How To Cook A Turkey

5 from 157 votes
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Follow these basic steps for how to cook a turkey and you will enjoy a tender, juicy turkey without fail.

Turkey garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds, sage, rosemary, thyme and orange slices for How to Cook a Turkey.
Featured with This Recipe
  1. How Many Pounds of Turkey do I Need?
  2. How long do I thaw a frozen turkey?
  3. How To Quick Thaw a Turkey (aka Cold Water Thawing)
  4. Should I Rinse My Turkey Before Cooking?
  5. Brining The Turkey
  6. Popular Turkey Seasonings and Variations
  7. Turkey Cooking Methods and Techniques
  8. Cooking a Turkey in an Electric Roaster
  9. What temperature to cook a turkey?
  10. How Long to Cook a Turkey
  11. Approximate Turkey Cooking Times Chart from USDA
  12. Meat Thermometer Guidelines for the National Turkey Federation
  13. Meat Thermometer Placement in a Turkey
  14. Internal Temperature for Turkey
  15. Carving the Turkey
  16. More Tips For Cooking a Turkey
  17. How to Make Turkey Gravy
  18. What To Serve With Turkey
  19. Frequently Asked Questions
  20. Storing and Reheating the Leftovers
  21. Turkey Leftover Recipes
  22. How to Cook a Turkey
  23. How to Cook a Turkey Recipe

Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner or a Sunday dinner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these simple steps you can have a full turkey dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing for any occasion without breaking a sweat!

Whether it’s the first time or tenth time you are cooking a turkey, there is something that can be slightly intimidating about it. Will it be cooked in time? Am I going to have enough turkey? Will it be dry? Take a deep breath and be assured that you can do this! Follow this recipe along with the guidelines we’ve included, and you will be placing a flavorful, moist, and tender turkey on the kitchen table for all to admire.

To start off, here are some items to consider when purchasing a turkey, thawing a frozen turkey, and planning for cooking time.

Top view of Turkey Display for How to Cook a Turkey.


How Many Pounds of Turkey do I Need?

This is a key question to ask when preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner.

You definitely don’t want to run out of turkey during dinner, and you need turkey leftovers for turkey sandwiches, turkey pot pie, and turkey noodle soup, right?

A good rule of thumb when buying a turkey, if you want leftovers, is 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person. This takes into account the weight of the bones, it’s not all meat weight.

If you don’t want a lot of leftover turkey meat, estimate 1 pound of meat per person. I like leftover turkey, so if I’m serving 12 people at Thanksgiving dinner, I will buy an 18 pound turkey.

Close up of full turkey on a serving tray for How to Cook a Turkey.

How long do I thaw a frozen turkey?

For food safety and thorough cooking, a turkey should be completely thawed before it is cooked. To slow thaw a turkey, place it in the refrigerator for 3-6 days prior to cooking.

This is a great, safe way to thaw your turkey, and how we recommend thawing. The chart below shows when to thaw your turkey for Thanksgiving 2023:

Chart showing when to thaw your turkey in 2023

How To Quick Thaw a Turkey (aka Cold Water Thawing)

We have all waited until the last minute to thaw the turkey (or forgot to thaw it) before cooking. I have done it (several times actually) and we get comments and emails every year from others who have done it as well.

Don’t worry, there is a quick-thaw solution that the USDA actually approves of. This is the “Cold Water Thaw”. To do this you will want to allow 30 minutes of thaw time per pound of turkey.

Here is what the USDA recommends: 

“First, be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product.

Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.”

COLD WATER THAWING TIMES 

  • 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
  • 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
  • 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
  • 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours

Read More: How to Thaw a Turkey Safely

Should I Rinse My Turkey Before Cooking?

In short, NO — do NOT rinse your turkey before cooking. According to the USDA, rinsing your turkey is not only unnecessary but could actually do more harm than good.

Rinsing your turkey can splash and spread bacteria into your sink and on your countertops. Instead, drain the excess juices from the turkey down the sink and then pat the turkey dry with paper towels. 

Hand patting turkey dry with paper towels for How to Cook a Turkey Instructions.

