400°F (204°C) is the perfect temperature for cooking a whole bird. You’ll get crispy skin without compromising tenderness. Depending on the size of your bird, it should take anywhere from 2-6 hours to roast at 400°F (204°C).
How long does it take to cook a 22lb turkey at 400 degrees?
If your turkey weighs 21 to 22 pounds, roast it at:
400°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours. 350°F for 4½ to 4¾ hours. 325°F for 4¾ to 5 hours.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound at 400 degrees?
Allow 15 minutes for every pound, according to the Simply Recipes website. Start cooking the turkey at 400 degrees for the first half hour, and then reduce heat to 350 for next two hours. Reduce heat to 225 for the next hour and a half.
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey at 400 degrees?
If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at 425°F for 312 to 334 hours, depending on how big it is. 334 to 4 hours at 400 degrees Fahrenheit 350°F for 4 to 414 hours is a good temperature range.
How long does it take to cook a 25 lb turkey in the oven?
A 25-pound turkey would take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to cook until done — when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh registers 165 F, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.
What happens if you cook a turkey at 400 degrees?
400°F (204°C) is the perfect temperature for cooking a whole bird. You’ll get crispy skin without compromising tenderness. Depending on the size of your bird, it should take anywhere from 2-6 hours to roast at 400°F (204°C).
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We’ve found that covering a turkey in foil yields much moister results than roasting it without foil, and we favor simply covering up the breast to even out cooking time.
Can you cook a turkey at 425 degrees?
To Cook the Turkey:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place oven rack so that it’s on the lowest level. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and then rub the inside cavity of the bird with the cut side of a lemon.
How long do I cook a 25 lb Butterball turkey?
For an unstuffed bird, Butterball recommended the following cooking times:
- 6-7 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 7-10 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 3½-4 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 4-4½ hours.
- 24-30 pounds: 4½-5 hours.
Can you cook a turkey at 450 degrees?
Every year, turkey is the victim of basting, which is a moisture-sapping process! Roasting, at 450◦-475◦ degrees, keeps the moisture in the bird if you prepare it correctly.
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
Make it safe – The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends temperatures no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you cook a turkey at 375?
The Test Kitchen agrees that 375℉ is the best temperature to cook a turkey, because it’s not too hot, not too cold, and cooks quickly enough to ensure that a juicy, flavorful bird is ready by dinnertime.
What temperature should a turkey be cooked at?
The USDA says to cook your turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. (If you stuffed the turkey, the stuffing, not just the meat, should be 165°F).
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.
How many does a 25 lb turkey feed?
12 to 16 people = 16- to 22-lb. turkey. 18 to 20 people = 27- to 30-lb. turkey.
How long do I cook a 26 lb turkey?
The rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound, but the cooking time also depends on oven temperature, whether the turkey is stuffed or unstuffed, and fresh vs.
Cooking time for different sizes.
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed turkey cooking time | Oven temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 26 to 29 lb | 4-1/2 to 5 hours | 325°F |
How do you cook a turkey at 400 degrees?
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 the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so.
Should turkey be room temp before cooking?
Before it goes in the oven, the turkey should be at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge (1 hr for a whole turkey, or 30 mins for a cut) before cooking. Keep it covered in a cool place.
How many minutes per pound do you cook turkey?
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.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place on the bottom of your roasting pan. Place the turkey, breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Add about a half-inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist, and the turkey juicy.
What do you put in the turkey cavity when not using stuffing?
Herbs. The secret to adding extra flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey is to season it liberally. To make sure that your favorite herbs permeate every bit of your bird, stuff a small bundle into the turkey cavity. Thyme, sage, parsley and a bit of rosemary are a great combination—but feel free to customize to your taste.
How do you prepare a turkey the night before?
Place the turkey in a shallow dish just large enough to hold it and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for one or two days. The day before you plan to roast the turkey, remove the plastic wrap and leave the turkey in the fridge. The skin will dry out and turn a little translucent.
