A turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, not when a timer goes off. At 325 degrees, plan roughly 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird and about 15 minutes per pound stuffed, then start checking the temperature 45 minutes early.
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Turkey Roasting Times by Weight
Unstuffed, 325 F:
| Weight | Time |
|---|---|
| 8-12 lb | 2 ¾ to 3 hours |
| 12-14 lb | 3 to 3 ¾ hours |
| 14-18 lb | 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours |
| 18-20 lb | 4 ¼ to 4 ½ hours |
| 20-24 lb | 4 ½ to 5 hours |
Stuffed, 325 F: add about 30 to 45 minutes to each range, and the stuffing must also reach 165 F.
The Rules That Actually Matter
- The rules that matter - 165 F in the thigh, rest 20 to 30 minutes, tent with foil if it browns early, pull it at 160 F because carryover heat finishes it.
- Plan backward - dinner time, minus 30 minutes rest, minus carving, minus cook time, minus 30 minutes buffer = oven-on time.
- Faster options - spatchcock (about 80 minutes at 425), turkey breast only (about 90 minutes), higher-heat roasting.
- Thawing - 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds in the fridge. A 16-pound bird needs about 4 days.
- Why the old "20 minutes per pound" is wrong - it overcooks, especially bigger birds. Use temperature.
Turkey Cook Time FAQs
What temperature is turkey done at?
165 F in the thickest part of the thigh, away from bone.
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey?
About 3 ¾ to 4 hours unstuffed at 325 F. Start checking at 3 hours 15 minutes.
Should you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?
Uncovered for browning; tent the breast with foil once it is golden to keep it from drying.
Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
325 is the standard for even cooking. 350 is fine and slightly faster; watch the skin.
TYB Tips
Print or screenshot the chart above so it is on hand Thanksgiving morning. For the rest of the meal, see Best Roasting Pan for Turkey, Turkey Broth Substitutes, and What to Serve with Turkey.
More Cooking Guide
Before You Go
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