Turkey Cooking Time

These times assume that you're cooking your turkey without stuffing. I do not recommend cooking your stuffing inside the turkey. Stuffing plays havoc with the cooking time. There are several health issues to consider when cooking stuffing inside. I don't do it and recommend that you don't do it either. Cook the stuffing in a separate casserole dish and you know you'll be OK. It's OK to over eat, but I want everyone healthy on Thanksgiving.

There are many variables that come into play when cooking a turkey. How accurate is temperature in your oven? Has the turkey been totally thawed?

The only way to be absolutely sure that your turkey is fully cooked is to use a quality meat thermometer. Interior breast meat should be 170°F and 180°F for thigh meat.

Using a meat thermometer is particularly important if you are roasting the turkey a high elevations since it will take longer but there is no rule of thumb to predict how much longer. Give yourself some extra time before you're planning to sit down to eat if cooking at a high elevation.

If your oven is accurate and your turkey has been completely thawed, the turkey cooking time chart below should give you a perfect turkey. But always use a meat thermometer to be sure.