How Long to Cook a Turkey Per Pound for Thanksgiving Dinner

[{"selector":"#anim-371e39b4-122f-4ab7-a985-40b2ecc74c48","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1400,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-01ee23a0-68d1-46bb-91fe-8df5d08e923b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0px, 208.32454%, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":250,"duration":1400,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] See more

– Bigger isn’t better when it comes to turkey. Buy two smaller birds (or one whole turkey and one turkey breast) if you’re feeding a crowd. A pair of 10-pound birds will cook more evenly and stay juicier than a 20-pound beast (plus, they'll be easier to carve!).

– For the oven, the Test Kitchen agrees that 375℉ is the Goldilocks of temperatures for turkey roasting — it’s not too hot, not too cold, and cooks quickly enough to ensure that a bird is just right by dinnertime.

– To check if the turkey is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should register 165°F and its juices should be clear, not pink. – Allow your turkey to rest for at least 25 minutes before carving. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it hot.

Here’s our handy guide for cooking times by turkey weight: – Turkey 8–10 lbs, cook for 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 15 mins – Turkey 10–12 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 15 mins–2 hrs 30 mins – Turkey 12–14 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 30 mins–3 hrs – Turkey 14–16 lbs, cook for 3 hrs–3 hrs 30 mins

– Turkey 16–18 lbs, cook for 3 hrs 30 mins–4 hrs – Turkey 18–20 lbs, cook for 4 hrs–4 hrs 15 mins Bump up the time if your turkey is still a little bit frozen on Thanksgiving morning. It's actually completely safe to roast an icy turkey, but it’ll take about 50% longer to cook than a fully thawed bird.

Dinner might have to wait a few hours — hey, more time for Thanksgiving appetizers — but you'll still be rewarded with a delicious turkey.

more

25 Detox Drinks That’ll Make You Feel Better than Ever 32 Easy Finger Food Recipesto Feed a Crowd 32 Delicious Dinner Ideas for Tonight See More See More See More

How Long to Cook a Turkey Per Pound for Thanksgiving Dinner

– Bigger isn’t better when it comes to turkey. Buy two smaller birds (or one whole turkey and one turkey breast) if you’re feeding a crowd. A pair of 10-pound birds will cook more evenly and stay juicier than a 20-pound beast (plus, they'll be easier to carve!).

Let's talk turkey tips

– For the oven, the Test Kitchen agrees that 375℉ is the Goldilocks of temperatures for turkey roasting — it’s not too hot, not too cold, and cooks quickly enough to ensure that a bird is just right by dinnertime.

Let's talk turkey tips

– To check if the turkey is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should register 165°F and its juices should be clear, not pink. – Allow your turkey to rest for at least 25 minutes before carving. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it hot.

Let's talk turkey tips

Here’s our handy guide for cooking times by turkey weight: – Turkey 8–10 lbs, cook for 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 15 mins – Turkey 10–12 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 15 mins–2 hrs 30 mins – Turkey 12–14 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 30 mins–3 hrs – Turkey 14–16 lbs, cook for 3 hrs–3 hrs 30 mins

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

Dinner might have to wait a few hours — hey, more time for Thanksgiving appetizers — but you'll still be rewarded with a delicious turkey.

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

more

Read