How long do i cook a 17 pound turkey

You've properly thawed and seasoned your turkey with a flavor-boosting dry brine — now it’s ready for the oven! But the question of how long to cook a turkey remains. Before we get to that, make sure your kitchen is equipped with the right tools: While a timer is helpful to keep track of the hours, the real hero for roasting is a great meat thermometer, which will register the internal temperature for perfect results every time.

For a ballpark estimate on timing, figure about 13 minutes per pound of turkey when cooking an unstuffed bird.

Why unstuffed? You'd have to overcook your bird to ensure the stuffing inside reaches a safe temperature. And no amount of Thanksgiving gravy can save bone-dry turkey like that. Opt instead to bake your stuffing recipe in a separate pan. If you’re curious how long it will take when cooking your turkey upside down, you might want to reconsider that method altogether. According to our Test Kitchen pros, it doesn’t lead to a juicier bird and all that flipping can actually be dangerous!

Let's talk turkey tips

• Bigger isn’t better when it comes to turkey. Buy two smaller birds (or one whole turkey and one turkey breast) if you’re feeding a crowd. A pair of 10-pound birds will cook more evenly and stay juicier than a 20-pound beast (plus, they'll be easier to carve!).
• For the oven, the Test Kitchen agrees that 375℉ is the Goldilocks of temperatures for turkey roasting — it’s not too hot, not too cold, and cooks quickly enough to ensure that a bird is just right by dinnertime.
• To check if the turkey is done, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should register 165°F and its juices should be clear, not pink.
• Allow your turkey to rest for at least 25 minutes before carving. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it hot.

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

Here’s our handy guide for cooking times by turkey weight:

• Turkey 8–10 lbs, cook for 1 hr 45 mins–2 hrs 15 mins
• Turkey 10–12 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 15 mins–2 hrs 30 mins
• Turkey 12–14 lbs, cook for 2 hrs 30 mins–3 hrs
• Turkey 14–16 lbs, cook for 3 hrs–3 hrs 30 mins
• Turkey 16–18 lbs, cook for 3 hrs 30 mins–4 hrs
• Turkey 18–20 lbs, cook for 4 hrs–4 hrs 15 mins

Bump up the time if your turkey is still a little bit frozen on Thanksgiving morning. It's actually completely safe to roast an icy turkey, but it’ll take about 50% longer to cook than a fully thawed bird. Dinner might have to wait a few hours — hey, more time for Thanksgiving appetizers — but you'll still be rewarded with a delicious turkey.

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Wondering what's the right cooking time per pound for your stuffed turkey? You've come to the right place. Most of us are more familiar with cooking turkey or chicken breasts than we are with cooking a whole bird. And since you probably only roast a turkey once or twice a year, it can be a challenge to master roasting a perfectly juicy bird. The plot thickens when you introduce stuffing into the picture. So if you're wondering how long to cook a stuffed turkey, or you're feeling intimidated by even the thought, you've come to the right place. We've tapped our Test Kitchen pros to dish about everything you need to know for cooking a stuffed turkey to the perfect temperature, including food safety tips. Ready, set, roast.

Roast Meat Like a Pro with Our Holiday Roasting Guide

Cooking Time for a Stuffed Turkey

You've selected your favorite stuffing recipe, dressed the turkey in a turkey rub, and stuffed the bird. The oven is preheating, your make-ahead sides are set, and the pies are cooling on a rack. You're almost there. But what's the cooking time for the turkey? Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, because you're almost there. We're sharing exactly how long you should cook a stuffed turkey.

How to Defrost a Turkey in Time for the Feast

First, what's the cooking time per pound for a stuffed turkey? Using a 325°F oven, here's a rough per pound guide from the pros at foodsafety.gov. These stuffed turkey cooking times have been tested and proven to work well by our Test Kitchen team:

• For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours.
• For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours.
• For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours.
• For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours.
• For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours.

The safest way to determine your exact roasting time is by checking every 15 minutes or so after the 3-hour mark using a meat thermometer. This probe thermometer (Target) lets you keep an eye on the turkey temp without opening and closing the oven. When cooking a stuffed turkey, the temperature should read 165°F in the stuffing, 170°F in the breast, and 175°F in the thigh. Note that after removing the turkey from the oven, the temperature of the meat will rise about 5°F.

Here's How Long You Can Keep Your Turkey in the Freezer for the Best Quality

For the most delicious results, place a loose foil cover over your turkey and let it stand for about 10 minutes before carving. This ensures the meat has time to rest. Be sure to remove the stuffing before carving and add it to a separate serving dish. If you follow these tips for how to cook a stuffed turkey, you're sure to serve a perfectly roasted dinner every time.

How long should I cook a 17 lb turkey for?

How long do you cook a 17 pound turkey at 325?

How long does it take to cook a 17 pound turkey at 350 degrees?

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?