Unstuffed.
- 4 to 8 lbs (breast only): 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hrs.
- 8 to 12 lbs: 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
- 12-14 lbs: 3 3/4 to 3 3/4 hrs.
- 14-18 lbs: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hrs.
- 18-20 lbs: 4 1/4-4 1/2 hrs.
- 20-24 lbs: 4 1/2 to 5 hrs.
7.09.2021
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook turkey at 325°F or 350°F? Low and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, but there are no hard and fast rules. All of our temperature guides assume you are cooking at 325, but you can cook it about the same, a little warmer, or a little shorter.
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
A general rule is 15-20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey. Roasting stuffed turkeys is no longer considered food safe (not to mention drying turkey meat).
How long does it take to fully cook a 20 pound turkey?
If roasting at 325°F (the minimum temperature recommended by USDA), a 20 lb. turkey in the oven should be roasted in 4¼ to 5¼ hours if not stuffed and 4½ to 5¼ hours if Stuffed.
How many hours does a 20 lb turkey take?
For example, a 20 lb. turkey takes 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the thermometer temperature after 4½ hours. 4. meanwhile, mix the stuffing and dressing. Place in casserole and place in oven for last hour or so of roasting time.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
Classic Pan Stuffing Recipe
- Choose fresh turkey instead of frozen turkey.
- Roast two small turkeys instead of one large turkey.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under skin.
- Truss loosely or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Do not overcook.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving.
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces more marsh results than roasting without foil. We prefer only to cover the breast to even out the cooking time.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place in the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the turkey breast side down on top of the vegetables. Add about 0.5 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.
How long should a turkey rest for?
Thanksgiving helpline pull it out as soon as the temperature reaches 165 or slightly lower. The amount of rest time depends on the size of the bird, but should be at least 20 minutes. Larger birds can wait up to 40 minutes or more, depending on the room temperature.
Can I unwrap turkey night before?
4. untie the turkey the night before. Leave the bird covered in the refrigerator for 8-10 hours before cooking to allow the skin to dry out. 5.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
Some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but the meat can be safely consumed once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking breast meat above 165 degrees will result in dry meat, while dark meat can be cooked up to 180 degrees.
How long do I cook a 22 pound Butterball turkey?
For unstuffed birds, Butterball recommends the following cooking times
- 6 to 7 pounds: 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- 7 to 10 pounds: 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- 10-18 lbs: 3-3 1/2 hours.
- 18 to 22 lbs: 3 ½ to 4 hours.
- 22 to 24 lbs: 4 to 4 ½ hours. 24 to 30 lbs: 4 to 4 ½ hours.
- 24 to 30 lbs: 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
How long should I cook a 22 lb turkey?
The easiest way to calculate roasting time for turkey is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for an unstuffed turkey (about 3 hours for 12-14 lbs. If the turkey weighs 21 to 22 pounds, :
- 4 to 4¼ hours at 425°F.
- 4¼ to 4½ hours at 400°F.
- 4½ to 4½ hours at 350°F.
- 4½ to 5 hours at 325°F.
How do you season a turkey for cooking?
Salt and pepper the inside of the breast cavity and stuff with onion, garlic, herbs, and bay leaves. Place bird breast side up on roasting rack set in roasting pan. Brush with half of the butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tent the bird with foil.
What temperature should a turkey be cooked at?
USDA directs that turkeys be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. (When stuffing the turkey, the stuffing as well as the meat must be 165° F).
How long do you cook a 20 pound turkey at 350?
The time to cook the turkey depends on the oven temperature and whether the turkey recipe calls for stuffing the bird. For a turkey without stuffing, we recommend roasting the turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 minutes per pound.
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?
Do Not Butter the Bird Butter under the skin will not make the meat juicier, but may help the skin brown faster. However, about 17% of the butter is moisture, which will cause the bird to speckle, says Lopez Alt. Instead, rub the skins with vegetable oil before roasting.
Do you put an apple in a turkey?
Apples. Consider cutting an apple or two into quarters to stuff the turkey. They give the turkey a little extra moisture during cooking and give it a very subtle flavor reminiscent of fall.
Why is my turkey always dry?
Because dark meat has more connective tissue and takes longer to break down, cooking a whole turkey will result in an overcooked and dry breast by the time the legs and thighs are done. Solution: carve the turkey before cooking.
Do you take turkey out of fridge before cooking?
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator before cooking (1 hour for whole turkey, 30 minutes for fillets), as it needs to come to room temperature before placing in the oven. Cover and store in a cool place.
Do Butterball turkeys have butter in them?
