Frequent question: How long does it take to cook a 26 pound Butterball turkey?

Cooking times depend on the size of the bird and if it is stuffed or not, but will generally take between 2 to 5 hours. Butterball recommends roasting at 325 ° F on an open pan. The bird can also be fried, smoked or grilled. There is only one way to be sure of a turkey’s doneness: the temperature.

How long does it take to cook a 26 pound turkey?

Cooking time for different sizes

How long does a 26 pound stuffed turkey take to cook?

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.

How long do you cook a Butterball turkey per pound?

Butterball Turkey Cooking Times

1. 4.5 – 7 lbs. Unstuffed: 2-2.5 hours. Stuffed: 2.25-2.75 hours.
2. 7-9 lbs: Unstuffed: 2.5-3 hours. Stuffed: 2.75-4.5 hours.
3. 9-18 lbs: Unstuffed: 3-3.5 hours. Stuffed: 3.75-4.5 hours.
4. 18-22 lbs: Unstuffed: 3.5-4 hours. …
5. 22-24 lbs: Unstuffed: 4-4.5 hours. …
6. 24-30 lbs: Unstuffed: 4.5-5 hours.

19 нояб. 2011 г.

How do I know when my Butterball turkey is done?

You’ll need a meat thermometer to make sure you cook your turkey to the right temperature. Insert it close to, but not touching, the thigh bone. If it reads 180 degrees F in the thigh and 170 degrees F in the breast, it’s done and ready to serve.

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 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.

Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Always cook your turkey until the skin is a light golden color. Cover your roasting pan with a lid or foil and cook covered for 2 hours (depending on size of your bird) and uncovered for the remaining time. Baste your turkey every half hour or so.

How many minutes do you cook a turkey per pound?

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

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.)

Can I prep my turkey the night before?

Can I stuff the turkey the night before roasting? … You can, however, make the stuffing the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast the turkey. Be sure to let the turkey and the stuffing rest at room temperature one hour before stuffing.

What is special about a Butterball turkey?

With more than half of holiday cooks stuffing their turkey, Butterball turkeys have a natural leg tuck using the skin to hold the legs in place and make it easier to stuff. There are no plastic or metal locks in a Butterball turkey ensuring you won’t have to worry about a hot metal clip when you remove your stuffing.

Should I cover my turkey with foil?

Just make sure you uncover the lid about 30 minutes before the turkey’s done roasting so the skin has a chance to get crispy. … Covering the bird with foil mimics what a roaster lid would do — it traps steam and moistness so the turkey doesn’t dry out — all the while allowing the skin to crisp up.

Can Turkey be slightly pink?

The color pink in cooked turkey meat raises a “red flag” to many diners and cooks. … Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.