How Long to Cook a Turkey: A Clear Guide for Perfect Holiday Results

One of the biggest holiday questions is simple but critical: how long should you cook a turkey? Whether you’re roasting, smoking, or spatchcocking a bird, cook time can vary widely based on size, oven temperature, whether the turkey is stuffed, and how evenly your cooker holds heat. This guide breaks down the timing chart, preparation tips, cooking temperatures, and the tools that ensure your turkey turns out juicy, tender, and fully cooked every time.

What Determines How Long a Turkey Takes to Cook?

While many people rely on cook times, the reality is that temperature is the true measure of doneness. Still, understanding the variables that influence time makes planning easier.

Main factors:

Bird size – The most important variable.
Oven or smoker temperature – Higher heat = shorter cook time.
Stuffed vs. unstuffed – Stuffed birds take significantly longer.
Shape and position – Spatchcocked turkeys cook faster.
Resting time – Adds 20–30 minutes after cooking.

Before cooking, consider brining your turkey using a dedicated solution such as Kosmos Q Turkey Brine and brining safely inside Turkey Brine Bags. This improves moisture retention during long roasts or smokes.

Turkey Cook Time Chart (325°F Oven)

The following chart shows approximate oven cook times for an unstuffed turkey cooked at 325°F. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer, not by time alone.

Turkey Weight	Approx. Cook Time (Unstuffed)
8–12 lbs	2.75–3 hours
12–14 lbs	3–3.75 hours
14–18 lbs	3.75–4.25 hours
18–20 lbs	4.25–4.5 hours
20–24 lbs	4.5–5 hours

Stuffed vs. Unstuffed Turkey Cook Times

If you’re stuffing your turkey, expect longer cook times. Stuffing creates a cold pocket inside the bird, slowing heat penetration.

Stuffed birds: Add 15–30 minutes or more.
Stuffing must reach 165°F to be safe.
For easier cooking, many people bake stuffing separately.

If you do choose to stuff the turkey, use a reliable instant-read thermometer from our Instant Read Thermometer Collection to verify temperature in the center of the stuffing.

How Long to Cook a Turkey in a Smoker

Smoking a turkey adds incredible flavor but takes longer than traditional roasting.

Typical smoking temperatures:

225°F: 35–40 minutes per pound
250°F: 30 minutes per pound
275°F: 20–25 minutes per pound

A smoked turkey often benefits from a flavorful rub such as the Double Dun Ranch Turkey BBQ Rub, which adds color and seasoning that holds up to longer cook times.

Does Spatchcocking Change Cook Time?

Yes—dramatically. Spatchcocking (removing the backbone and flattening the turkey) creates a thinner, more even shape that cooks much faster.

Spatchcock turkey cook time: 6–10 minutes per pound at 400°F

Benefits:

More even cooking
Faster cooking
Better browning
Juicier breast meat

How to Know When Your Turkey Is Done

The most important part of cooking turkey is ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature. No matter the method, turkey is done when:

The breast, thigh, and stuffing (if stuffed) all reach at least 165°F.

To check temperature accurately:

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
Check the inner thigh avoiding bone.
If stuffed, check the center of the stuffing.

Use a precise, fast thermometer from the Instant Read Thermometer Collection to avoid overcooking and drying out your turkey.

Prep Tips That Improve Cook Time (and Results)

Brine the turkey to hold moisture. Try Kosmos Q Turkey Brine.
Dry the skin overnight in the fridge for better browning.
Use brine bags for safe, spill-proof prep: Turkey Brine Bags.
Season generously using Double Dun Ranch Turkey Rub.
Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes after cooking.

Tools That Make Cooking Turkey Easier

Instant-read thermometers — essential for checking doneness: Shop Instant Read Thermometers.
Brine bags — for clean, easy prep: Turkey Brine Bags.
Turkey rub — adds flavor and color: DDR Turkey BBQ Rub.
Brine — improves juiciness and tenderness: Kosmos Q Turkey Brine.

Conclusion

How long to cook a turkey depends on size, temperature, and method—but the key is always doneness, not the clock. Use the cook time chart as a planning guide, but rely on a dependable instant-read thermometer to verify the turkey hits 165°F in the breast, thigh, and stuffing. With the right prep, seasoning, and tools, you can serve a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey every holiday without stress.

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