In fact, there is no actual butter in or on the butterball turkey. The fresh turkey is infused with a brine and a brining solution made with “common household spices,” a brand representative told me. Butterball does not share the ingredients of a secret broiling formula.
How often should I baste my turkey?
Most recipes call for baking the turkey every 30 minutes. But our rule of thumb is actually every 40 minutes. The reasons for this are as follows. It takes longer to cook a whole bird if you don’t want to open the oven multiple times, which is very inconvenient.
Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey?
Adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting gives the Thanksgiving turkey a rich flavor and adds moisture.
What do you put in the bottom of a turkey pan?
Place the chopped onion, celery, and carrots in the bottom of the roasting pan. Pick a few herbs from the stems and add them to the vegetables.
Does turkey need roasting rack?
You do not need a rack specifically designed for the roasting pan, but you do need something to lift the bird off the bottom of the pan. Aluminum foil balls work perfectly. You can also use upside-down ramekins.
How do I keep my turkey warm while resting?
If it is done about an hour early, let it rest covered for about 20-30 minutes. Next, cover the turkey with foil and a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm. Allowing it to rest first releases the initial heat. That way it will not overcook once it is covered.
Can I let my turkey rest for 2 hours?
A 4-6 kg turkey should rest for 1 1/2 hours and a 6-10 kg one can rest for 2 hours. Remove turkey from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
How long can a turkey sit before carving?
3. The turkey needs to rest before carving. About 45 minutes gives the juices time to reabsorb. Otherwise, slice and dribble. The meat will dry out. Tent the turkey in foil and do not keep it warm while it rests. It is not needed and will soak the skin.
What can I put in my turkey for flavor?
Basics like onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage lend that traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Add half a lemon or orange to take the aromatics up a notch. The citrus adds a nice brightness and tartness to your turkey.
What if my turkey is still a little frozen?
If you don’t have time to thaw, it is perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey. You will need to allow extra cooking time. Estimate 50% longer cooking time for a fully frozen turkey and about 25% longer for a partially frozen turkey.
Why do you pat a turkey dry?
Do not season the turkey until it is first removed from the plastic bag and rinsed. Dry it with paper towels. Potential bacteria will cook off during roasting. Stuffing and trussing can cook the bird faster, and white and dark meat will approach the same time.
When should I pull my turkey?
According to the Department of Agriculture, the turkey must safely reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can take it out of the oven at 160 degrees Fahrenheit because the temperature will rise. 1. use a digital instant-read thermometer to get the most acerbic results.
Where to check if a turkey is done?
A meat thermometer is needed to cook the turkey to the proper temperature. Insert it close to the thigh bone, but not touching it. When it reads 180 degrees Fahrenheit at the thigh and 170 degrees F at the breast, it is done and ready to serve.
How can you tell if a turkey is done without a thermometer?
To find out if the turkey is done without a thermometer, poke a hole in the middle thigh muscle at the junction, explains Nicole Johnson, co-director of the Butterball Turkey Talk Line. When the juices are clear and no longer red or pink, it’s a good sign that the turkey is done.”
What does Butterball mean in slang?
Butterball Definition 1: A bufflehead. 2: A chubby person.
Can you thaw a turkey too early?
Don’t worry about starting early. You can safely store a fully thawed turkey in the refrigerator for one to two days. It is important to keep your kitchen sanitized during this process to avoid food-borne illness.
Can I butter my turkey the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, buttering the turkey the night before not only saves roasting day, but I believe the butter can sit on the skin overnight.
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
Be safe – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends temperatures not exceeding 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook a stuffed turkey at 350?
Approximate time table for roasting a turkey at 350°F (177°C) *.
| Weight | packed |
|---|---|
| 11 – 13 lbs (5.0 – 5.9 kg) | 3 H 40 min – 4 H 20 min |
| 14 – 16 lbs (6.4 – 7.3 kg) | 4 h 40 min – 5 h 20 min |
| 17 – 19 lbs (7.7 – 8.6 kg) | 5 h 40 min – 6 h 20 min |
| 20 – 22 lbs (9.1 – 10.0 kg) | 6 h 40 min – 7 h 20 min |
Where do you put the thermometer in a turkey?
Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1.
- When cooking a whole turkey, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wings.
- Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bone, the gristle, or the pan.
Do you salt the outside of a turkey?
It really is that easy. Sprinkle the turkey with salt, cover, and place in the refrigerator. Overnight, the salt draws moisture from the inside of the bird to the surface, where it combines with the salt and other seasonings. Eventually, that flavorful salted liquid is reabsorbed into the meat and seasoned throughout.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you cook turkey at 325°F or 350°F? Low and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, but there are no hard and fast rules. All of our temperature guides assume you are cooking at 325, but you can cook it about the same, a little warmer, or a little shorter.
