How long should a 20 pound turkey cook at 350 degrees?

If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at: 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.

Is it better to 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.

Do you cook a turkey 20 minutes per pound?

The general rule is 15 to 20 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed turkey.

How long do you cook a 20 pound unstuffed turkey?

For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/ 4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours. 4. Meanwhile, mix the stuffing or dressing. Place in a casserole and pop it into the oven during the last hour or so of roasting time.

How do I keep my turkey moist?

Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe 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. Let the turkey rest before carving.

How long should a 20 lb turkey cook at 325?

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.

Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Always cook your turkey until the skin is a light golden color. Cover your roasting pan with a lid or foil and cook covered for 2 hours (depending on size of your bird) and uncovered for the remaining time. Baste your turkey every half hour or so.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

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.)

How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting is optional when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.

At what temperature do you cook a turkey?

The turkey is done when the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F ( 75 degrees C ) at the thigh. If your turkey has been stuffed, it is important to check the temperature of the stuffing as well. The stuffing should also be 165 degrees F.

How long do you cook a 19 pound turkey?

In an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking an 18- to 20-pound unstuffed thawed or fresh turkey will take between 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 hours, according to the USDA. This amounts to about 14 minutes of cooking time per pound. For a 19-pound turkey, this comes to about four hours and 26 minutes.