How to cook 20 lb turkey?

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

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. Place in a casserole and pop it into the oven during the last hour or so of roasting time.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Turkey weighing 12-14 lbs should be cooked at 350 degrees in the oven. It will cook your meat faster and make for crispy skin. It will also make the meat taste meatier. For smaller birds, cooking them at 325 degrees cooking temperature in the oven is best.

How long does it take to cook a 20lb 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 long and what temp do I cook a 20 pound turkey?

How long you cook your turkey can vary, depending on the temperature of the oven and whether or not your turkey recipe calls for a stuffed or unstuffed bird. We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.

What temperature do I cook a 20 lb turkey at?

We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We’ve done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!).

Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?

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 do I cook a 20 lb turkey and at what temperature?

Unsure how long you’re supposed to leave the bird in the oven? 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.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350 per pound?

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the bird between the breast and part of the thigh (being sure not to hit bone). It’s done when the thermometer just reaches 165ºF. In general, you should plan to cook a turkey for around 15-20 minutes per pound of turkey at 325ºF to get to that temp.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

Assuming you are roasting your turkey in a 325°F oven, plan on 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time for each pound of an unstuffed turkey. Plan on 20 to 22 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Is 325 too low to cook a turkey?

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.

Do you cook a Butterball turkey at 325 or 350?

Preheat oven to 325° F. Remove gravy packet with spatula and refrigerate. Place roast, skin side up, on a flat roasting rack in a 2-inch deep roasting pan. Do not add water to pan.

What temperature do you cook a turkey at 325 and 350?

(If using an instant-read thermometer, insert when checking temperature later.) Roast in a 325° or 350° (depending on size of bird; see below) oven until thermometer registers 160°. If turkey is unstuffed, tip slightly to drain juices from body cavity into pan.

Do you cook a 20 pound turkey at 325 or 350?

Cooking a turkey between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. It is better to cook smaller birds, under 15 pounds, at 350 degrees to get the skin crispy enough. It is better to cook larger birds, over 15 pounds, at 325 degrees to ensure that the inside is cooked all the way through.

How long to cook a turkey per pound: For an 8- to 12-pound turkey: 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.

  1. 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours.
  2. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours.
  3. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.
  4. 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

How long do I cook a 12 lb turkey at 350?

The general rule of thumb is to roast an unstuffed turkey breast-side up for 13 minutes per pound of turkey at 350°, which translates to approximately 3 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird (a 12-pound turkey is pretty standard).

How long to cook a turkey at 325 covered or uncover?

Roast the Turkey

Now, you’re ready for the oven! Roast the turkey uncovered in a 325°F oven for 2 hours. (Note: Roasting the turkey uncovered at the start of the bake time will increase the browning, so keep an eye on it.)

What is the best temperature to bake a turkey?

What Temperature to Cook the Turkey? Cook your turkey at 325 degrees F for most of the cook time; in the final 45 minutes, remove the foil tent from the turkey, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F and baste the bird with butter. The initial lower oven temperature cooks the turkey through evenly.

Is it too high to cook a turkey at 350?

You can use either of these temperatures when cooking a turkey. 325 degrees will yield more tender meat, while 350 degrees makes the turkey cook more quickly while imbuing it with a richer taste.

Is it safe to cook a turkey at 325 degrees?

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.

Is it better to cook turkey at high temp or low?

Roasting the bird slowly, at a lower temperature is the best way to achieve tender meat. You should still prep the bird with butter, salt, and pepper, as described above (or dry-brine it). To cook, set your oven to 325°F and roast for 3½ to 4 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird.

What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?

It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 °F. At lower temperatures, meat stays in the Danger Zone (between 40 °F and 140°F for too long.

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