How Long to Cook a Turkey: Easy Roasting Guidelines to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Holidays Cooking Tips Poultry

Not sure how long to cook your Thanksgiving turkey? You're not alone! How to roast the perfect Thanksgiving turkey is an age-old question, and we've got the answers.

For compliment-worthy results, roast your turkey in a preheated 325-degree F oven on the lowest oven rack. But for how long? Follow these guidelines from the National Turkey Federation: 

• 8 - 12 pounds – 2.75 to 3 hours (unstuffed), 3 to 3.5 hours (stuffed)

• 12 - 14 pounds – 3 to 3.75 hours (unstuffed), 3.5 to 4 (stuffed)

• 14 - 18 pounds – 3.75 to 4.25 hours (unstuffed), 4 to 4.25 hours (stuffed)

• 18 - 20 pounds – 4.25 to 4.5 hours (unstuffed), 4.25 to 4.75 (stuffed)

• 20 - 24 pounds – 4.25 to 4.5 hours (unstuffed), 4.25 to 4.75 (stuffed)

• 24 - 30 pounds – 5 to 5.25 hours (unstuffed), 5.25 to 6.25 (stuffed)

Happy Turkey Day, and Happy Thanksgiving!

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