Kitchen TimerTurkey timer: how long to cook a turkey
Roasting times for a whole, unstuffed, fully thawed turkey at 325°F (163°C), from the USDA. Each button starts a timer at the low end of the range: that is when to start checking.
| Turkey weight | Roasting time | Start |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2¾ to 3 hours | Start 2 h 45 min |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 to 3¾ hours | Start 3 h |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | Start 3 h 45 min |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4¼ to 4½ hours | Start 4 h 15 min |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4½ to 5 hours | Start 4 h 30 min |
It is done when a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, the wing joint and the breast reads at least 165°F (74°C). If it is not there yet, keep roasting and check every 15 minutes.
A stuffed turkey takes longer: about 15 to 30 minutes more, and the stuffing in the middle must also reach 165°F.
Use the resting time for the sides
A turkey needs to rest for about 30 minutes before carving, and that is when the oven and stove are available for everything else.
Add "Thanksgiving sides" to Kitchen Timer
When the turkey comes out:
- Start Rest the turkey (30 min) and put the stuffing in the oven (30 min).
- With 15 minutes left, start the potatoes.
- With 8 minutes left, start the rolls and the green beans.
Everything lands at about the same time, and each timer says what it is for.
Before the day
- Thawing in the fridge takes about 1 day for every 4 to 5 lb. A 20 lb turkey needs 4 to 5 days.
Questions
How long do you cook a 20 lb turkey?
About 4¼ to 4½ hours at 325°F if unstuffed, until it reaches 165°F.
How long should a turkey rest?
About 30 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
More: Roast chicken dinner · Potato timer · All cooking timers
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