Turkey Cooking Guide - With Free Printables

When it comes to cooking a turkey for your family, you need to make sure you understand the basics. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas or a family celebration, you should know how long to cook a turkey per pound. 

 

 

 

 

 

You can use a turkey cooking time calculator or follow our guide below.

 

How Long To Cook a Turkey 

You calculate how to cook a turkey by its weight, stuffing and if you prefer it well done or at normal temperature. Each pound of turkey will factor into the overall cooking time to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. For example, an 8-pound turkey will take roughly three hours to cook at 325 F. Check out the chart below to see how long it takes to cook a turkey.

 

Download cooking time chart

How to Thaw a Turkey 

Before you begin cooking your turkey for your family gathering, you must make sure it’s fully thawed. You can use the refrigerator or cold water methods for thawing a turkey.

 

Download thawing time chart

 

 

The Refrigerator Thawing Method 

If you have time before your family gathers in the dining room, the refrigerator thawing method is a good option. 

• Keep your turkey in its original packaging 
• Store it in the refrigerator 
• Add an extra 24 hours for every four to five pounds

 

The Cold Water Thawing Method 

If your turkey feast is happening quickly, thankfully the cold water method is for folks who don’t have a lot of time to spare. 

• Place your turkey in a bucket of cold water 
• Swap the water every 30 minutes to maintain its coldness 
• Add 30 minutes for every pound of turkey
  

Turkey Cooking Tips 

Follow these tips to ensure you cook your turkey perfectly for all occasions! 

• Buy the right size turkey: Buying the biggest bird isn’t always the best option. Account for one pound of turkey per person for a whole turkey or half a pound 
• Don’t buy the biggest turkey if not everyone will eat it 
• Account half or one pound per person to avoid too many leftovers 
• Add thawing time to your total cooking time 
• Choose a turkey brine for extra flavor 
• Cook your stuffing separately from your turkey 
• Incorporate fresh herbs into your turkey for extra flavor 
• Use a large roasting pan and rack 
• Check the internal temperature of your turkey with a meat thermometer 
• Make sure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 F 
• Cut your turkey with proper carving tools 
• Use a baster or large spoon for a moist turkey 
• Cut your turkey on a large cutting board 

 

As you begin preparing for your family gathering, make sure to consider these tips and tricks for cooking the perfect turkey. Remember to factor thawing into your total cooking time. There is no need to over complicate your turkey recipes — fresh herbs work perfectly fine for a brine. Don’t forget to use a large carving board and professional tools. 

You’re now ready to cook and create a beautiful plate of food. We hope you have a great holiday season and a wonderful family dinner! 

 

Happy Thursday, and happy holidays!

 

This post was written in partnership with Siege Media. Printables and images were supplied by them and as such are not owned by me.

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