Turkey Tips

August 31, 2009 Roasting a whole turkey gives us lots of meal options and saves money, too. A whole 12-pound turkey costs a little more than just 1 pound of deli turkey, and you'll get about 3 pounds of turkey breast for sandwiches plus lots of other meal options. You can make turkey salad, chunks for skewers which can be brushed with a glaze and warmed on the grill, hearty turkey chili, turkey and dumplings, or even a comforting turkey frame soup.

Use the timetables below to determine how long to cook your turkey. These times are approximate. Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey and stuffing.

Unstuffed

For 4 to 8 pounds (breast), cook for 1½ to 3¼ hours.

For 8 to 12 pounds, cook for 2¾ to 3 hours.

For 12 to 14 pounds, cook for 3 to 3¾ hours.

For 14 to 18 pounds, cook for 3¾ to 4¼ hours.

For 18 to 20 pounds, cook for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

For 20 to 24 pounds, cook for 4½ to 5 hours.

Stuffed

For 4 to 6 pounds (breast), the system is not usually applicable.

For 6 to 8 pounds (breast), cook for 2½ to 3½ hours.

For 8 to 12 pounds, cook for 3 to 3½ hours.

For 12 to 14 pounds, cook for 3½ to 4 hours.

For 14 to 18 pounds, cook for 4 to 4¼ hours.

For 18 to 20 pounds, cook for 4¼ to 4¾ hours.

For 20 to 24 pounds, cook for 4¾ to 5¼ hours.

Roasting a Frozen Turkey:

It is safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state, but cooking time will be at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey. It is important to remember to remove the giblet packages carefully with tongs or a fork as soon as possible during the cooking time.

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