Exactly How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey for a Safe and Juicy Bird (2024)

How to Cook

Here, our Test Kitchen experts share their top tips for how long to cook a stuffed turkey in the oven, including time and temperature suggestions.

Karla Walsh

Karla Walsh began her career at FITNESS magazine in 2010. Since, she's worked at a wide variety of publications full-time, including BHG.com, Recipe.com and as a cross-brand social media specialist. From search engine optimization to features for print to video strategy, she has a diverse background in all things magazines. At the start of 2019, Karla chose to pursue full-time freelance writing and has contributed to more than 3 dozen brands.

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and

Sarah Martens

Sarah Martens is the Senior Editor overseeing food at Better Homes & Gardens digital. She has been with the BHG brand for more than 10 years.

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Cooking Time for a Stuffed Turkey

You've selected your favorite stuffing recipe, dressed the turkey in a turkey rub, and stuffed the bird. You're almost there. But what's the cooking time for the turkey? Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, because you're almost there. We're sharing exactly how long you should cook a stuffed turkey.

How to Defrost a Turkey in Time for the Feast

First, what's the cooking time per pound for a stuffed turkey? Using a 325°F oven, here's a rough per pound guide from the pros at foodsafety.gov. These stuffed turkey cooking times have been tested and proven to work well by our Test Kitchen team:

For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours.
For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours.
For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours.
For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours.
For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours.

The safest way to determine your exact roasting time is by checking every 15 minutes or so after the 3-hour mark using a meat thermometer. This probe thermometer (Target) lets you keep an eye on the turkey temp without opening and closing the oven. When cooking a stuffed turkey, the temperature should read 165°F in the stuffing, 170°F in the breast, and 175°F in the thigh. Note that after removing the turkey from the oven, the temperature of the meat will rise about 5°F.

Here's How Long You Can Keep Your Turkey in the Freezer for the Best Quality

Exactly How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey for a Safe and Juicy Bird (4)

Test Kitchen Tip: For the most delicious results, place a loose foil cover over your turkey and let it stand for about 10 minutes before carving. This ensures the meat has time to rest.

Cooking turkey for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated! Be sure to remove the stuffing before carving and add it to a separate serving dish. If you follow these tips for how to cook a stuffed turkey, you're sure to serve a perfectly roasted dinner every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you cook a stuffed turkey at 325°F or 350°F?

For the best results, our Test Kitchen recommends cooking a stuffed turkey at 325°F. This allows the turkey to roast evenly for the juiciest meat.
Do you cook stuffing before putting it in the turkey?

There's no need to cook stuffing before putting into the turkey. If your stuffing recipe includes meat or sausage, ensure it is cooked before adding it to the recipe. Our Test Kitchen recommends placing the stuffing in the bird just before roasting.

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