Roast Time for Stuffed Turkey
Here’s the practical bit. For a stuffed bird at 325°F, think in 15-minute increments per pound. So an 8-10 pounder? About 3 to 3.5 hours. A 14-18 pound celebrity? 4 to 4.75 hours. But these are guidelines, not laws. Your oven might run hot, or your stuffing might be extra soggy—life’s messy.
Pro tip: Rotate the bird halfway through for even browning. Also, tent the breast with foil if it’s getting too dark before the thighs are done. You’re not a patient person? Neither am I. But I’ve learned that patience here is the difference between “Oh, divine!” and “Uh, anyone want more cranberry sauce to mask the dryness?”
The One Thing Nobody Tells You About Resting
You wrestle the beast out of the oven, all proud and sweaty. And then you must let it rest for 20-30 minutes. I know—you want to carve NOW. But resting lets the juices redistribute, so your first slice isn’t a desert. Plus, the stuffing will actually hold at a safe temp for a while, so you’re not rushing into a danger zone.
How Long to Cook a Juicy, Tender 12 Pound Stuffed Turkey
Ironically, that resting time is perfect for you to pour yourself a glass of wine and admire your handiwork. Or panic about the gravy, but that’s a different article.