how long to bake turkey

For a whole turkey, typical oven-baking (roasting) time is about 13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C), but you should always cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. The exact time depends on weight, whether it is stuffed, and your oven.

Safe basics

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Start checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer well before the “expected” end time.
• The turkey is done when the breast and the innermost part of the thigh reach 165°F (74°C); let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Approximate time by weight (unstuffed, 325°F)

These are rough guidelines, not a substitute for a thermometer.

• 10 lb: about 2¼–2½ hours.
• 12 lb: about 2½–3 hours.
• 14 lb: about 3–3¼ hours.
• 16 lb: about 3¼–3½ hours.
• 18 lb: about 3½–3¾ hours.
• 20 lb: about 4–4½ hours.

If the turkey is stuffed, add roughly 15–30 minutes total, but still rely on the thermometer and make sure the center of the stuffing also hits 165°F.

Simple rule of thumb

• Plan on about 13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed turkey.
• Begin checking the internal temperature 30–45 minutes before the calculated time so you do not overcook it.

If you tell the turkey’s weight and whether it’s stuffed, a tailored time range can be suggested more precisely.