Is it better to cook a turkey on low heat or high heat?
I find it is best to start the turkey at a fairly high temperature (400°F), roast for about twenty minutes and then lower the heat to 350°F for the remainder of the cooking time.
Is it better to cook a turkey at a low or high temperature?
Then there’s the question of cooking method. Turkey research, such as the Georgia study, has generally been conducted by roasting the birds at a low temperature, 325 or 350 degrees, which is what most turkey experts recommend. But many chefs and home cooks prefer to cook at high heat (say, 425 to 500 degrees).
What does the name Butterball mean?
Definition of butterball
1 : bufflehead. 2 : a chubby person.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do I Cook a Turkey at 325 or 350 Degrees? Though “low and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, there’s no hard-and-fast rule. All of our temperature guides assume you’re cooking at 325, but you can cook it a little warmer for roughly the same, or just a little less time.
How do you calculate cooking time for a turkey?
Cooking time will vary by different ovens and whether or not the turkey is stuffed.
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator.
| Approximate Unstuffed Turkey Cooking Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximate Cooking Time in 325° Oven | Internal Temperature (ºF) |
| 6 to 8 pounds | 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours | 185º |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours | 185º |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 1/4 to 4 1/4 hours | 185º |
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey at 450?
Steps
- Move oven rack to lowest position; heat oven to 450°F.
- On rack in shallow roasting pan, place turkey breast side up.
- Roast uncovered 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, watching carefully.
- Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted.
How do you keep a turkey warm for 4 hours?
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.
Can you cook a turkey on low heat overnight?
A typical roasting temperature is around 325 degrees F for up to 8 hours depending on the size of your turkey. As you slowly roast your turkey overnight at 200 degrees F for approximately 10 hours, the low temperature and moisture is basting your turkey while you sleep. No need to baste your turkey.
Can you cook a turkey at a lower temperature for longer?
Turn the temperature of your oven up 50°. This will increase the heat, but you will still be roasting it at a low temperature of 350-300° which will ensure your turkey will be moist and juicy.
What is the danger zone for turkey?
When a turkey stays out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, its temperature becomes unsafe even if the center is still frozen. Germs can grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
How long does it take to cook a turkey at 375?
Place a roasting rack in the pan and put the turkey on top of it. Roast the turkey until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
How long do you cook a 21 lb turkey at 375?
- Preparing the bird – Heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cooking the bird – Estimate 12-15 minutes per pound for stuffed turkeys.
- Testing for doneness – You can either test by checking the temperature or checking the color of the juices.
- Finishing off – Remove bird from the oven.
What do you put in the bottom of a turkey pan?
Place chopped onions, celery, and carrots in the bottom of the roasting pan. Pick a few herbs off the stalks and add to the vegetables.
How do you know when turkey is done without thermometer?
To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, pierce it with a fork in the mid-thigh muscle, explains Nicole Johnson, the co-director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. “When the juices run clear, and no longer reddish or pink in color, it’s a good indication that your turkey is done.”
How do you know when the turkey is ready?
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.
How long should a turkey rest before you carve it?
Before you cut a thing, let your turkey rest — at least 30 minutes — so its juices don’t end up on the cutting board.
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?
Don’t butter your bird
Placing butter under the skin won’t make the meat juicier, though it might help the skin brown faster. However, butter is about 17 percent water, and it will make your bird splotchy, says López-Alt. Instead, rub the skin with vegetable oil before you roast.
How do you keep a turkey from drying out in the oven?
Here is a fantastic tip: to protect the turkey breast and keep it juicy: Fold a large square sheet of foil into a triangle. Rub one side of your triangle with olive oil and shape the foil (oil-side-down) over the turkey breast, then remove foil; it will shield your turkey breast and keep it from getting dry.
Why is my turkey always dry?
