How long do I cook a 20 pound unstuffed turkey?
Emily Wong
Updated on February 12, 2026
How long do I cook a 20 pound unstuffed turkey?
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.
What temperature do I cook an unstuffed turkey?
Turkey is cooked when the meat thermometer reads 170°F (77°C) for an unstuffed turkey, or 180°F (82°C) for a stuffed turkey and the juices run clear.
How long to cook 20lb Turkey?
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.
Can a Turkey be left in the oven for a long time?
You’ve got a beautifully prepped turkey —it was selected with care, brined the right way, and it’s now ready to head into the oven—here’s how to make sure it bakes beautifully for a show-stopping Thanksgiving spread. Unsure how long you’re supposed to leave the bird in the oven?
What’s the best way to cook a Turkey?
Cover turkey loosely with a tent of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Roast the turkey until temperature in the innermost part of the thigh reaches 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the wing and the thickest part of the breast. You may choose to cook the turkey to higher temperatures. Cooking time will vary.
What should the oven temp be for a 20 lb Turkey?
When you’re ready to start cooking, preheat the oven to 325ºF. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Unwrap it (if applicable) and remove the neck and giblets.
How long do you cook a turkey without stuffing?
According to the USDA , for an unstuffed turkey roasting at 325 degrees, you should allow 2¾ to 3 hours for an 8- to 12-pound turkey; 3 to 3¾ hours for a 12- to 14-pounder; 3¾ to 4¼ hours for a 14- to 18-pounder; 4¼ to 4½ hours for an 18- to 20-pounder and 4½ to 5 hours for an 20- to 24-pounder.
How long should you cook a 10-lb. Turkey?
- Roasting Takes Hours. One way to cook a 10-lb. turkey is to roast it in the oven.
- Deep-Frying Is Faster. Deep-frying a completely-thawed 10-pound turkey takes about 35 minutes. Deep-frying a turkey is a popular way to cook the bird in the southern United States.
- Bottom Line. Time to eat!
What is the cooking time for a 16-pound Turkey?
Turkey Recipe Cheat-Sheet How big of a turkey? This method is best for a 12 to 16 pound bird. How long to cook the turkey? 13 minutes of cooking time for each pound of turkey if roasting empty and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed. What temperature to cook the turkey? What temperature should the turkey be? How long to rest the turkey?
How long does it take to cook the perfect turkey?
Roast turkey on the lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, put the triangle over the turkey breast, insert the meat thermometer, return the turkey to the oven, and lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Cook the turkey until the center part of the breast reaches 161 degrees F (1.5-2.5 hours total).