When it comes to cooking a whole turkey, one of the most frequently asked questions is: “How long to cook a turkey per pound?” Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family dinner, knowing the correct cooking time ensures your bird turns out juicy, flavorful, and fully cooked — not dry or underdone.
This ultimate guide will walk you through turkey cooking times by weight, temperature recommendations, and tips for both stuffed and unstuffed turkeys. Let’s take the guesswork out of turkey roasting!
🦃 How Long to Cook a Turkey Per Pound (Quick Answer)
The general rule of thumb is:
- At 325°F (163°C):
- Unstuffed Turkey: 15 minutes per pound
- Stuffed Turkey: 16–17 minutes per pound
Here’s a quick reference chart:
| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed (325°F) | Stuffed (325°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 2 hrs 30 mins | 2 hrs 45 mins |
| 12 lbs | 3 hrs | 3 hrs 15 mins |
| 14 lbs | 3 hrs 30 mins | 3 hrs 50 mins |
| 16 lbs | 4 hrs | 4 hrs 15 mins |
| 18 lbs | 4 hrs 30 mins | 4 hrs 50 mins |
| 20 lbs | 5 hrs | 5 hrs 20 mins |
| 22 lbs | 5 hrs 30 mins | 6 hrs |
| 24 lbs | 6 hrs | 6 hrs 30 mins |
Note: These times are estimates. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
🧪 What Internal Temperature Should a Turkey Be Cooked To?
To ensure your turkey is safe to eat:
- Unstuffed Turkey: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast
- Stuffed Turkey: 165°F (74°C) in the center of the stuffing
A digital instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend here. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh and breast without touching bone.
🧂 How to Season a Turkey for Flavorful Results
A great turkey starts with great seasoning. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
1. Dry Brine (Overnight)
Rub kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and herbs under and over the skin. Let the turkey rest uncovered in the fridge overnight for crispy skin and deep flavor.
2. Wet Brine (12–24 Hours)
Soak the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, bay leaves, and citrus. Rinse and pat dry before roasting.
3. Compound Butter Rub
Mix softened butter with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic. Rub it under the skin for juicy, aromatic meat.
🔥 Oven Temperature Matters – Don’t Guess!
Recommended Oven Temps:
- 325°F (163°C): Best balance of cooking time and moisture retention.
- 350°F (177°C): Slightly faster cooking, but watch for over-browning.
- 300°F (149°C): Great for low and slow roasting, but takes longer.
- 425°F (218°C) (for first 30 minutes only): Helps crisp the skin, then reduce to 325°F.
Avoid cooking below 325°F the whole time, as it can be unsafe for large birds.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Roast a Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–16 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper
- Aromatics (onion, lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare Turkey: Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Add Aromatics: Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, onion, and herbs.
- Truss the Legs: Use kitchen twine to tie legs together if desired.
- Place in Roasting Pan: Breast-side up on a rack.
- Roast: Follow the cooking chart above based on weight and stuffing.
- Baste Every Hour: Optional, but helps with browning.
- Check Temperature: Start checking 30 minutes before estimated time.
- Rest the Turkey: Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
🍽️ Should You Cover the Turkey While Roasting?
Yes — at least partially.
- Cover loosely with foil during the first 2/3 of the cooking time.
- Remove foil for the last 60–90 minutes to allow browning.
- This prevents over-browning while keeping the meat moist.
🍞 What About Stuffed Turkey?
Cooking a stuffed turkey takes longer. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stuffing must reach 165°F to be safe.
- Do not overpack the cavity. Loosely fill it to allow even cooking.
- Use a thermometer in the center of the stuffing and in the thickest part of the thigh.
Because of the increased food safety risk, many experts recommend cooking stuffing separately.
🕰️ Tips for Cooking Turkey Ahead of Time
Hosting a big event? Try these time-saving tricks:
- Roast the turkey a day ahead and carve it. Reheat slices in gravy or broth.
- Use a cooling rack and foil tent to keep the skin from steaming when storing.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cook a turkey at 350°F instead of 325°F?
Yes, you can. Cooking at 350°F will reduce the cooking time slightly, about 13 minutes per pound, but monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
2. What if my turkey is still frozen?
Never roast a frozen turkey! Safely defrost in the refrigerator:
- 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds of turkey.
3. How do I keep the breast from drying out?
- Cover with foil during roasting.
- Use a roasting rack.
- Try cooking the breast down for the first hour.
✅ Final Thoughts: How Long to Cook a Turkey Per Pound
Cooking the perfect turkey doesn’t have to be stressful. Just remember:
- 325°F is the sweet spot for a moist and golden-brown bird.
- 15 minutes per pound unstuffed, and 16–17 minutes if stuffed.
- Always use a thermometer — don’t rely only on time!
With this guide, you’ll know exactly how long to cook a turkey per pound, so you can serve a beautifully roasted bird with confidence.
🔎 Bonus: Printable Turkey Cooking Time Chart
You can create a printable chart for your fridge or kitchen wall. It’s a great way to reference times based on turkey weight and save your sanity on the big day.