FAQ: How Long Does A 20 Pound Turkey Need To Cook?

How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?

If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at: 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours. 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

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 does it take to cook a 21 pound turkey?

Expect it to take 4.5 to 5 hours to cook a 21.5-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit — if your turkey is unstuffed. If it’s full of your favorite stuffing, add at least 15 minutes to the total cooking time.

How long should I cook a 20 pound stuffed turkey?

Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cooking time takes longer for a stuffed turkey. For example, a 20 pound stuffed turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 1/4 hours to cook.

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.

At what temperature do you cook a turkey?

The turkey is done when the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F ( 75 degrees C ) at the thigh. If your turkey has been stuffed, it is important to check the temperature of the stuffing as well. The stuffing should also be 165 degrees F.

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Is it better to 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 should a 20 lb turkey cook at 325?

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 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

This table from the USDA is based on a 325 °F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we ‘re talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.)

Is it safe to cook a turkey on low overnight?

Why roast a turkey overnight? To slow roast a turkey, you’ll bake in a very slow oven over a period of several hours – typically 8 to 12, depending on the size of the bird. And this long, slow process results in impossibly tender meat that literally falls off the bone, and a golden, deep flavor, and crisp brown skin.

How long does it take to cook a 21 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.

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How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting is optional when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.

How long does it take to cook a turkey at 250 degrees?

Cook the turkey at 250 °F for 20 additional minutes for each pound. No basting is necessary. You start counting the 20 minutes per pound immediately when you turn the oven down to 250 °.

How many minutes per pound do you cook a turkey?

The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey.

How long should the turkey rest?

The turkey needs to rest before carving. About 45 minutes or so gives it time to reabsorb the juices; otherwise they’ll dribble out when you slice, and the meat will be dry. Don’t tent the turkey with foil to keep it warm while it’s resting; it’s unnecessary and will make the skin soggy.