Cooking Time for Stuffed Turkey
Do not—repeat, do not—cook your turkey from a frozen state. Some people try this. It’s like setting a brick in the oven. The outside burns, the inside stays icy, and the stuffing never gets warm. Thaw that bird in the fridge for 24 hours per 5 pounds.
Another weird trick: Let it rest. For half the cooking time. Wait, what? No—rest for 20 to 30 minutes after it comes out. The juices redistribute. If you cut into it immediately, you’ll have a dry, sad bird and a pool of juice on the cutting board. That juice belongs inside the meat, not on your counter.
The Great Temperature Debate
Some rebels cook turkey at 450°F for the first 30 minutes, then drop it to 325°F. This is called “hot-start” roasting. It gives you a bronzed, crispy skin. But it also risks drying out the breast if you’re not careful. Dramatic, right?
My advice? Stick to 325°F. It’s boring but reliable. Boring birds win the taste test every time. Fast birds burn your tongue—and your pride.
Time Chart For Cooking Turkey - TimeChart.net