4½ to 4¾ hours at 350°F. 325°F 4¾ to 5 hours.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook your turkey at 325°F or 350°F? While “low and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, there are no hard and fast rules. All of our temperature guides assume you are cooking at 325, but you can cook it about the same, a little warmer, or a little shorter.
Can a 21 lb turkey cook in 3 hours?
Expect it to take 4.5 to 5 hours to cook a 21.5 pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If your favorite stuffing is full, add at least 15 minutes to the total cooking time.
How long does a 20lb turkey take to cook at 350 degrees?
Cooking times for various sizes
| Weight of turkey | Cooking time for unstuffed turkeys | Oven temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 12 lbs. | 2 hours 36 minutes | 350°F |
| 13 lbs. | 2 hours 50 minutes | 350°F |
| 14 lb | 3 hours | 350°F |
| 15 lb | 3 hours 15 min | 325 degrees |
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces more marsh results than roasting without foil. We only prefer to cover the breast to even out the cooking time.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
Classic pan stuffing recipe
- Choose fresh turkey instead of frozen turkey.
- Roast two small turkeys instead of one large turkey.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under skin.
- Truss loosely or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Do not overcook.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving.
What is the best temperature for cooking turkey?
Stick to a temperature of 325°F. This will allow the turkey to cook all the way through without overdoing it.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the turkey breast side down on top of the vegetables. Add about 0.5 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
Be safe – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends a temperature not to exceed 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should a turkey rest for?
The Thanksgiving helpline pulls it out as soon as the temperature reaches 165 or slightly lower. The amount of rest time depends on the size of the bird, but should be at least 20 minutes. Larger birds can wait up to 40 minutes or more, depending on room temperature.
How long do I cook a 22 pound Butterball turkey?
For unstuffed birds, Butterball recommended the following cooking times
- 6-7 lbs: 2-25 hours.
- 7-10 lbs: 2½ to 3 hours.
- 10-18 lbs: 3-3 hours.
- 18-22 lbs: 3½-4 hours.
- 22-24 lbs: 4-4 hrs.
- 24-30 lbs: 4½-5 hours.
How long does it take a turkey to cook on 350?
For unstuffed turkeys, we recommend roasting the turkey for 13 minutes per pound and roasting the turkey for 13 minutes per pound.
How long and at what temperature do you cook a 20lb turkey?
Not sure how long you are supposed to leave the bird in the oven? If you are roasting at 325°F (the minimum temperature recommended by USDA), you should roast a 20 lb. turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if not stuffed and 4¼ to 5¼ hours if Stuffed.
How long should you take a turkey out of the fridge before cooking?
Before going into the oven, the turkey needs to be at room temperature, so remove from the refrigerator (1 hour for the entire turkey, or 30 minutes for cutting) before cooking. Keep it covered in a cool place.
How do you prepare a turkey the night before?
Place the turkey in a shallow dish large enough to hold it and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. The day before roasting the turkey, remove the plastic wrap and place the turkey in the refrigerator. Skin will be dry and slightly translucent.
Do Butterball turkeys have butter in them?
In fact, there is no actual butter in a butterball turkey. The fresh turkey is infused with a temporary solution made of salt water and “common household spices,” a brand representative told me. Butterball does not share its secret busting formula ingredients.
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?
Don’t Butter Your Bird Butter under the skin won’t make the meat juicier, but it may help the skin brown faster. However, about 17% of the butter is water, which will cause the bird to speckle, says Lopez Alt. Instead, rub the skins with vegetable oil before roasting.
Do you put an apple in a turkey?
Apples. Consider cutting an apple or two into quarters to stuff the turkey. They give the turkey a little extra moisture during cooking and give it a very subtle flavor reminiscent of fall.
Is it better to cook a turkey breast up or down?
The USDA recommends cooking the turkey breast whole side up throughout the cooking time. Turning a large, hot bird over is dangerous and can easily tear the skin, making the finished product less appealing.
How do you keep a turkey warm for 4 hours?
Placing a kitchen towel over the foil will keep the meat warm and moist until you are ready to carve and serve it. Another option is to cover the bird with foil and return it to a cold 200F oven. Place a pan of water under the turkey to generate steam and contribute to the moisture.
How do you know when the turkey is ready?
A meat thermometer is needed to cook the turkey to the proper temperature. Insert it near the thigh bone, but do not touch it. If it reads 180° Fahrenheit for the thigh and 170° Fahrenheit for the breast, it is ready.
