What is the best temperature to cook a turkey? Your turkey is cooked properly when it reaches a minimal internal temperature of 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). In order to get there your oven needs to be pre-heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). You can also use a food thermometer for the best result.
How long do turkeys take to bake? Generally a turkey should be baked for 20 minutes per pound. However, you need to consider if it’s frozen, stuffed or has been thawed. A stuffed turkey will always take longer to cook. According to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), a fully thawed turkey takes 50 percent less time than a frozen turkey in the oven.
Turkey Cooking Time
Whether it’s a whole turkey or just turkey breast, It’s not easy to keep track of the proper cook time. That’s why I have prepared this turkey cooking time chart.
| Turkey (Unstuffed) | Turkey (Stuffed) | Turkey Breast | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lbs | 1 hour 30 minutes | ||
| 5 lbs | 1 hour 45 minutes | ||
| 6 lbs | 2 hours 15 minutes | ||
| 7 lbs | 2 hours 45 minutes | ||
| 8 lbs | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours | |
| 10 lbs | 2 hours 55 minutes | 3 hours 15 minutes | |
| 12 lbs | 3 hours | 3 hours 30 minutes | |
| 14 lbs | 3 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes | |
| 16 lbs | 4 hours | 4 hours | |
| 18 lbs | 4 hours 15 minutes | 4 hours 15 minutes | |
| 20 lbs | 4 hours 30 minutes | 4 hours 45 minutes | |
| 22 lbs | 4 hours 45 minutes | 5 hours | |
| 24 lbs | 5 hours | 5 hours 15 minutes |