Kitchen| Turkey to buy | |
| Move it to the fridge to thaw | |
| Short on time? Cold-water thaw | |
| Roast at 325 °F (163 °C) for | |
| Put it in the oven by | |
| Done when the thigh reads | 165 °F (74 °C) |
Turkey size and timing chart
| Turkey | Feeds (with leftovers) | Fridge thaw | Roast, unstuffed | Roast, stuffed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 lb | 5–8 | 2–3 days | 2¾–3 h | 3–3½ h |
| 12–14 lb | 8–9 | 3–4 days | 3–3¾ h | 3½–4 h |
| 14–18 lb | 9–12 | 4–5 days | 3¾–4¼ h | 4–4¼ h |
| 18–20 lb | 12–13 | 5 days | 4¼–4½ h | 4¼–4¾ h |
| 20–24 lb | 13–16 | 5–6 days | 4½–5 h | 4¾–5¼ h |
Roasting times are for a fully thawed bird at 325 °F, from the USDA. Ovens vary, so start checking the temperature 30–45 minutes before the earliest time.
New to thawing? Read our step-by-step guide: How to thaw a turkey safely.
The holiday essentials
A leave-in probe thermometer with an alarm tells you exactly when the turkey hits 165 °F, without opening the oven. See probe thermometers →
FAQ
How much turkey do I need per person?
Plan on about 1 pound of whole, bone-in turkey per person, or 1½ pounds if you want leftovers. Much of a whole bird's weight is bone.
How long does a turkey take to thaw in the fridge?
The USDA advises about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator at 40 °F or below. A 16-pound turkey needs about 4 days.
Can I cook a turkey that is still partly frozen?
Yes, it is safe, but it takes roughly 50% longer to cook. Remove the giblets as soon as you can and always check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 °F.
