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 .

roast turkey on platter with oranges and bowl of cranberry sauce

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 .

infographic chart of how long to cook a turkey

Credit:Michela Buttignol

Classic Roast Turkey with Stuffing on platter with rosemary and citrus, bowl of cranberry sauce in background

Marmalade-Glazed Roast Turkey

Roasted turkey on platter

Classic Roast Turkey

whole roasted turkey

Herb brined turkey on platter

roast turkey on platter with oranges and bowl of cranberry sauce

Defrosting turkey in pan

deep fried turkey

Maple Sage Turkey

gravy in a gravy boat

Cooked turkey with inserted meat thermometer

Roast Turkey, 8- 10-Pound

honey roast turkey

Glazed Roast Turkey