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 per pound should you bake a turkey?

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 long should I cook a 20 pound turkey?

Unsure how long you’re supposed to leave the bird in the oven? 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 long does a 14 lb turkey take to cook at 325?

3 to 3¾ hours
For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours. For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3 to 3¾ hours. For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3¾ to 4¼ hours.

How long does a 10 lbs turkey take to cook?

How Long to Cook a Turkey
Turkey WeightServingsCooking Time
10 to 12 lb6 to 82 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
12 to 14 lb8 to 102 3/4 to 3 hours
15 to 18 lb10 to 123 1/4 to 4 hours
18 to 20 lb12 to 144 to 4 1/4 hours
Jul 9, 2021

How long do I cook a 22 pound Butterball turkey?

For an unstuffed turkey, Butterball recommended:
  1. 6-10 pounds: 1½ -2 hours.
  2. 10-18 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
  3. 18-22 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
  4. 22-24 pounds: 3-3½ hours.

Should I cover my turkey with foil?

Because roasting racks have shallower sides than roasters, more hot air can circulate around the turkey and make for extra-crispy skin. 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.

Is turkey done at 165 or 180?

While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.

How long does it take to cook a 13 lb turkey at 325 degrees?

Assuming you are roasting your turkey in a 325°F oven, plan on 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time for each pound of an unstuffed turkey. Plan on 20 to 22 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. 8-12 lb. 12-14 lb.

Do you rest a turkey covered or uncovered?

Once cooked, carefully lift the turkey out of the tray and rest on a board. Cover loosely with foil for at least an hour while you get on cooking your roast potatoes.

How often do you need to baste a turkey?

every thirty minutes
How often to baste a turkey. Most recipes will tell you to baste your turkey every thirty minutes. But our rule of thumb is actually every forty minutes, and here’s why. You don’t want to open the oven too many times, or else the whole bird will take much long to cook, and that’s a huge inconvenience.

Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?

Add water to the roasting pan to keep the turkey from drying out. Grandma always added water or chicken broth to the bottom of the roasting pan, at the start of the cooking. This keeps the bird from drying out.

How do I keep my turkey warm while resting?

If your turkey is done too early, things can get a little complicated, but it’s not the end of the world. If it’s done around an hour early, let it rest uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then cover your turkey with some foil and a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm.

What temp should turkey be cooked at?

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.

Can you put warm turkey in the fridge?

Keep cooked meat and poultry in the fridge – if they are left out at room temperature, the bacteria that causes food poisoning can grow and multiply. After you’ve feasted on the turkey, cool any leftovers as quickly as possible (within 90 minutes), cover them and put them in the fridge.

How long should a turkey rest before you carve it?

Thanksgiving Help Line

Pull it out as soon as the temperature hits 165, or even a little lower. The amount of resting time depends on the size of the bird, but at least 20 minutes is needed. A large bird can wait up to 40 minutes or longer, depending on the temperature of the room.

What should you not cook with a turkey?

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking a Turkey
  1. Not giving the turkey enough time to thaw. …
  2. Turning the oven temperature too high. …
  3. Putting the turkey in the oven too early. …
  4. Not using a meat thermometer. …
  5. Throwing out the pan drippings. …
  6. Not planning for leftovers. …
  7. Throwing away your turkey bones.

Where do I put the thermometer in the turkey?

Check Your Turkey’s Temperature with Incredibly Easy Thermometer Placement. Before cooking, if you have an oven safe leave in thermometer, insert the probe into the thigh. The tip of the thermometer should be placed into the thick part of thigh without touching the bone. Remove the turkey when it reaches 180°F.

Should you take turkey out of fridge before cooking?

Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. If you plan to stuff your turkey, wait until you’re ready to put it in the oven before putting the stuffing in the turkey.

Do you let a turkey rest in its juices?

A: Ideally, your turkey should rest 30 to 40 minutes to let the juices redistribute. (This gives you enough time to make gravy, too.) We usually recommend that the turkey get back into the refrigerator within 2 hours, so by the time you carve and serve, that timeframe works pretty well.

Can you let a turkey rest too long?

According to the USDA, you shouldn’t leave turkey at room temperature longer than 2 hours, or for more than 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F.

What side of turkey goes up?