To cook a turkey, the USDA advises that it must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria
. For the juiciest meat, you'll want to remove your bird from the oven when the temperature reaches 150°F
. The temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests and should reach 165°F within 30 minutes of being removed from the oven
. The oven should be preheated to 350°F, and the turkey should be roasted for 2¾ to 3 hours for an 8- to 12-pound turkey, 3 to 3¼ hours for a 15- to 16-pound turkey, and 4 to 4¼ hours for a 21- to 24-pound turkey
. However, if you prefer to roast your turkey at a higher or lower temperature, follow the guidelines provided in the source
. It is important to note that a stuffed turkey will take longer to cook