how long to cook turkey per kg
For a whole turkey, a common rule of thumb is about 40 minutes per kilogram at 180°C for an unstuffed bird, but always cook to temperature, not just time.
Core timing rule
- For a standard whole, unstuffed turkey roasted in a conventional oven at around 180°C, plan roughly 35–40 minutes per kg as a starting guide.
- This means a 4 kg turkey will typically take about 2½–3 hours, while a 6 kg turkey may take about 3½–4 hours.
Stuffed vs unstuffed
- A stuffed turkey takes longer, so add about 10–15 minutes per kg if the bird is fully stuffed or very tightly packed.
- Weigh the turkey with stuffing inside when calculating time, since that total mass affects how long heat takes to penetrate to the centre.
Temperature checks (most important)
- Rather than relying only on “how long to cook turkey per kg”, always check the thickest part of the thigh and breast with a meat thermometer; the turkey is done when it reaches at least 74°C in those spots.
- If the juices run clear and the legs move easily in the joint, that usually confirms doneness, but temperature is the safest and most reliable check.
Example per‑kg timings table (approximate)
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed at 180°C | Stuffed at 180°C |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | ~1¾–2 hours | ~2–2¼ hours |
| 4 kg | ~2½–3 hours | ~2¾–3¼ hours |
| 5 kg | ~3–3¼ hours | ~3¼–3½ hours |
| 6–7 kg | ~3½–4 hours | ~4–4½ hours |
Quick story-style tip
- Many modern oven guides and forum “turkey veterans” say: use the per‑kg time to plan your day, but let the thermometer have the final say, then rest the turkey loosely covered for 20–40 minutes so it stays juicy and easier to carve.
TL;DR: Use about 35–40 minutes per kg at 180°C as a guide, adjust up a bit if stuffed, and always confirm the turkey is safely cooked by checking it reaches at least 74°C in the thickest parts.
