Whether your turkey weighs 10 pounds or 20, we can explain how long to cook the turkey.
When it comes to preparing the perfectThanksgiving turkey, knowing how long to cook a turkey is vital.
How long do cook it?
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What temperature do you choose?
Should you stuff, baste, rest…and on and on.
If you’ve got a turkey question, we’ve answered it below.
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What size turkey should I buy?
That depends on how many people you’re feeding.
On average, plan for one to one and half pounds per Thanksgiving guest.
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For 10 people, you’ll want a turkey between 10 and 15 pounds.
If you want leftovers, go bigger.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
You absolutely need to plan ahead forthawing a turkey, because it takes a few days.
Plan for one day in the fridge for every four to five pounds of turkey.
A 12-pound turkey, as an example, would need about three days to completely thaw in the fridge.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound?
At what temperature should I cook turkey?
Techniques for cooking a turkey vary.
Some cooks swear by starting the bird off at 450F to get a crispy skin.
We like a steady temperature the whole time, and 325F is theideal turkey roasting temperaturein our books.
you might also find more information onFoodSafety.gov.
If you’re more adventurous, there’s more than one way to roast a turkey.
But if you already have enough on your plate (and it’s Thanksgiving, so you surely do!
), stick to a trusty 325F.
How will I know when a turkey is done?
Grab your meat thermometer, and insert the probe in the thickest part of the turkey thigh.
When it reads 165F, your bird is cooked.
Should I let the turkey rest before carving?
Do I have to baste the turkey?
So keep that oven door closed as much as possible.
Is stuffing the turkey dangerous?
), so we won’t get into that right at this moment.
Stuff or don’t stuffthat’s totally up to you.
Just know it does take a bit longer to bake.
Don’t worry: Our handy charts above cover that, too!
Are big turkeys better?
What’s the best temperature to bake a turkey?
Preheat your oven to 325F, and use the timetable above.
