Do you cook a turkey 20 minutes per pound?

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The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey. Since roasting a stuffed turkey is no longer considered food-safe (not to mention doing so dries out the turkey meat) it’s best to stick to this method and bake one of these crowd-pleasing stuffing recipes in a separate dish.

How long to cook a turkey that is 20 lbs?

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

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.)

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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 does it take to cook a 24 pound turkey at 325 degrees?

For one 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 4½ to 5 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.

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?

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.

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What temperature should you cook a turkey to?

A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

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.

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.

Is it better to cook a turkey in a convection oven or regular oven?

When it comes to cooking turkey, convection ovens cook the Thanksgiving bird more quickly (about 30% faster) and evenly than standard ovens. … Since convection ovens take less time to cook turkey, you should set them for a lower temperature than you would a regular oven.

How long does it take to roast a 10 pound turkey?

All cook times are based on placing a whole unstuffed turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and into a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven.
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How Long to Cook a Turkey.

Turkey Weight	Servings	Cooking Time
10 to 12 lb	6 to 8	2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
12 to 14 lb	8 to 10	2 3/4 to 3 hours
15 to 18 lb	10 to 12	3 1/4 to 4 hours

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How does Gordon Ramsay cook a turkey?

Roast the turkey in the hot oven for 10–15 minutes. Take the tray out of the oven, baste the bird with the pan juices and lay the bacon rashers over the breast to keep it moist. Baste again. Lower the setting to 180°C/Gas 4 and cook for about 2 1⁄2 hours (calculating at 30 minutes per kg), basting occasionally.

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