Brining The Turkey

Brining a turkey is an optional, yet popular technique that can enhance the turkey’s flavor, moisture, and tenderness. This is achieved through the process of osmosis, where the salt in the brine solution helps the turkey absorb extra moisture and seasoning. The salt also breaks down muscle proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat.

If you would like to brine your turkey, the best wet brining resource we have found comes straight from the USDA (here). They have great tips on how to safely brine a whole turkey. They also have some great tips for dry brining with Kosher salt here. 

Hand brushing butter on turkey for How to Cook a Turkey Instructions.

For this recipe, we like to use plenty of butter (you can use salted or unsalted butter) and traditional seasonings such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Remember to pat the turkey very dry before adding butter and seasonings so they adhere to the turkey while cooking. You can also throw some lemon or orange slices onto the turkey while it is roasting to give it a little citrus-y boost. Here are some more ideas for seasoning your turkey:

  • Classic Seasoning: A mixture of salt and pepper, herbs, garlic, citrus and onion make for a classic and traditional seasoning mix. We also like to include a little paprika to the mix for a beautiful color and a smoky flavor.
  • Cajun: A mix of paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme for a spicy kick. You can also use a cajun seasoning mix such as Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning.
  • Italian: A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and garlic for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Fruit-Infused: Combine herbs with fresh fruit like apples, pears, or cranberries for a fruity, herbal infusion.
  • Maple Glaze: Brush the turkey with a maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze for a sweet and tangy crust.
  • Soy and Honey: A mixture of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic for an umami-rich, slightly sweet turkey.
Meat thermometer in a cooked turkey for Turkey covered with foil for How to Cook a Turkey.

Turkey Cooking Methods and Techniques

There are several cooking methods for cooking a turkey, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are some common methods:

  1. Roasting (our preferred method, recipe below): This is the traditional and most popular method. This is method we use in the recipe provided below. The turkey is cooked in the oven, usually in a roasting pan. It’s a versatile method and allows for various seasonings and stuffings. You can roast in the oven or in an electric roaster.
  2. Deep Frying: Deep-frying is a faster method that results in a crispy skin and moist meat. However, it requires special equipment and precautions due to the large amount of hot oil involved.
  3. Smoking: Smoking a turkey infuses it with a distinct smoky flavor. It’s a slower method, but the result is incredibly flavorful and juicy.
  4. Grilling: Grilling a turkey gives it a unique charred flavor. It’s essential to use an indirect grilling method to avoid burning the turkey.
  5. Spatchcocking: This technique involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey before roasting it. It reduces cooking time and ensures even cooking.
  6. Slow Roasting: Slow roasting involves cooking the turkey at a lower temperature for an extended period. It yields very tender meat.
  7. Braising: In this method, the turkey is seared in a hot pan, then simmered in liquid until it’s tender. It’s less common for whole turkeys but great for turkey pieces.
  8. Instant Pot or Pressure Cooking: Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while keeping the turkey moist. Because most Instant Pots can’t hold a whole turkey, this method is best for a turkey breast or turkey pieces.

Cooking a Turkey in an Electric Roaster

If you cook your turkey in an electric roaster, it is going to cook faster. Depending on your roaster, it may cook up to 2 hours faster. This is due to the heat source being much closer to the turkey. Check the owner’s manual of your roaster to get the most accurate roasting times. Don’t forget to check the turkey with a meat thermometer when it is about half way through cooking to see how it is coming along. Try to only lift the lid as much as needed to avoid too much heat escaping.

Top view of cooked Turkey in a roasting pan for How to Cook a Turkey.

What temperature to cook a turkey?

Low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to cooking a turkey. A lower heat and longer cooking time results in tender, juicy turkey meat that is worth the wait.

We’ve found that 325 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for a Thanksgiving turkey. See the chart below for cooking time.

Turkey breast sliced on a cutting board for How to Cook a Turkey instructions.

How Long to Cook a Turkey

This is the crucial question when preparing Thanksgiving dinner! Timing is everything!