Is it better to cook a turkey at a lower temperature?
I have researched on the Internet and found that there is another method of roasting at a lower temperature of 190° to 200° Fahrenheit. The method I have used is to slow cook the turkey at 250°. Upon further research, I found that the USDA recommends that poultry not be cooked at less than 325°C.
Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey?
Adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting will add rich flavor and moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey.
Should I put broth in bottom of turkey pan?
We also like to add 1 cup of chicken broth/stock to the bottom of the turkey pan before starting to cook. This creates a steam room type environment in the oven and helps keep the breast moist, but does not prevent skin browning.
Does turkey need roasting rack?
You don’t need a rack specifically designed for roasting pans, but you do need something to lift the bird off the bottom of the pan. Aluminum foil balls work perfectly. You can also use an upside-down ramekin.
How long should a turkey rest before you carve it?
Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting anything so that its juices do not remain on the cutting board.
Can you cook a turkey on low heat overnight?
Depending on the size of the turkey, a typical roasting temperature is about 325 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 8 hours. If the turkey is slow roasted overnight at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 hours, the low temperature and moisture during sleep will discipline the turkey. You do not need to train your turkey.
What if my turkey is done early?
Things may get a little complicated if your turkey is done too early, but it’s not the end of the world. If done about an hour early, let it rest uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Next, cover the turkey with foil and a heavy towel or blanket to keep it warm.
Should I let my turkey sit out before cooking?
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before roasting, as the turkey will cook more evenly and faster if started at room temperature. If you are stuffing the turkey, wait until ready to put it in the oven before adding stuffing to the turkey.
How do you know when turkey is done without thermometer?
To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, stick a fork into the middle thigh muscle, explains Nicole Johnson, co-director of Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. When the juices turn clear and there is no longer any redness or pinkness, it indicates the turkey is done.”
Can I let my turkey rest for 2 hours?
Allow turkey to rest for 1 1/2 hours for 4-6 kg turkeys and 2 hours for 6-10 kg turkeys. Remove turkey meat from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
What does the name Butterball mean?
Butterball definition 1 : a baffle head. 2 : Chubby.
What temperature do you cook a Butterball turkey at?
Follow these simple steps for fresh or thawed turkey
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Drain juices and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Place the turkey breast on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep.
How long does it take to thaw a 20 pound turkey in the refrigerator?
Do the math: plan for 24 hours of refrigerator thawing for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey (for example, budget 20 pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 4 full days). Leave the turkey wrapped and check occasionally to see if you need to drain the baking sheet or roasting pan.
How long do you cook an unstuffed 20 lb turkey?
Cooking times will vary. For example, a 20 lb. turkey will take 4 1/2 to 5 hours to cook; check the temperature with a thermometer after 4 1/2 hours.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
Some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but meat can be safely consumed once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking breast meat above 165 degrees will result in dry meat, while dark meat can be cooked up to 180 degrees.
Where do I put the meat thermometer in a turkey?
Here are some tips to keep in mind
- When cooking a whole turkey, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wings.
- Do not allow the thermometer to touch the bone, gristle, or pan.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook your turkey at 325°F or 350°F? While “low and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, there are no hard and fast rules. All of our temperature guides assume you are cooking at 325, but you can cook it about the same, a little warmer, or a little shorter.
Do you cook a stuffed turkey at 325 or 350?
Turkey meat (weight with entrails): bake in a 325° oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. For 28 to 30 lb. turkey meat (weight with entrails): bake in a 325° oven for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. The hours are for an unstuffed bird. A stuffed bird can be cooked at the same rate as a stuffed bird. However, be prepared for 30 to 50 minutes longer.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey at 350?
Approximate timetable for roasting a turkey at 350°F (177°C)*.
| Weight | weight of turkey |
|---|---|
| 11 to 13 lbs (5.0 to 5.9 kg) | 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes |
| 14 – 16 lbs (6.4 – 7.3 kg) | 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes |
| 17 – 19 lbs (7.7 – 8.6 kg) | 5 hours 40 min. to 6 hours 20 min. |
| 20 – 22 lbs (9.1 – 10.0 kg) | 6 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes |
What if I left my turkey out overnight to thaw?
Thawing raw meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours will result in rapid bacterial growth. Is it a good idea to thaw turkey at room temperature? No. It is a good idea to thaw the turkey at room temperature. If you make it through it, you are lucky.
Is cooking a turkey overnight safe?
