Let’s discuss the part of preparing a turkey that we all fear the most: How Long to Cook a Turkey. There’s nothing more nerve-wracking then wondering if you’re going to overcook the bird. I’ve broken every step down for you, meaning you can now begin your turkey takedown with confidence!
Whether you’re preparing a modest 4-pound turkey breast or a whopping 24-pound full bird, I have tips to help you figure out when to thaw, brine, and bake your turkey.
Plus, I’ve included some of my best tips and tricks for knowing when your turkey is done (spoiler alert: you’re definitely going to want one of these bad boys).
Scroll down to view all of the content, or use the Table of Contents box above to skip to the content you need.
Plus, I have a printable how long to cook a turkey in the oven chart with turkey cook times at the end.
Below, you’ll find estimated cook times for unstuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked outside the bird) and stuffed turkeys (stuffing cooked inside the bird).
It’s important to keep a close eye on things throughout the cooking process to make sure everything turns out perfectly.
Roasting the bird slowly, at a lower temperature is the best way to achieve tender meat. You should still prep the bird with butter, salt, and pepper, as described above (or dry-brine it). To cook, set your oven to 325°F and roast for 3½ to 4 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird.
Cooking Stuffing Inside vs. Outside the Turkey
I do not recommend cooking stuffing inside the turkey, as the stuffing must also come to temperature and you risk overcooking the meat. Instead, make a separate pan of Rustic Chestnut Stuffing or Cornbread Sausage Stuffing.
When to Brine Your Turkey
- Wet Brine. If you’re using a wet brine, plan on adding it 12 to 24 hours ahead of time.
- Dry Brine. If you’re using a dry brine, plan on adding it 24 to 48 hours ahead of time.
How long to cook a 14-pound turkey at 325?
FAQ
How long to cook a 14 pound turkey at 325?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
What temperature should a 14 lb turkey be when done?
How long will it take to cook a 14lb turkey at 300 degrees?
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Cooking Temperature
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Weight Unstuffed
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Estimated Cooking Time
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300ºF
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14-18 lbs.
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2½ – 3 hours
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300ºF
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18-22 lbs.
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3 – 3½ hours
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How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 325?
These times are based on cooking a room temperature turkey at 325 degrees F the entire time; plan on 10 to 12 minutes per pound. These times are based on starting a room temperature turkey at high temp (450 degrees F), then lowering it to 325 degrees F after 45 minutes to 1 hour (recommended for crispy skin).
How long to cook a 20 lb Turkey?
When the bird is ready to cook, it’s time to put our calculator to work! Fill in the weight field with the weight of your turkey, i.e., twenty lb if you want to know how long to cook 20 lb turkey. The calculator will automatically display the cooking time based on the default settings – 4 hours and 47 minutes.
What temperature should a 14 lb Turkey be cooked at?
A temperature of 325°F is recommended for cooking a turkey, which ensures that the bird is cooked evenly and remains juicy and flavorful. As a general rule of thumb, a 14lb turkey should take around 3 hours to cook at a temperature of 325°F.
How long does a stuffed turkey take to cook?
A stuffed turkey cooks at a rate of 15 minutes per pound in a 350ºF oven. At this rate, a 6-pound turkey will take 90 minutes (or 1 1/2 hours). A 15-pound turkey will take 225 minutes (or 3 hours and 45 minutes). Be sure to check that both the stuffing and the turkey reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F to prevent food-borne illness.