Turkey Cooking Time Depends on Turkey Cooking Temperature When Roasting a Turkey

Turkey cooking time depends on the weight of your bird, the turkey cooking temperature of your oven and whether it is unstuffed or stuffed.

Place the turkey breast side up in a shallow roasting pan. Add no water. You can brush it with oil or melted butter but it is not necessary. Cover the turkey with a tent of loose foil. 20 to 30 minutes before it is done remove the foil tent to let it brown.

The following times are based on a preheated oven at 325 degrees.

Timetable for roasting fresh or thawed turkey or parts

• 4 to 6 pounds (breast) ….Unstuffed 1 ½ to 2 ¼ Hours


• 6 to 8 pounds…Unstuffed 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ Hours…Stuffed 3 to 3½ Hours


• 8 to 12 pounds……Unstuffed 3 to 4 Hours……Stuffed 3½ to 4½ Hours


• 12 to 16 pounds……Unstuffed 3½ to 4½ Hrs…Stuffed 4½ to 5½ Hrs


• 16 to 20 pounds……Unstuffed 4 to 5 Hours…Stuffed 5½ to 6½ Hours


• 20 to 24 pounds……Unstuffed 4½ to 5½ Hrs…Stuffed 6½ to 7 Hrs


• 24 to 28 pounds……Unstuffed 5 to 6½ Hrs……Stuffed 7 to 8½ Hrs

When cooking Thanksgiving turkey, many people like to use an oven cooking bag. It does help to produce a moist tender bird. In this case, shake a tablespoon of flour in the bag and make 6 half inch slits in it to let steam escape. The turkey cooking temperature using an oven bag is set at 350 degrees and the chart below reflects this temperature.

Turkey cooking time for fresh or thawed cooked in an oven bag

• 8 to 12 pounds…Unstuffed 1¼ to 2¼ Hrs…Stuffed 2¼ to 2¾ Hrs


• 12 to 16 pounds…Unstuffed 2¼ to 2¾ Hrs……Stuffed 2¾ to 3¼ Hrs


• 16 to 20 pounds…Unstuffed 2¼ to 3¼ Hrs…Stuffed 3¼ to 3¾ Hrs


• 20 to 24 pounds…Unstuffed 3¼ to 3¾ Hrs……Stuffed 3¾ to 4¼ Hrs

In determining how long to cook turkey, a thermometer is the most accurate. The bird will be done when it reaches 180 to 185 degrees. The inner thigh of the turkey heats the most slowly. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part without touching the bone.

More Great Turkey Tips Below:

Traditional holiday recipes

Best leftover recipes

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