Just remember: Even with this turkey cooking chart, the safest way to know your turkey is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Your turkey is done when the internal temperature is minimum 165 degrees F.
How Long Does it Take to Cook a Turkey?
While the best temperature to cook a turkey is always 325 degrees F, how much time your bird will need in the oven will depend on its weight. An unstuffed 8-pound turkey can take less than 3 hours, while a stuffed 24-pound turkey can take over 5 hours. Here’s how long it takes to cook a fully thawed turkey.
How Long to Cook an Unstuffed Turkey
Cooking a Stuffed Turkey Guidelines
For safety reasons, the USDA recommends cooking Thanksgiving stuffing outside your turkey to guarantee uniform doneness. If you do choose to stuff it, check the temp of the center of the stuffing to make sure it, too, reaches the safe 165 degrees F (otherwise bacteria could contaminate your cooked turkey). Keep wet stuffing ingredients refrigerated ahead of time, and separate from dry ingredients until just before mixing, stuffing loosely and cooking. Sticking with a casserole dish? You should still cook the stuffing to 165 degrees F. If you’re caught without a thermometer, don’t stress: Here’s how to know if a turkey’s done without a thermometer. For more turkey and stuffing safety and cooking tips, check out the USDA’s site.
