To cook a turkey in the oven, preheat the oven to 325°F
. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey, but a general rule of thumb is to roast for 13 minutes per pound of turkey if roasting empty and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed
. For a 12- to 14-pound bird, roast for 3½ to 4 hours
. However, it is important to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. According to the USDA, a turkey must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria
. For the juiciest meat, remove the turkey from the oven when the temperature reaches 150°F, as the temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests and should reach 165°F within 30 minutes of being removed from the oven
