How long does it take a 16 pound turkey to cook?
- For whole, unstuffed turkeys in oven cooking bags, cook at 350 °F (176.7 °C) for the following approximate times: 8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours; 12 to 16 lb. turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours; 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours; 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Add 30 minutes to the times if you are stuffing the turkey.
How long does it take to cook a 16 pound turkey?
The rule of thumb for cooking a turkey is 13 minutes per pound.
So our 16-pound turkey was estimated to cook in about 3 1/2 hours.
However, some factors like brining the bird, cooking with an empty (un-stuffed) cavity, and leaving the legs un-trussed will contribute to much faster cooking.
Do you 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.
How long do I cook a 15 lb turkey?
If your turkey weighs 15 to 16 pounds, roast it at:
- 425°F for 3 to 3 1/4 hours.
- 400°F for 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 hours.
- 350°F for 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 hours.
- 325°F for 3 3/4 to 4 hours.
How long do I cook a 17 lb turkey?
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.) If you want to cook a frozen turkey, it will take at least 50 percent longer than the recommended times.
Should you cover a turkey with aluminum foil?
Placing aluminum foil on a turkey when roasting can be helpful. Use aluminum foil in one of two ways: enclose the turkey in the foil before roasting it in a hot oven; or, use the foil as a tent to control the level of browning. Placing aluminum foil on a turkey when roasting can be helpful.
Should you put water in turkey roasting pan?
No. We do not recommend adding water to the pan because it creates a steam and may steam-burn the turkey. The turkey will produce its own flavorful juices. After cooking, you can extend the turkey’s juices with broth or wine, then add it to your gravy for extra flavor.
Do you cover a turkey when cooking it?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?
165°F is the USDA recommended temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures. I usually take the the turkey out when the breast reaches 155°F to 160°F, and the thighs 155°F to 165°F.
Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?
Tips for Roasting a Turkey
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. However, basting will not make your turkey moister, but it promotes even browning of the skin.