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How many hours does it take to roast a turkey?

Roasting a turkey to perfection is a key part of any holiday meal, but figuring out how many hours it takes to roast a turkey depends on several factors, such as the turkey’s size, whether it’s stuffed, and the oven temperature. In this guide, we’ll break down all the details to help you determine the exact roasting time for your turkey.

  • Total Time: 10 minute
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–15 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • 4 garlic cloves (optional)
  • 1 lemon, quartered (optional)
  • 1 onion, quartered (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (for basting)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F or 350°F, depending on your chosen roasting method.
  • Prepare the Turkey:
    Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the skin with softened butter and olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. For extra flavor, place garlic, lemon, and onion inside the cavity if desired.
  • Truss the Turkey:
    Tie the turkey’s legs together using kitchen twine to help it cook evenly.
  • Place in Roasting Pan:
    Position the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to help keep the turkey moist during cooking.
  • Roast the Turkey:
    Roast the turkey:

    • For 325°F, cook for about 15-17 minutes per pound.
    • For 350°F, cook for about 13-15 minutes per pound.
    • Example: A 12-pound unstuffed turkey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at 350°F.

    Tip: Tent the breast with foil during the first 2 hours to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil in the last 30-45 minutes to allow the skin to crisp.

  • Check the Temperature:
    Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Rest and Carve:
    Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes the meat more tender.
  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 2.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on size and temperature)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Keywords: roast turkey recipe, how to cook turkey, turkey cooking time, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, turkey roasting tips, turkey seasoning