How Long to Cook Turkey at 350°F: Perfect Timing Guide

A 12-14 pound turkey takes approximately 3 to 3.75 hours to cook at 350°F (177°C). The turkey is fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest parts of both the breast and thigh, with no pink meat remaining. Always allow 20-30 minutes of resting time before carving.

Getting your holiday centerpiece perfectly cooked can make or break your celebration. Many home cooks struggle with turkey timing, resulting in either dry, overcooked meat or dangerously undercooked poultry. As a culinary professional with decades of roasting experience, I've seen how precise timing at 350°F transforms this challenging protein into a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that impresses every time.

Understanding the Perfect Turkey Cooking Formula

While many variables affect cooking time, the foundational formula remains consistent: 13-15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey at 350°F. This temperature strikes the ideal balance between efficient cooking and moisture retention. Higher temperatures risk drying out the breast meat before the dark meat reaches proper doneness, while lower temperatures prolong cooking time unnecessarily.

Turkey Weight	Unstuffed Cooking Time	Stuffed Cooking Time
8-10 lbs	2 hours 15 min - 2 hours 45 min	2 hours 45 min - 3 hours 15 min
10-14 lbs	2 hours 45 min - 3 hours 20 min	3 hours 15 min - 4 hours
14-18 lbs	3 hours 20 min - 4 hours	4 hours - 4 hours 30 min
18-20 lbs	4 hours - 4 hours 20 min	4 hours 30 min - 4 hours 50 min
20-24 lbs	4 hours 20 min - 5 hours	4 hours 50 min - 5 hours 20 min

This comprehensive cooking time chart follows USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines, which emphasize that time alone shouldn't determine doneness. The USDA recommends verifying internal temperature regardless of cooking time.

Key Factors That Impact Your Turkey's Cooking Time

Several critical variables affect how long your turkey needs in the oven, making simple time calculations insufficient for perfect results:

Stuffed vs. Unstuffed Turkey Considerations

A stuffed turkey requires approximately 30-45 minutes additional cooking time compared to an unstuffed bird. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service advises against stuffing turkeys in advance due to food safety concerns. If you choose to stuff your turkey, ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F (74°C) as well.

Thawing Status Matters Significantly

Frozen or partially frozen turkeys dramatically increase cooking time. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends allowing 24 hours of refrigerator thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. A fully thawed turkey cooks more evenly and predictably.

Oven Accuracy and Placement

Most home ovens have temperature variations of 25-50°F. Using an independent oven thermometer ensures accuracy. Position your turkey in the center of the oven with proper air circulation - avoid overcrowding the oven with other dishes during critical cooking phases.

The Critical Temperature Verification Process

Time estimates provide a helpful framework, but temperature verification is non-negotiable for food safety and quality:

• Use a reliable instant-read thermometer - digital thermometers provide the most accurate readings
• Check multiple locations - breast, thigh, and wing joint
• Target 165°F (74°C) in all areas as recommended by the USDA
• Insert thermometer correctly - into the thickest part without touching bone

Many professional chefs pull the turkey at 155-160°F because of carryover cooking during the essential 20-30 minute resting period. This prevents overcooking while still achieving safe temperatures.

Step-by-Step Cooking Timeline at 350°F

Follow this professional approach for consistently perfect results:

1. Preparation (1 hour before cooking): Pat turkey completely dry, season, and bring to room temperature
2. Oven setup: Preheat to 350°F with oven thermometer in place
3. Initial cooking phase (first 60 minutes): Roast uncovered to promote browning
4. Middle phase: Reduce heat if browning too quickly; rotate pan for even cooking
5. Final phase (last 30 minutes): Monitor temperature every 15 minutes
6. Resting period: Tent loosely with foil for 20-30 minutes before carving

Troubleshooting Common Turkey Cooking Issues

Even with careful planning, challenges arise. Here's how to address them:

Turkey Cooking Too Slowly

If your turkey isn't progressing toward target temperature:

• Verify oven temperature with independent thermometer
• Ensure turkey isn't positioned too close to oven walls
• Consider using a convection setting if available (reducing time by 25%)

Preventing Dry Breast Meat

The breast cooks faster than dark meat. To maintain moisture:

• Shield breast with foil during the first half of cooking
• Apply butter or oil under the skin before roasting
• Consider spatchcocking (butterflying) the turkey for more even cooking

Essential Food Safety Considerations

Proper turkey cooking isn't just about quality—it's critical for safety. According to FoodSafety.gov, undercooked poultry is a leading cause of foodborne illness during holiday seasons. Follow these safety protocols:

• Never partially cook and finish later
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
• Store leftovers in shallow containers for rapid cooling
• Reheat to 165°F (74°C) before serving

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Results

For those seeking restaurant-quality results, consider these professional methods:

• Dry brining: Salt the turkey 2-3 days in advance for enhanced moisture retention
• Temperature-controlled cooking: Start at higher heat (425°F) for 30 minutes, then reduce to 325°F
• Butterflying: Spatchcocking reduces cooking time by 25-30% and promotes even doneness

Remember that carryover cooking continues for 5-10°F during resting. Pulling your turkey at 155-160°F ensures perfect doneness at 165°F after resting—without drying out the delicate breast meat.

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

A 15-pound unstuffed turkey requires approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes at 350°F. Always verify with a thermometer—turkey is done when it reaches 165°F in the thickest parts of both breast and thigh.

Should I cover turkey with foil while cooking at 350?

Covering the breast with foil during the first 60-90 minutes helps prevent overcooking. Remove the foil for the remainder of cooking to allow proper browning. Avoid covering the entire turkey as this creates steaming conditions that prevent crisp skin.

What temperature should turkey reach when cooking at 350?

The USDA requires turkey to reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest parts of both the breast and thigh. Professional chefs often remove turkey at 155-160°F since temperature continues rising during the 20-30 minute resting period.

How long to cook stuffed turkey at 350 compared to unstuffed?

A stuffed turkey requires approximately 30-45 minutes longer than an unstuffed turkey of the same weight. The stuffing adds thermal mass and insulates the cavity, slowing heat transfer to the inner portions of the bird.

Can I cook turkey at 350 instead of 325 as some recipes suggest?

Yes, 350°F is an excellent temperature for turkey roasting. It cooks slightly faster than 325°F while still allowing even heat penetration. The higher temperature promotes better browning and crispier skin without significantly increasing the risk of dryness when monitored properly.