A Turkey Cooking Time Calculator is an essential culinary tool that helps determine the precise cooking duration, including the bird’s weight, cooking method, and oven temperature.
This how long to cook a turkey calculator ensures your turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while maintaining optimal juiciness and flavor.
If you have a 15-pound turkey that you plan to roast unstuffed at 325°F, the calculator determine approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes of cooking time. Factors like whether the turkey is stuffed or unstuffed, fresh or frozen, and the specific cooking method can affect the total time.
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
| Turkey Weight | Temperature | Stuffed/Unstuffed | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 2-2.5 hours |
| 10 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 2.5-3 hours |
| 12 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 3-3.5 hours |
| 14 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 3.5-4 hours |
| 16 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 4-4.25 hours |
| 18 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 4.25-4.75 hours |
| 20 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 4.5-5 hours |
| 22 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 5-5.25 hours |
| 24 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 5.25-5.75 hours |
| 8 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 2-2.25 hours |
| 10 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 2.5-3 hours |
| 12 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 3-3.25 hours |
| 14 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 3.25-3.75 hours |
| 16 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 3.5-4 hours |
| 18 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 4-4.25 hours |
| 20 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 4.25-4.75 hours |
| 22 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 4.75-5 hours |
| 24 lbs | 350°F | Unstuffed | 5-5.25 hours |
| 8 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 1.75-2 hours |
| 10 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 2-2.5 hours |
| 12 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 2.5-3 hours |
| 14 lbs | 325°F | Unstuffed | 3-3.25 hours |
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Cooking at 325°F generally produces more tender meat as the lower temperature allows for slower, more even cooking.
This temperature is ideal for larger turkeys (over 14 pounds) as it reduces the risk of the outer meat drying out before the interior reaches a safe temperature.
The choice between cooking at 325°F or 350°F depends on your priorities regarding cooking time and moisture retention.
A 16-pound unstuffed turkey cooked at 325°F would take approximately 4 hours, while at 350°F, it might take 3.5 hours. The lower temperature provides better moisture retention, though cooking time is slightly longer.
How long to cook a turkey per pound?
The general rule for turkey cooking times per pound varies based on the oven temperature and whether the bird is stuffed:
- At 325°F: Allow 15-20 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys
- At 350°F: Plan for 13-15 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys
- For stuffed turkeys: Add approximately 30-45 minutes to total cooking time
For a 12-pound unstuffed turkey at 325°F: 12 pounds × 15 minutes = 180 minutes (3 hours minimum cooking time)
How long to cook a turkey at 350?
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- 8-12 pounds: 2.75-3 hours
- 12-16 pounds: 3-3.75 hours
- 16-20 pounds: 3.75-4.25 hours
- 20-24 pounds: 4.25-4.75 hours
Cooking a turkey at 350°F provides a good balance between cooking speed and moisture retention.
A 14-pound unstuffed turkey at 350°F would need approximately 3.5 hours of cooking time. Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest parts of the breast and thigh.How long to cook a turkey at 300 degrees?
Cooking at 300°F is considered a low and slow method, resulting in exceptionally tender meat but requiring more time:
- Allow 20-25 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys
- Add 30-45 minutes for stuffed turkeys
For an 18-pound unstuffed turkey: 18 pounds × 20 minutes = 360 minutes (6 hours minimum cooking time)
How long to cook a turkey at 275?
The 275°F cooking temperature is an ultra-low and slow method:
- Plan for 25-30 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys
- Add 45-60 minutes for stuffed turkeys
A 10-pound unstuffed turkey at 275°F: 10 pounds × 25 minutes = 250 minutes (approximately 4.25 hours minimum)
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
The choice between 15 or 20 minutes per pound depends on various factors:
- Use 15 minutes per pound for:
- Higher oven temperatures (350°F)
- Unstuffed turkeys
- Smaller birds (under 14 pounds)
- Use 20 minutes per pound for:
- Lower oven temperatures (325°F or less)
- Stuffed turkeys
- Larger birds (over 14 pounds)
Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350 convection?
When using a convection oven, temperatures should be adjusted:
- Reduce traditional oven temperature by 25°F
- Reduce cooking time by approximately 25%
If recipe calls for 350°F in a conventional oven:
- Use 325°F in convection oven
- For a 15-pound turkey: Reduce time from 4 hours to approximately 3 hours
Sources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-basics-safe-cooking
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