A disclaimer: turkeys vary, and so do home ovens. But generally, you will want to cook an unstuffed turkey for about 15 minutes per pound, at 325 degrees. For an 18-pounder, about four and a half hours would do the trick. Roasting a stuffed bird will lengthen the cooking time.
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Herein, how long do I cook a 18 pound turkey?
The turkey is done when the thigh meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
How long to cook a turkey.
| Weight of Bird | Roasting Time (Unstuffed) | Roasting Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 22 pounds | 3-1/2 to 4 hours | 4-1/2 to 5 hours |
| 22 to 24 pounds | 4 to 4-1/2 hours | 5 to 5-1/2 hours |
Secondly, how long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey? If you're baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you'll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it's unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it's stuffed.
Also to know, do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
How long do I cook a 17 lb turkey?
This table from the USDA is based on a 325°F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we're talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.) If you want to cook a frozen turkey, it will take at least 50 percent longer than the recommended times.
Related Question AnswersShould I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
Placing aluminum foil on a turkey when roasting can be helpful. Use aluminum foil in one of two ways: enclose the turkey in the foil before roasting it in a hot oven; or, use the foil as a tent to control the level of browning. Placing aluminum foil on a turkey when roasting can be helpful.Do you cover a turkey when cooking it?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.How do you keep a turkey moist when cooking?
Spaghetti with Fresh Breadcrumbs, Garlic, and Extra-Virgin Olive Oil- Choose a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one.
- Roast two small turkeys rather than one large one.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under the skin.
- Truss loosely, or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Don't overcook it.
Do I put water in the bottom of a roaster for Turkey?
Add water to the roasting pan to keep the turkey from drying out. Grandma always added water to the bottom of the roasting pan, at the start of the cooking. This keeps the bird from drying out.What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?
165°F is the USDA recommended temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures. I usually take the the turkey out when the breast reaches 155°F to 160°F, and the thighs 155°F to 165°F.What temperature do I cook an 18 pound turkey?
If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at:- 425°F for 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 hours.
- 400°F for 3 3/4 to 4 hours.
- 350°F for 4 to 4 1/4 hours.
- 325°F for 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours.
What is the best temperature for roasting a turkey?
Roasting a turkey is best done in a two-step process. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and place your properly thawed turkey with its probes in the right place in your oven and let it cook at that temperature for 1 hour. This will help to crisp the skin and get a jump on the cooking process.What temperature do you cook a Butterball turkey?
325° FDoes a brined turkey cook faster?
A: No. Brining works much faster than a marinade so brining a turkey for longer than recommended will oversaturate the bird. An over-brined turkey will taste salty.Do you cook a turkey at 325?
turkey (weight with giblets): Bake in a 325° oven for 3-3 3/4 hr. For a 28-30 lb turkey (weight with giblets): Bake in a 325° oven for 3 1/2-4 1/2 hr. Times are for unstuffed birds. A stuffed bird may cook at the same rate as an unstuffed one; however, be prepared to allow 30 to 50 minutes longer.Do I need to cover the turkey when cooking?
Place the turkey in the oven, uncovered, and let it cook. If the whole turkey is browning too quickly, you can baste it, or cover it all with a loose foil tent. If parts are browning too quickly, like the legs or breast, just cover those parts with a bit of foil.How does Martha Stewart cook a turkey?
Cook for 30 minutes. Using a pastry brush, baste cheesecloth and exposed parts of turkey with butter and wine. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue to cook for 2½ more hours, basting every 30 minutes and watching pan juices; if the pan gets too full, spoon out juices, reserving them for gravy. 5.Should I start my turkey at a higher temperature?
I find it is best to start the turkey at a fairly high temperature (400°F), roast for about twenty minutes and then lower the heat to 350°F for the remainder of the cooking time.How many degrees does a turkey cook per hour?
Turkey Cooking Time Calculator| Approximate Unstuffed Turkey Cooking Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Approximate Cooking Time in 325° Oven | Internal Temperature (ºF) |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 1/4 to 4 1/4 hours | 185º |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours | 185º |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours | 185º |
How long do you cook a Butterball turkey?
For an unstuffed bird, Butterball recommended the following cooking times:- 6-7 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 7-10 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 3½-4 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 4-4½ hours.
- 24-30 pounds: 4½-5 hours.
