24- to 30-pound turkeys: 24- to 30-pound turkey cooking time (unstuffed): Cook for 4½ to 5 hours at 325°F. 24- to 30-pound turkey cooking time (stuffed): Cook for 5½ to 6¼ hours at 325°F.

Is it better to cook a turkey at a lower temperature?

It’s okay to cook the bird over temperature.

The meat will seize and then yield and become even more tender as it cooks, so I typically cook my bird to 180 F. Tent the bird with foil if you notice it browning too quickly.

Should I start my turkey at a higher temperature?

After thawing in cold water, the turkey should be cooked immediately. … Some people start their turkey at a high temp, such as 450 or 475 to get a nice color on the skin, then lower the temperature after say 20 minutes to cook the bird through (around 350 or so).

Why did my turkey cook so fast?

brining and cooking without stuffing, and having a higher temp than expected would all cause it to cook faster than expected. Brining really does speed up the cooking process a lot, though not usually by half.

How long does it take to cook a stuffed turkey?

A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey. Roast a stuffed turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F. It is important to check the temperature of the stuffing; it should be 165 degrees F (75 degrees C) when you insert the thermometer into the center of the stuffing.

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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.)

How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting is optional when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.