How Long to Cook 18Lb Turkey at 325
Here’s your golden rule: plan for 4 to 4 ½ hours total at 325°F. That’s roughly 13 to 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird—plenty of time to relax while your oven does the heavy lifting.
If you’re team stuffing (and who isn’t?), add about 30 minutes, bringing the total to 4 ½ to 5 hours. Just remember: the turkey’s cavity needs to be loosely packed, not crammed like a clown car.
But here’s the real secret: trust your thermometer, not the clock. Ovens lie. Thermostats fib. A probe thermometer is your new best friend.
Why 325°F is the Sweet Spot
Cooking at 325°F is the Goldilocks of turkey temperatures—not too hot to dry out the breast, not too cool to leave you waiting forever. It’s the temperature that delivers crispy skin and juicy meat every time.
Think of it as a slow dance, not a sprint. At 325°F, the heat coaxes the bird to cook evenly, giving those hard-to-reach thighs time to catch up with the lean breast.
Plus, you get that glorious golden-brown glow that makes everyone gasp when you carry it to the table. That is the moment you’ve been waiting for.