Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours. 4. Meanwhile, mix the stuffing or dressing.
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 should a 20 pound turkey cook at 350 degrees?
How long does a 20lb turkey take to cook at 350? If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at: 425°F for 31⁄2 to 33⁄4 hours. 400°F for 33⁄4 to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 41⁄4 hours .
What internal temperature should a turkey be cooked to?
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.
Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered : We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 325 degrees?
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 1⁄4 to 5 1⁄4 hours if it's stuffed.
How long should a 20lb turkey cook?
| Turkey Weight Servings Cooking Time | 12 to 14 lb 8 to 10 2 3/4 to 3 hours | 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 |
|---|
Is it OK for turkey to be a little pink?
Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F. The meat of smoked turkey is always pink.
How long do you let a turkey rest after cooking?
Keep in mind that during the resting period, the turkey will keep cooking, and the internal temperature will rise by 5 to 10 degrees. 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.
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 baste my turkey?
Basting the skin is not necessary to flavor the meat. You'll flavor the skin, but you'll also let heat out of the oven each time you open it to baste. “That means the bird is going to be in there for a longer time cooking, which means it's going to dry out more,” Brown says.
Can I butter my turkey the night before?
The bird should be prepared the night before . Mix the butter with the salt and freshly ground black pepper, then season the cavity of the bird. Rub the butter mix all over the turkey. ... Take the turkey out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven is heating up.
Do you put water in a roasting pan for turkey?
Should You Put Water in the Turkey Roasting Pan? ... We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan . Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey.”
How long will it take to cook a 25 lb turkey at 300 degrees?
While oven is heating, wash turkey in cold water, removing giblets, neck, tail and any pinfeathers. Rub oil over all sides of turkey. and place turkey in uncovered roasting pan in oven. Bake for 1 hours at 300 degrees to kill bacteria.
How long does it take to cook a 15 pound 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 should a turkey be cooked to?
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.
