How Long to Cook a Turkey at 325°F + Easy Recipe
Roasting a turkey at 325°F (163°C) gives you tender meat and beautifully golden skin. Cooking time depends on the turkey’s size and whether it’s stuffed, but the most important thing is that it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
How Long to Cook a Turkey at 325°F
| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8–12 lbs | 2¾–3 hours | 3–3½ hours |
| 12–14 lbs | 3–3¾ hours | 3½–4 hours |
| 14–18 lbs | 3¾–4¼ hours | 4–4¼ hours |
| 18–20 lbs | 4¼–4½ hours | 4¼–4¾ hours |
| 20–24 lbs | 4½–5 hours | 4¾–5¼ hours |
Always check doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time. The thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh and wing should reach 165°F (74°C). Stuffing should also reach 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Ingredients for Roast Turkey
Turkey: Use a fresh or fully thawed whole turkey.
For Flavor: Butter or oil, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper keep the turkey flavorful and juicy.
Stuffing (Optional): Use your favorite stuffing, allowing additional roasting time for a stuffed bird.
For more turkey recipes, look at these Cozy Fall Ground Turkey Recipes and this Perfect Turkey Gravy.
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Use a thermometer: Cooking time is only a guide; temperature is the best way to know when the turkey is ready.
- Season under the skin: Rub herb butter underneath the skin for extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest before carving: Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes after roasting so the juices settle.
What to Serve with Roast Turkey
Serve roast turkey with mashed potatoes, Grilled Roasted Potatoes, Boiled Potatoes for Salad, Kenyan Kachumbari, or Cucumber Onion Salad for a fresh and flavorful meal.
FAQs About Cooking Turkey at 325°F
More Recipe Guides
If you are looking for some other handy baking guides, you should look at this Baked Chicken Wings Recipe and this Chicken Enchiladas tutorial.
Easy Herb Butter Turkey Recipe At 325ºF
Ingredients
- 10-12 pound turkey, prepped
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup fresh rosemary
- 1 cup fresh thyme
- 1 cup fresh sage
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To start, prepare your turkey. If you have frozen turkey, make sure that it is completely thawed inside the fridge. It takes about 24 hours per 5 pounds, so give it a couple of days. The turkey should also be brought to room temperature before you start prepping it.
- Next, remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Pat it dry with paper towel. Then, place the turkey inside the roasting tray on top of a roasting rack. Set it aside.
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Place the oven rack in the center of the oven.
- Place the softened butter inside a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of thyme and rosemary, and 2 teaspoons of sage. You can also add the minced garlic. The herbs can be finely minced. The remaining herbs should stay whole for the stuffing.
- Mix the herb butter together and season it with more salt and pepper if it's needed. Set it aside.
- Then, start seasoning your turkey. Rub some sea salt flakes and black pepper in the cavity. Once finished, add the remaining fresh herbs.
- Next, loosen the skin of the turkey and rub butter underneath it. You don't have to add a thick layer, but add over as much surface area (under the skin) as possible. Reserve 3 tablespoons of herb butter.
- Tuck the wings underneath the turkey and make sure it's in the center of the roasting rack.
- Soften the remaining herb butter completely. It shouldn't be melted. Brush it all over the turkey, covering every inch well. If you rub out, make more herb butter.
- Finally, cover the pan with foil and bake the turkey for about 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
- Once you reach the halfway mark of the estimated baking time, remove the foil and continue baking the turkey.
- After the initial baking time, check the doneness of the turkey before removing it from the oven. The internal temperature should be 165ºF (74ºC). You can use other techniques to check the doneness (they are the same as for chicken).
- Once your turkey is baked to perfection, remove it and leave it to rest for 30 minutes before serving. This ensures that the juices (and flavor) remain inside the meat when it gets cut.
- Serve with your favorite side dish, like rusted potatoes, rice, or salad.
