Calculate the perfect cooking time for your turkey based on weight, cooking method, and stuffing.
Cooking a turkey requires careful timing to ensure it's fully cooked, juicy, and safe to eat. The cooking time depends primarily on the turkey's weight, whether it's stuffed, and your chosen cooking method. A general rule for oven roasting at 325°F is 13-15 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys and 15-17 minutes per pound for stuffed turkeys.
The traditional method. Unstuffed: 13-15 min/lb. Stuffed: 15-17 min/lb. Results in crispy skin and evenly cooked meat. Best for turkeys 12-24 lbs.
Fast and crispy. Only 3-4 minutes per pound. Never stuff a fried turkey. Requires special equipment and outdoor space. Best for turkeys under 14 lbs.
Low and slow for maximum flavor. Takes 30 minutes per pound. Don't stuff smoked turkeys. Adds rich, smoky flavor. Requires smoker and patience.
Indirect heat method. About 11-13 minutes per pound. Creates crispy skin with smoky notes. Requires careful temperature monitoring.
Stuffing significantly affects cooking time because the stuffing inside the cavity must also reach a safe temperature of 165°F. Stuffed turkeys take 15-45 minutes longer to cook depending on size. For food safety, many experts recommend cooking stuffing separately in a casserole dish, which also allows the turkey to cook faster and more evenly.
If you do stuff your turkey, loosely fill the cavity just before roasting. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F. Remove all stuffing from the turkey immediately after cooking.
The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F measured in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. Use an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy. Check temperature in multiple locations: thigh, wing, and thickest part of breast.
After removing the turkey from heat, let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister, more flavorful turkey. The internal temperature will continue to rise 5-10°F during resting. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm while resting.
| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed (325°F) | Stuffed (325°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs | 2.75-3 hours | 3-3.5 hours |
| 12-14 lbs | 3-3.75 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
| 14-18 lbs | 3.75-4.25 hours | 4-4.25 hours |
| 18-20 lbs | 4.25-4.5 hours | 4.25-4.75 hours |
| 20-24 lbs | 4.5-5 hours | 4.75-5.25 hours |