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Image: Edalin/Getty ImagesWhether this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner or you’re a seasoned pro, the big question remains: “When is the right time to put the turkey in the oven?” The answer depends on several factors—such as the size of your turkey and when you want to sit down for your holiday feast. Don’t worry though, we’re here to clear up some of the uncertainty surrounding the turkey cooking process. Keep reading to find out the exact moment to place your turkey in the oven!
When Should You Start Cooking Your Turkey?
If your turkey is unstuffed (as recommended by the USDA) and fully thawed by Thanksgiving Day, it should be cooked for a minimum of 90 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on factors such as your turkey’s weight, size, and your oven's temperature, among other variables.
Oven time isn’t the most reliable way to check for doneness. Instead, you should use a meat thermometer. The turkey is ready when its internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees, measured at the deepest part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast.
If you’re aiming to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner at 7 p.m., refer to the guidelines below to figure out when to put your turkey in a 325-degree oven:
| Weight | Cook Time | When to put turkey in oven for 7 p.m. dinner |
| 8-12 lbs. | 2¾ to 3 hours | 4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. |
| 12-14 lbs. | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
| 14-18 lbs. | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. |
| 18-20 lbs. | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. |
| 20-24 lbs. | 4½ to 5 hours | 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
The times listed above don’t account for the recommended 20-minute resting period before carving. To allow your turkey to rest and lock in the juices, plan to put it in the oven 20 minutes earlier than the times mentioned above.
What About a Stuffed Turkey?
According to the USDA, it’s unsafe to stuff a raw turkey and cook it. Instead, you should prepare your stuffing separately, similar to how you would make a casserole. However, if you choose to stuff the turkey, add an extra 15 to 30 minutes to the cooking times listed above. Also, ensure the stuffing reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees by using a food thermometer.
What If Your Turkey Is Still Frozen?
If your turkey is still frozen, whether completely or just partially frozen, it will need additional time in the oven to cook. A frozen turkey should be placed in the oven, but it will require at least 50 percent more cooking time than the times suggested above. For example, a frozen 12-pound turkey will take a minimum of four and a half hours, meaning you should begin cooking it by 2:30 p.m. to be ready for dinner at 7 p.m. And if you want to allow 20 minutes of rest after it comes out of the oven, be sure to start cooking it by 2:10 p.m.
