How Long to Cook a Turkey
Cooking for Thanksgiving (and other holidays) is stressful enough without worrying about how long to cook the main dish: turkey. To ensure your turkey is safe to serve, follow our guidelines for cooking a turkey. Whether you're cooking a stuffed or unstuffed turkey, we've got the turkey timing guidance you need.
Timing Guidelines for Whole Unstuffed Turkeys
- For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 2-3/4 to 3 hours.
- For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 3 to 3-3/4 hours.
- For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 hours.
- For one 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 hours.
- For one 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 4-1/2 to 5 hours.
Timing Guidelines for Stuffed Whole Turkeys
- For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 3 to 3-3/4 hours.
- For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 3-1/4 to 4-1/2 hours.
- For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 4 to 5 hours.
- For one 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 4-1/2 to 5-1/4 hours.
- For one 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast in 325-degree oven for 4-3/4 to 5-3/4 hours.
If you need to know more than just how long to cook a turkey, we've got lots of helpful turkey tips:
Check out our turkey roasting and carving guide.
Learn how to thaw a turkey.
More Tips to Cook Turkey
Use herbs, such as sage, in addition to salt, pepper, and onions for a delicious take on roast turkey. Our turkey recipe ensures flavorful results for your Thanksgiving dinner or for any other special-occasion dinner.
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