How do you make turkey meat taste good?
Ground turkey – grab 1 lb. Chopped vegetables – yellow onions, green onions, and red bell peppers add extra color and flavor. Garlic – Mince garlic for a pungent flavor that is perfect for ground turkey meals. Chili powder – ground turkey seasoning adds a nice touch to this dish without being too hot.
Is it safe to eat pink turkey?
The best way to make sure the turkey, or meat, is safely cooked and done is to use a meat thermometer. When the temperature of the turkey thigh reaches 180°F. And done to family preference, all meat is safe to eat, including meat that remains pink.
How do you keep a turkey warm for 4 hours?
Placing a kitchen towel over the foil keeps the meat warm and moist until you are ready to carve and serve it. Another option is to cover the bird with foil and return it to a cold 200F oven. Place a pan of water under the turkey to generate steam and contribute to the moisture.
Should I tent my turkey?
Butterball suggests covering the breast with a small tent made of aluminum foil after the turkey has cooked for the required 2/3 of the time (depending on the size of the bird). This slows down the cooking process of the turkey breast.
Should I cover my turkey with foil?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces more marsh results than roasting without foil. We prefer only to cover the breast to even out the cooking time.
Do you cover turkey when roasting?
Tips & Tricks. Always cook the turkey until the skin is a light golden brown. Cover the roasting pan with a lid or foil and cook covered for 2 hours (depending on the size of the bird) and uncovered for the remaining time. Roast turkey every 30 minutes.
How long do I cook a 20 lb turkey at 325 degrees?
If roasting at 325°F (the minimum temperature recommended by USDA), a 20 lb. turkey in the oven should be roasted in 4¼ to 5¼ hours if not stuffed and 4½ to 5¼ hours if Stuffed.
What do you put on the outside of a turkey before cooking?
Do not stuff the turkey. Brushing the herb butter mixture on the outside and inside skin of the turkey will brown the skin beautifully and give it a wonderful flavor .
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place in the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the turkey breast side down on top of the vegetables. Add about 0.5 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
Classic Pan Stuffing Recipe
- Choose fresh turkey instead of frozen turkey.
- Roast two small turkeys instead of one large turkey.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under skin.
- Truss loosely or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Do not overcook.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving.
What should I put in the cavity of my turkey?
Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with a bunch of thyme, half a lemon, a quarter onion, and garlic. Brush the outside of the turkey with the butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Can you put a stick of butter in a turkey?
I like to stuff it with orange wedges, lemon wedges, garlic, onions, and a mix of fresh herbs. In this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, use 1/2 a stick of butter to make garlic herb butter and spread it under the skin. The skin protects the fresh garlic and herbs, and the butter, garlic, and herbs flavor the turkey meat.
Should turkeys be washed before cooking?
Should I rinse the turkey? In short, no. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), rinsing raw turkey in the kitchen sink can lead to the spread of bacteria on countertops, nearby food, and other surfaces that can cause cross-contamination.
Should you flip the turkey?
Cook the bird upside down. That is, breast side down, presumably flipping it halfway through. If you are using a kettle and have all the charcoal on one side of the grill, you will also want to rotate when you turn the turkey so that one side is not overcooked.
How do you not overcook a turkey?
Most people overcook their turkeys because they overestimate the cooking time. To avoid this deadly Thanksgiving sin, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (do not hit the bone) when the bird is almost done.
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?
Turkey, if excluded, will take several hours to thaw completely. Thawing raw meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours imposes rapid bacterial growth. Is thawing turkey at room temperature a good idea? No. It is best to thaw the turkey at room temperature.
Should you season turkey overnight?
You can season the turkey the night before or two days before. Salt is a great (and non-negotiable) place to start, but there are so many seasonings that really repeat the flavor of a bland bird.
Why are Butterball turkeys so moist?
Butterball turkeys are always tender and juicy because you have taken the extra step of pre-running them individually based on size.
What’s so special about Butterball turkey?
Butterballs are known for their pre-run turkeys. Frozen Butterball turkeys have an 8% solution of water, salt, spices, and “natural flavors,” but the turkey is sold as fresh (by law, having never been chilled below 26 degrees Fahrenheit contains only 4%. The solution.
Should I rub butter on my turkey?
Do not butter the bird, which puts butter under the bird. It won’t make the meat juicier, but it will help make the skin faster. But butter is about 17% water and will distract the bird, says López-Alt.
How do I prepare the turkey the night before?
Place the turkey in a shallow dish large enough to hold it and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. The day before roasting the turkey, remove the plastic wrap and refrigerate the turkey. Skin will be dry and slightly translucent.