The cooking time depends on the size of the turkey, and it’s important to remember that all ovens are not created equally. Generally, you cook a turkey at 325-degrees for 15-20 minute per pound but this isn’t always perfectly accurate. This is why a meat thermometer is essential.

This chart will help give you an idea of how long to cook your turkey, but keep in mind that all ovens are not created equal.

Keep in mind that the turkey will also need to rest once it is out of the oven for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to distribute throughout the turkey before it is sliced.

This will give you time to bake the rolls, make the gravy, and finish up side dishes.

Approximate Turkey Cooking Times Chart from USDA

Turkey cook time by weight chart

Meat Thermometer Guidelines for the National Turkey Federation

This is the recommendation from the National Turkey Federation for meat thermometer placement and internal temperatures:

Meat Thermometer Placement in a Turkey

An important part of using any thermometer is the proper placement in the turkey.

  • Insert the thermometer 2 ½ inches into the deepest, thickest part of the breast or into the inner thigh near the turkey breast.
  • Make sure the thermometer does not touch a bone.
  • When inserting the thermometer in the turkey breast, insert it from the side.
  • The thermometer is easier and more accurate this way than when inserted from the top.
Hand holding digital meat thermometer for How to Cook a Turkey instructions.

Internal Temperature for Turkey

The internal temperature should reach:

  • 165 degrees F to 170 degrees F in the breast 
  • 175 degrees F to 180 degrees F in the thigh
  • 165 degrees F in the center of the stuffing.
Sliced Turkey breast on a fork for How to Cook a Turkey.

Carving the Turkey

Carving a turkey can seem daunting, but with the right technique, it becomes a manageable task. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best way to carve a turkey:

Tools You’ll Need:

  • A sharp carving knife: A long, thin-bladed knife works best for carving. You can also use an electric carving knife.
  • A carving fork: This will help stabilize the turkey as you carve.
  • A cutting board: Choose a large, stable surface for carving.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

  • Before carving, let the roasted turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and making it easier to carve.

Step 2: Remove the Legs and Thighs

  1. Place the turkey on a cutting board with the breast side up.
  2. Hold the turkey steady with a carving fork inserted into the breast near the wing.
  3. Use your carving knife to make a long, horizontal cut between the breast and the thigh. The thigh should easily separate from the body.
  4. To separate the thigh from the drumstick, locate the joint, and slice through it.

Step 3: Carve the Breast Meat

  1. To carve the breast, start by making a horizontal slice just above the wing joint.
  2. Continue with smooth, even slices downward, working your way along the breast meat.
  3. Slice until you reach the breastbone.
  4. Once you’ve sliced as far down as you can, angle your knife slightly and carefully lift the slices off the breastbone.
  5. Transfer the slices to a serving platter as you go.

Step 4: Remove the Wings

  • If desired, you can remove the wings by cutting through the joint where they connect to the body. This step is optional.

Step 5: Slice the Dark Meat

  1. Place the thighs and drumsticks on a separate surface.
  2. Separate the drumsticks from the thighs by locating the joint and slicing through it.
  3. For each piece, make horizontal slices to create serving-sized portions.

Step 6: Arrange and Serve

  • Arrange the carved turkey meat on a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs or other desired accompaniments, and serve.

Carving a turkey is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. The key is to take your time, use steady, even strokes, and always carve against the grain for the most tender and flavorful slices.

Platter display of sliced turkey for How to Cook a Turkey.

More Tips For Cooking a Turkey

  • Use a good roasting pan. We use a Magnalite roasting pan. It’s what our mom has used for years. We call it the “magic pot”. Any deep-walled, heavy duty roasting pan will work great though. 
  • Use a roasting rack. This will make it so your turkey isn’t sitting down in the juices. You don’t want to have a turkey with a soggy bottom. A roasting rack will also make it so the turkey gets a good “crackling” all the way around.
  • If you can’t cover the turkey with a lid, cover with aluminum foil. 
  • Use an electric knife for carving. It just makes it so much easier to carve. If you don’t have an electric knife, be sure to use a very sharp knife so you don’t tear up the meat. 
  • If you want to add vegetables in with your turkey, you can add them before you place the turkey in the oven but this could make them soggy. We usually don’t add vegetables to our roasted turkey, but if you prefer adding veggies such as carrots, onions, celery, or even potatoes, we recommend adding them only an hour or two before the turkey is finished cooking.

