Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, turkey. But if you’re cooking a turkey for the first time, or if you’re just looking for a refresher, you may be wondering how long to cook a 22-pound stuffed turkey.
The good news is that cooking a turkey is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection.
How Long to Cook a 22-Pound Stuffed Turkey
The general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that a 22-pound turkey will take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to cook.
However, it is important to note that this is just a general guideline. The actual cooking time will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and shape of your turkey, the type of oven you are using, and whether or not your turkey is stuffed.
If your turkey is stuffed, you will need to add an additional 30 minutes to the cooking time. This is because the stuffing will take longer to cook than the turkey itself.
Tips for Cooking a Turkey
Here are a few tips to help you cook a perfect turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will help the turkey cook more evenly.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey for the recommended amount of time, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Cooking a turkey may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection and that your Thanksgiving dinner is a success.
Additional Information
In addition to the information above, here are a few additional things to keep in mind when cooking a turkey:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. This is the best way to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.
- If you are using a frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help the turkey cook more evenly.
- If you are stuffing your turkey, be sure to use a stuffing that is made with cooked ingredients. This will help prevent the stuffing from contaminating the turkey.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
With a little planning and preparation, you can cook a perfect turkey that your family and friends will love.
Tips for Perfect Turkey
- If you plan to purchase a frozen turkey, allow time for it to thaw during meal preparation.
- Assume you’ll need about 1. Five pounds of raw turkey for each person (for more information, see How Much Turkey Per Person)
- Let your turkey come to room temperature prior to cooking.
- To ensure that your turkey is cooked through, use a meat thermometer.
- Start checking your turkey’s temperature about 90 minutes in. This will enable you to monitor the cooking process and modify the roasting time as needed.
- Just as with other meats, it’s vital to give your turkey a few minutes to rest before carving.
Cooking Stuffing Inside vs. Outside the Turkey
It is not advisable to cook stuffing inside the turkey because you run the risk of overcooking the meat and the stuffing needing to come to temperature. Instead, prepare a separate pan of cornbread sausage stuffing or rustic chestnut stuffing.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey per pound at 325 degrees?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 22 lb stuffed turkey?
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Weight
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Cook Time
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Servings
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12 to 14 pounds
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3½ to 4 hours
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9 to 10
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14 to 18 pounds
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4 to 4¼ hours
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10 to 13
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18 to 20 pounds
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4¼ to 4¾ hours
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13 to 14
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20 to 24 pounds
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4¾ to 5¼ hours
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14 to 17
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Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long to cook a 22 lb 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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Is it better to cook a turkey breast at 325 or 350?