To cook a turkey, you should follow these general guidelines:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Position the oven rack on the lowest rung
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper
- Place the turkey in the oven breast-side up
- Check the turkey's temperature in three places: the breast, outer thigh, and inside thigh
. The meat should be at least 165°F (74°C) when the turkey has finished cooking
Here are some cooking times for different sized turkeys:
- For an 8- to 12-pound turkey: 2¾ to 3 hours
- For a 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4¾ to 5 hours
- For a turkey that weighs 24 pounds or more: 4¼ to 4½ hours
Please note that these cooking times are for unstuffed birds. If you prefer to stuff your turkey, add 15 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C)
. Always ensure that the stuffing reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