How to Make Turkey Gravy

What is a delicious roasted turkey without the gravy? The gravy is the icing on the cake when it comes to turkey. The flavorful drippings from the turkey are what make the gravy! Use our Mom’s Famous Turkey Gravy recipe for the best tasting turkey gravy made from turkey drippings.

Turkey Gravy in a serving boat next to a dish of mashed potatoes.

What To Serve With Turkey

Whether you are cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving or for Sunday dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious side dishes. Be sure to check out out ENTIRE collection of Thanksgiving Side Dishes AND Thanksgiving Desserts!

Read Next: ALL the BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a breakdown of some of the most commonly asked questions about cooking a turkey if you prefer a quick answer. If you need more in-depth information, you can find more detailed answers in the post above.

What should the internal temperature of turkey be?

165 degrees F to 170 degrees F in the breast 
175 degrees F to 180 degrees F in the thigh
165 degrees F in the center of the stuffing.

How do I thaw a turkey quickly?

Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. This can take anywhere between 2-12 hours depending on the size of your turkey.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Generally, you cook a turkey at 325-degrees for 15-20 minute per pound but this isn’t always perfectly accurate. A meat thermometer is essential to making sure your turkey is properly cooked through.

What cooking method is best for turkey?

For tender, flavorful turkey, we prefer the classic roasting method.

Storing and Reheating the Leftovers

When cooking a whole turkey, we almost always have leftovers! To store, first, let the turkey cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking, then refrigerate it in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Leftover turkey will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer. When reheating, you can use an oven or microwave. In the oven, cover the turkey with foil to prevent drying and reheat at a low temperature (around 325°F) until it’s warmed through. For a microwave, cook portions for 30 seconds at a time until heated through.

Turkey Leftover Recipes

We find ourselves eating the leftovers for DAYS after Thanksgiving. Whether it be a simple turkey sandwich or a fancy turkey pot pie, we love finding creative ways to use up that leftover turkey! Here are some of our favorite recipes using the leftovers:

How to Cook a Turkey

Side view of fully cooked turkey on a platter for How to Cook a Turkey.

How to Cook a Turkey

5 from 157 votes
Follow these easy steps and guidelines for How to Cook a Turkey. Cooking time and serving size are for an 18 pound turkey. See chart in post above for cooking times for smaller and larger turkeys.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey thawed (18-20 lbs)
  • thick celery stalks and onion slices (optional, see steps 2 and 3)
  • 1/3 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1-2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • aluminum foil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove turkey from packaging. Remove any giblets or gravy packets included with the turkey. Throw the neck and giblets away. Keep the gravy packet in the refrigerator until you make the gravy (turkey gravy recipe in recipe notes). Pat completely dry with paper towels (this is important so the butter will adhere to the turkey).
    Hand patting turkey dry with paper towels for How to Cook a Turkey Instructions.
  • Spray a roasting pan with cooking spray. Add the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan, then place the turkey on a wire roasting rack inside the pan. Thick celery stocks and thick onion slices can be used instead of a wire rack.
    Note: If using an aluminum roasting pan, do not place the turkey directly on the aluminum. Place some thick celery stocks and thick onion slices in the bottom of the pan, and place the turkey on top of them.
    If the turkey is placed directly on the pan, the skin will stick to the bottom of the pan as the turkey cooks and the turkey will be difficult to remove from the pan.
    Chicken broth pouring into roasting pan for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • Tuck the wing tips under the bird so that they will not get too brown while cooking. This also looks much more appetizing.
    Hand tucking chicken wings under the turkey for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • Melt butter and brush evenly over the turkey. Gently lift the skin and rub some of the butter under the skin layer.
    Hand brushing butter on turkey for How to Cook a Turkey Instructions.
  • Combine the spices and rub them evenly over the buttered turkey.
    Seasoned uncooked turkey in a roasting pan for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • Make an aluminum foil "tent" to go over the entire turkey. Using a wide aluminum foil sheet, or two long sheets crimped together to form a wide sheet, loosely cover the entire turkey.  
    Tuck the foil inside the roasting pan around the turkey so the condensation from the turkey drips from the foil back into the pan.  
    Turkey covered with foil in a roasting pan for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • Place the turkey in the oven and cook according to turkey package directions. Cooking time will vary according to the turkey size. See turkey cooking chart in post above.  
    A meat thermometer is always recommended. A turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If the turkey has been "stuffed" with dressing, add 15-45 minutes to the cooking time.  
    The dressing, or stuffing, is fully cooked when it reaches 165 degrees in the center of the dressing.
    Hand holding digital meat thermometer for How to Cook a Turkey instructions.
  • Remove the foil tent after one hour of cooking. The foil keeps the moisture in the turkey. As the skin browns, it thickens and will do the job of keeping the moisture in without the foil. If the turkey is getting too brown near the end of the cooking time, replace the foil tent.
    Top view of cooked Turkey in a roasting pan for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • Once the turkey reaches 165 degrees, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes, and up to 40 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
    Close up of full turkey on a serving tray for How to Cook a Turkey.
  • While the turkey is resting, make turkey gravy. See the link to "How to Make Turkey Gravy" in the recipe notes below.
    Turkey Gravy in a serving boat next to a dish of mashed potatoes.
  • Carve and slice.  Enjoy a moist, delicious turkey!
    Platter display of sliced turkey for How to Cook a Turkey.

