employ this guide to influence how farseeing to roast any turkey .
If you ’ve been assigned the job of groom the turkey this Thanksgiving , or for any other celebration , it ’s essential to get the cooking time just correct for the juiciest , most tender results . you’re able to start yourThanksgiving countdownby coordinate the guest list , cleaning the house , and even plan theentire Thanksgiving menu , but you wo n’t be able to finalize your cooking scheme until you determine how retentive to cook the turkey .
The keystone to knowing how many hours to cook a turkey ( yes , it takes 60 minutes ) depends on the turkey ’s weight . From an 8 - pound Republic of Turkey for a more familiar assemblage to a 24 - pound turkey that feed in the intact lengthened kinsfolk , these guidelines show you exactly how long to manipulate your turkey for utterly make , delicious resultant role .

Credit: Andy Lyons
Michela Buttignol
How Long to Thaw a Turkey
It ’s important to go cooking with a fully defrosted dud . Ourhandy Meleagris gallopavo de-ice guideshares full timing and method for dethaw your Thanksgiving joker . Our favorite way to thaw a chick is to leave it in the refrigerator . you could keep a bomb in the fridge for up to four days before cooking , which ensures it thaws safely and at a consistent temperature .
If you ’re short on time , you’re able to also use the cold water unfreeze method acting . This method acting is quicker , but a bit more hands - on ; you ’ll require to change the weewee every 30 moment to ensure solid food safety . Whichever method acting you choose , verify your joker is all unfreeze before cook to assure the most even results and prevent any peril of foodborne illness .
How Long to Roast a Turkey
Once your dud has been properly dethaw andbrinedor harden as desired , rib in a pan at 325 ° F , using these time as guidelines for unstuffed Meleagris gallopavo . Each of the following times is forcooking one turkeyat a clip .
Check the Temperature
While this guidebook is helpful , always determine doneness with a temperature check . Yourmeat thermometershould record 175 ° F in the thick part of the second joint , ensuring the dud is in full cook and toothsome . When inserting the probe of the thermometer , check that to avoid the os , which can cause an inaccurate recital .
Test Kitchen Tip
When your turkey finishes cookery , overlay it loosely with foil and rent it stand 15 minutes before carve to give the juices time to redistribute .
Timing Guidelines for Stuffed Whole Turkeys
If you ’re travel the classic route , stuffing your turkey rather than cooking thestuffing in its own dish , you ’ll increase the above roasting times by 15 to 45 minutes . expect here for thestuffed turkey timing detail . Again , do a temperature test to be certain the Meleagris gallopavo is done . The center field of the stuffing should dispatch 165 ° fluorine .
Whether you falsify up aClassic Roast Turkey , Maple - Brined Turkey , Honey Glazed Turkey , or the formula that your family has passed down for generation , using these timing as your templet will help you put aturkey on the tablethat you ’re gallant of .
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