How Long To Cook a Turkey
How Long To Cook a Turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, the star of the show is often the turkey. But if you’re not careful, that star can quickly turn into a flop if it’s not cooked properly. One of the most common questions about cooking a turkey is, “How long do I cook it for?”
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. The time it takes to cook a turkey depends on several factors, including the size of the bird, the type of oven you’re using, and the desired level of doneness.
To start, it’s important to know that the general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that a 10-pound turkey will take about 2 and a half hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take closer to 5 hours.
But as mentioned earlier, there are a few other factors to consider when determining how long to cook a turkey. For instance, if you’re using a convection oven, you may be able to reduce the cooking time by about 25%. This is because convection ovens circulate hot air more efficiently, allowing the turkey to cook faster.
Another factor to consider is the desired level of doneness. If you prefer your turkey to be juicy and moist, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed and that the turkey is fully cooked.
However, if you prefer your turkey to be more well-done, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This will result in a turkey that’s fully cooked and slightly drier, but still tasty.
To determine the internal temperature of your turkey, it’s important to use a meat thermometer. This will give you an accurate reading and ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection.
Once you’ve determined the size of your turkey and the desired level of doneness, you can use the 15 minutes per pound rule to calculate the cooking time. For example, if you have a 12-pound turkey and you want it to be juicy and moist, you’ll need to cook it for about 3 hours.
But keep in mind that these are just general guidelines. The best way to ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection is to use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature throughout the cooking process.
How Long to Cook a Turkey At 350°
8–12 lb.:1¾–3 hours
12–14 lb.: 3–3¼ hours
15–16 lb.: 3½–3¾ hours
18–20 lb.: 4–4¼ hours
21–22 lb.: 4½–4¾ hours
In conclusion, the time it takes to cook a turkey depends on several factors, including the size of the bird, the type of oven you’re using, and the desired level of doneness. To ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, it’s important to use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature throughout the cooking process. Happy Thanksgiving!