Notes

  • Because of the butter on the turkey, there is no need to baste the turkey while it cooks. The aluminum foil tent also keeps moisture in the turkey. Once the skin browns, it thickens and keeps the moisture in.
  • If you are using an electric roaster, the turkey will cook faster. Depending on your roaster it could cook up to 2 hours faster than a traditional roaster in the oven. Check it at the half-way point to see how it is coming along. 
  • See How to Make Turkey Gravy for a delicious turkey gravy to serve with your turkey.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 47gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 357mgPotassium: 496mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 285IUVitamin C: 1.7mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1.9mg

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About the author

Echo Blickenstaff

Echo lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah with her husband, Todd, who works in advertising, and her four kids: two girls and two boys. She deploys her accounting degree as the blog’s resident problem solver. In her time outside the kitchen, Echo loves to get away from the phones and busy schedules and spend quality time with the family. Anywhere’s great – but getting out into nature in the mountains or on the beach – is the best kind of getaway.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Loving the recipe! Thank you so much for the great idea. I don’t do a lot of Turkey’s and always on the look out for new ways to cook a good turkey and gravy. It looks great!

  2. 5 stars
    Concise directions and tips for the perfect turkey! Always good to have printed notes (or on phone) on hand to make sure the turkey is perfect!
    I’ve been cooking Thanksgiving for years but this makes a great reference. I’ll use it from now on!
    Thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    What a plethora of good information! Although I have been cooking turkey dinners for over 40 years, this gentle reminder of how long, dressed and undressed, gravy reminders were fabulous!
    I am going to laminate this, so I have a quick reference. Thanks so much.

  4. 5 stars
    Love the thawing chart, I’ve never seen that before. To me after the thawing its really all down hill. After 35 years I have never had a turkey that wasn’t devoured ! Don’t panic all you first time cooks but please share your experience with the next generation !

  5. 5 stars
    Every year I search the web for help with roasting my turkey. This recipe/article is the most comprehensive one I’ve ever gotten detailing everything I need to know. This will definitely be my go to from now on. No need to look any further.

    1. 5 stars
      This year is going to be my first Turkey!!! and I’m absolutely fascinated with all these tips, I was afraid to leave my Turkey dry, but I’ll follow all these tips to rock it. Love the way she explained !! Very detailed ! Thank you so muchhh!!! ❤️❤️

  6. 5 stars
    When there is so much to prepare for while hosting Thanksgiving this is beyond helpful! This really eased my mind while planning out my day of cooking!