How To Cook A Turkey

Wondering how to cook a turkey? This is the easiest, most basic, step-by-step guide for how to cook a turkey for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3 30

Thawing Time 4

Total Time 3 45

Servings

Calories 454kcal

Remove the netting and wrapper from the thawed turkey and drain the juices.
Remove the neck, giblets bag, and gravy packet (if present) from the main cavity or the neck cavity. Discard or save, if desired.
Put the turkey in a roasting pan breast side up.
Cover and bake at 325˚F until the breast reaches 165˚F. For a 15 lb turkey that is about 3 1/2 hours. See notes for more weights and times.
Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes.
Carve and place on a platter or in a slow cooker for serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and in the freezer for up to two months.

Cooking times by weight for a fresh or thawed frozen turkey baked at 325˚F or until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.