To cook a turkey, the recommended oven temperature is 325°F for most of the cooking time. The turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that harmful bacteria are killed. For the juiciest meat, the turkey can be removed from the oven when the temperature reaches 150°F, and it will continue to rise to 165°F as it rests. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey. Here are the general guidelines for cooking an unstuffed turkey:
- 8 to 12 pounds: 2¾ to 3 hours at 325°F
- 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3¾ hours at 325°F
- 14 to 18 pounds: 3¾ to 4¼ hours at 325°F
- 18 to 20 pounds: 4¼ to 4½ hours at 325°F
- 20 to 24 pounds: 4½ to 5 hours at 325°F
- 24 pounds or more: 4¾ to 5¼ hours at 325°F
It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure that it has reached the safe minimum temperature of 165°F
