Looking for the easiest turkey cook time chart? Whether you’re cooking a 10-pound bird or a 24-pound stuffed turkey, this guide gives you everything you need to confidently roast your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey to perfection. Below, you’ll find simple charts for unstuffed and stuffed turkeys, plus cooking times if you’re using an oven bag, all tested and verified for safety and flavor. This post includes expert tips, a freezer-safe leftover guide, and advice to help you feel confident—no matter your level of experience.
I’ve personally tested these turkey cooking methods both at home and professionally for clients as a recipe developer, and this post is designed to be your no-stress, go-to resource.
If you are looking for in-depth, simple step-by-step directions and foolproof tips, check out this post.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust This Turkey Cooking Guide
- Turkey Cook Time Chart (Unstuffed)
- Stuffed Turkey Cook Time Chart
- Turkey Cook Time Chart in an Oven Bag
- Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
Why You Can Trust This Turkey Cooking Guide
As a professional recipe developer, lifestyle expert, and food content creator, I’ve tested dozens of turkey recipes over the years, for both editorial clients and holiday hosts looking for foolproof solutions. My readers love my realistic, elevated-but-easy recipes, and I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from hands-on testing and food safety guidelines (including the USDA, National Turkey Federation, and Butterball) to build this chart. I’m here to help you feel informed and confident when it matters most.
Turkey Cook Time Chart (Unstuffed)
Roast turkey at 325°F (163°C) until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Do not rely solely on time—temperature is key for food safety.
| Turkey Weight | Roasting Time at 325°F (Unstuffed) |
|---|---|
| 8 – 12 lbs | 2¾ to 3 hours |
| 12 – 14 lbs | 3 to 3¾ hours |
| 14 – 18 lbs | 3¾ to 4¼ hours |
| 18 – 20 lbs | 4¼ to 4½ hours |
| 20 – 24 lbs | 4½ to 5 hours |
Quick Tip
Always let turkey rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving to retain juices.
Stuffed Turkey Cook Time Chart
Stuffed turkeys take longer to cook and require the center of the stuffing to reach 165°F for food safety (per USDA guidelines).
| Turkey Weight | Roasting Time at 325°F (Stuffed) |
|---|---|
| 8 – 12 lbs | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 – 14 lbs | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 – 18 lbs | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 – 20 lbs | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 – 24 lbs | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
Quick Tip
Avoid overstuffing. Loosely fill the cavity and use a thermometer to check the internal temp of the stuffing.
Turkey Cook Time Chart in an Oven Bag
Using an oven bag (like Reynolds Oven Bags) can reduce cook time and help lock in moisture.
| Turkey Weight | Oven Bag Roasting Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 8 – 12 lbs | 1½ to 2 hours |
| 12 – 16 lbs | 2 to 2½ hours |
| 16 – 20 lbs | 2½ to 3 hours |
| 20 – 24 lbs | 3 to 3½ hours |
Oven bag tip
Always sprinkle 1 tbsp flour in the bag to prevent bursting and allow steam to circulate. Cut slits in the top of the bag for venting.
Quick Turkey Cooking Tips
Preheat oven to 325°F (or 350°F for oven bag method).
Thaw completely: Allow 24 hours of thawing per 4–5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator.
Use a roasting rack in your pan for even cooking.
Don’t rely on the pop-up timer—they often signal too late. Use a digital thermometer.
Check three spots: the thigh, breast, and center of stuffing (if stuffed). All should read 165°F.
Tent with foil if browning too fast, especially after the first 2 hours.
Let it rest: After cooking, tent the turkey with foil and let it sit for 30 minutes before carving. This step is essential!
For more of my best tips for cooking turkey, including simple step-by-step directions, check out this post!
Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked turkey for up to 3 months. Label with the date and portion sizes for easy reheating.
Reheating
- To retain moisture, reheat turkey covered in foil at 300°F with a splash of broth or water.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
Roasting a turkey can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, a clear cook time chart, and a reliable thermometer, you can confidently serve the perfect bird—every time. Whether you’re making your first Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey or you just need a quick reference for the cooking time per pound, this guide was created to take the guesswork out of it all.
I hope you keep this post bookmarked year after year as your go-to resource. I’ve done the testing—so you don’t have to.
Connect With Me
Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more food inspiration and tips, and join the conversation on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