Many early generations grew up roasting turkeys overnight in the oven. Most bacteria in the bird stays on the surface, not deep in the meat. Remember, the “danger zone” for food poisoning is 41 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, make sure the turkey reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit within about four hours and 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces more marsh results than roasting without foil. We only prefer to cover the breast to even out the cooking time.
What can I put in my turkey for flavor?
Basics such as onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage help to add traditional Thanksgiving flavors. Add halved lemons or oranges to take the flavor up a notch. Citrus fruits add a nice brightness and tartness to the turkey.
How do you add flavor to turkey?
Season the outside with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and any other seasonings you enjoy. Every hour baste the turkey with fresh beer, wine, or juice. Natural sugars help caramelize the outside of the turkey, giving it a crunchy, flavorful skin.
Is Butterball turkey better than other brands?
Butterball turkeys are a top quality product and will impress your guests. Butterballs are the right (and only!) choice this holiday season. Here’s why it is the choice Butterball turkeys are always tender and juicy because they take the extra step of individually pre-fighting based on size.
What’s the difference between a Butterball turkey and a regular turkey?
Butterballs are known for their pre-run turkeys. Frozen Butterball turkeys have an 8% solution of water, salt, spices, and “natural flavors,” but the turkey is sold as fresh (by law, having never been chilled below 26 degrees Fahrenheit contains only 4%. The solution.
What brand of turkey is best?
5 Grocery Store Turkeys & This is the best
- This Is How We Did It.
- Butterballs.
- Shady Brook Farms.
- Harris Teeter brand.
- Nature’s Rancher.
- Organic Prairie.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the turkey breast side down on top of the vegetables. Add about 0.5 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.
What do you put in the bottom of a roasting pan for a turkey?
Place the chopped onion, celery, and carrots in the bottom of the roasting pan. Select some herbs from the stems and add them to the vegetables.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
Classic pan stuffing recipe
- Choose fresh turkey instead of frozen turkey.
- Roast two small turkeys instead of one large turkey.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under skin.
- Truss loosely or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Do not overcook.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving.
What should I put in the cavity of my turkey?
Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with a bunch of thyme, half a lemon, a quarter onion, and garlic. Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Can you put a stick of butter in a turkey?
I like to stuff it with orange wedges, lemon wedges, garlic, onions, and a mix of fresh herbs. In this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, use 1/2 a stick of butter to make garlic herb butter and spread it under the skin. The skin protects the fresh garlic and herbs, and the butter, garlic, and herbs flavor the turkey meat.
Should you wash your turkey?
Wash your hands, but not your turkey! Many consumers believe that washing turkey removes bacteria and makes it safer. However, it is virtually impossible to wash bacteria from a bird. Instead, the juices that splatter during washing can transfer bacteria, other foods, and germs to cookware surfaces.
Which Way Should turkey face in oven?
Turning the turkey upside down can take away from the presentation. We have found that if the turkey is cooked upside down, the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks and indentations on the turkey breast. Even worse, trying to flip it over can tear the skin. For the most beautiful birds, stick to roasting on the right side.
Do you cover a turkey while cooking?
Always cook the turkey until the skin is bright golden brown. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or foil and let it sit covered for 2 hours (depending on the size of the bird), then uncover the rest of the time. Roast the turkey every 30 minutes or so.
How do you keep a turkey warm and moist?
Keeping it whole prevents the cooked chicken meat from drying out. Cover with foil and place in a 200°F oven with water in the bottom of the oven to moisten the bird.
Can you let a turkey rest too long?
Can you give the turkey a longer rest? In theory, yes. It is best not to rest the bird for more than an hour past a certain point, as the meat will begin to cool. Therefore, if you want to serve a piping hot turkey dinner, a 45 minute to 1 hour rest period is desirable.
Is a little pink in turkey OK?
The turkey will remain pink even after cooking to the minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F. Smoked turkey meat is always pink.
How often do I baste my turkey?
Most recipes call for baking the turkey every 30 minutes. However, our rule of thumb is actually every 40 minutes. The reasons for this are as follows. You don’t want to open the oven too many times, or else the whole bird will take longer to cook, and that is a major inconvenience.
What is the best temperature to cook turkey at?
Stick to a temperature of 325°F. This will allow the turkey to cook all the way through without overdoing it.
How do you keep a turkey warm for 4 hours?
Placing a kitchen towel over the foil will keep the meat warm and moist until you are ready to carve and serve it. Another option is to cover the bird with foil and return it to a cold 200F oven. Place a pan of water under the turkey to generate steam and contribute to the moisture.