How Long to Cook a Turkey in Oven: Complete Timing Guide

Quick Answer: Cook an unstuffed turkey for 13 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). A 12-pound turkey takes approximately 2 hours 35 minutes. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer—the thickest part of the breast must reach 165°F (74°C).

Mastering Turkey Cooking Time: Your Complete Oven Guide

Getting turkey cooking time right separates holiday success from food safety risks. As a culinary professional with years of kitchen experience, I've seen how precise timing transforms dry, overcooked birds into juicy centerpieces. This guide delivers science-backed timing formulas validated by the USDA—no more guessing when hosting your next gathering.

Planning Your Turkey Timeline

Proper preparation begins days before cooking. Thawing improperly causes uneven cooking and bacterial growth. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends three safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator method: Allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds (e.g., 12-lb turkey = 3 days)
• Cold water method: Submerge in cold water, changing every 30 minutes (30 minutes per pound)
• Never thaw at room temperature—this enters the "danger zone" (40°F-140°F) where bacteria multiply rapidly

Turkey Weight	Refrigerator Thaw Time	Cold Water Thaw Time
8-12 lbs	2-3 days	4-6 hours
12-16 lbs	3-4 days	6-8 hours
16-20 lbs	4-5 days	8-10 hours

Pre-Cooking Preparation Checklist

Before oven insertion, complete these critical steps:

1. Remove all packaging and giblet bags from cavity
2. Dry skin thoroughly with paper towels (moisture prevents browning)
3. Apply oil or butter under skin for moisture retention
4. Season generously (salt 12-24 hours ahead for best results)
5. Insert oven-safe thermometer into thickest breast area

Important stuffing note: The USDA strongly advises against stuffing turkeys due to food safety risks. If you choose to stuff, add 2-3 minutes per pound to cooking time and verify stuffing reaches 165°F internally.

Perfect Oven Cooking Formula

Temperature consistency matters more than exact timing. Set oven to 325°F-350°F—higher temperatures risk uneven cooking. Here's the verified timing formula:

Turkey Weight	Unstuffed Time (350°F)	Stuffed Time (350°F)
8-12 lbs	2½-3 hours	3-3½ hours
12-14 lbs	3-3½ hours	3½-4 hours
14-18 lbs	3½-4 hours	4-4½ hours
18-20 lbs	4-4½ hours	4½-5 hours

Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Monitoring Progress Without Ruining Results

Opening the oven door drops temperature significantly. Follow this monitoring protocol:

• Check temperature 1 hour before expected finish time
• Measure in three locations: breast, thigh, wing joint
• Insert thermometer into thickest part, avoiding bone
• Allow 5-10°F temperature rise during resting

Resting: The Critical Final Step

Skipping resting causes juice loss and dry meat. The science:

• Cover loosely with foil (prevents over-browning)
• Rest 20-30 minutes for 12-16 lb turkeys
• Larger birds need up to 45 minutes resting
• Temperature continues rising 5-10°F during rest

Food safety expert Dr. Mindy Brashears, former USDA Under Secretary, emphasizes: "Proper resting time allows proteins to reabsorb juices, creating tender meat while ensuring pathogens are eliminated through carryover cooking."

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Brown too fast? Tent breast with foil. Cooking too slow? Verify oven temperature with independent thermometer. Dry breast? Try spatchcocking (removing backbone) for even cooking. Always prioritize thermometer readings over time estimates—oven variations significantly impact results.

Advanced Timing Considerations

Several factors alter standard cooking times:

• Convection ovens: Reduce time by 25% or lower temperature by 25°F
• Brined turkeys: Cook 10-15 minutes less (salt changes protein structure)
• Dark roasting pans: Increase browning by 15-20%
• High altitude: Add 5-10% more cooking time above 3,000 feet

Remember: Time estimates provide starting points, but thermometer verification remains essential for food safety. The USDA maintains that visual cues alone cannot confirm doneness.

How long to cook a 15 pound turkey at 350 degrees?

An unstuffed 15-pound turkey requires approximately 3 hours 15 minutes at 350°F. Always verify with a meat thermometer—the breast must reach 165°F.

Should I cover turkey with foil while cooking?

Cover only if browning too quickly. Place foil loosely over breast area after first hour. Remove during last 30-45 minutes for proper browning.

What's the lowest safe temperature for cooking turkey?

The USDA recommends minimum 325°F. Lower temperatures increase time in the danger zone (40°F-140°F) where bacteria multiply rapidly.

How do I know when turkey is done without a thermometer?

You cannot reliably determine doneness without a thermometer. Visual cues like clear juices or leg movement are unsafe indicators. Always use a calibrated meat thermometer.