How Long to Thaw a Turkey
It’s important to start cooking with a fully defrosted turkey. Our handy turkey defrosting guide shares full timing and methods for thawing your Thanksgiving turkey. Our favorite way to thaw a bird is to leave it in the refrigerator. You can keep a turkey in the fridge for up to four days before cooking.
How Long to Roast a Turkey
Once your turkey has been properly thawed and brined, seasoned, or stuffed as desired, roast in a pan at 325°F using these times as guidelines for unstuffed turkeys. Always determine doneness with a temperature check. Each time is for cooking one turkey at a time. Your meat thermometer should register 175°F in the thigh muscle.
Timing Guidelines for Stuffed Whole Turkeys
If you’re going the classic route, stuffing your turkey rather than cooking the stuffing in its own dish, you’ll increase the above roasting times by 15 to 45 minutes. Look here for the stuffed turkey timing details. Again, do a temperature test to be sure the turkey is done. The center of the stuffing should hit 165°F. Whether you cook up a Classic Roast Turkey, Maple Sage Turkey, Honey Roast Turkey, or the recipe that your family has passed down for generations, using these timings as your guide will help you put a turkey on the table that you’re proud of.