If they drool before they eat, the meat will be juicier. The second reason turkey is dry is because it is almost never salty enough. Unless you brined your turkey in a bucket for days in advance, then there is no way to permeate the inner meat with salt.
Are Smaller turkeys more tender?
Two smaller birds will cook faster and so spend less time in the oven, giving the meat less chance to dry out. Smaller turkeys are younger and generally have moister, more tender meat.
What is the largest turkey on record?
The world’s heaviest turkey on record weighed 86 pounds — about the size of a large German Shepherd — and was grown more than three centuries later in England, according to Dr. Sarah Birkhold, poultry specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
How long does it take to cook a 25 lb turkey?
A 25-pound turkey would take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to cook until done — when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh registers 165 F, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.
How long should you cook a 24 lb turkey?
If your turkey weighs 24 pounds, roast it at:
- 425°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.
- 400°F for 4½ to 4¾ hours.
- 350°F for 4¾ to 5 hours.
- 325°F for 5 to 5¼ hours.
How long does a 24 lb turkey take to cook?
How Long to Cook a Turkey
| Turkey Weight | Servings | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 18 lb | 10 to 12 | 3 1/4 to 4 hours |
| 18 to 20 lb | 12 to 14 | 4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 20 to 22 lb | 14 to 16 | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours |
| 23 to 24 lb | 16 to 20 | 5 to 5 1/4 hours |
How long do you cook a turkey per pound at 400 degrees?
Allow 15 minutes for every pound, according to the Simply Recipes website. Start cooking the turkey at 400 degrees for the first half hour, and then reduce heat to 350 for next two hours. Reduce heat to 225 for the next hour and a half.
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We’ve found that covering a turkey in foil yields much moister results than roasting it without foil, and we favor simply covering up the breast to even out cooking time.
Can I cook a stuffed turkey at 400 degrees?
Put in oven and roast about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Baste and cover breast loosely with aluminum foil. Reduce oven heat to 400 degrees. Roast turkey about 50 minutes and pour chicken broth and water around it.
Should you flip a turkey when cooking?
Cook the bird upside down, meaning the breast meat down, then flip it halfway through based on your estimation. If you are using a kettle and have all of your charcoal on one side of the grill, you will also want to rotate the turkey when you flip it so that it doesn’t overcook on one side.
Can I leave my turkey out overnight to thaw?
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight, perhaps? The short answer is no. Here are the wrong ways to thaw your bird and the safest way to thaw a turkey.
How long do I cook a 25 lb Butterball turkey?
For an unstuffed bird, Butterball recommended the following cooking times:
- 6-7 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 7-10 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 3½-4 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 4-4½ hours.
- 24-30 pounds: 4½-5 hours.
What temperature should a turkey be cooked at?
The USDA says to cook your turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. (If you stuffed the turkey, the stuffing, not just the meat, should be 165°F).
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
Make it safe – The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends temperatures no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey?
Impart rich flavor and add moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey by adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting.
Is it OK to cook a turkey in an aluminum pan?
If you do not have a suitable roaster, a disposable aluminum foil roasting pan can be used for cooking a turkey.
Should I put broth in turkey pan?
I also like to add 1 cup chicken broth/stock to the bottom of the turkey pan before beginning the cooking. This will create a steam room-type environment in the oven, which help keep the breast moist but will not prevent browning of the skin.
Why do you put celery in a turkey?
If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can actually place extra onions, whole celery stalks and whole carrots underneath the turkey to prevent it from burning at the bottom. This is a great little hack if you’re using a regular pan or even a casserole dish. Use a thermometer.
Why put an orange in a turkey?
The fresh citrus creates a porous area inside the cavity and provides moisture that steams and seasons the meat. Adding herbs that complement the citrus and turkey is a simple way to stuff the bird, and creates a fresh, flavorful meat.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place on the bottom of your roasting pan. Place the turkey, breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Add about a half-inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist, and the turkey juicy.
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.