Here’s what a perfect timeline looks like. Take the turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before roasting. Let it come to room temperature. Pat it super dry with paper towels. Salt it generously. Yes, even the cavity. Be aggressive.
Then: 4 hours at 325°F. Check temp at 3.5 hours. If the skin is too light, crank the heat. If it’s already dark, tent it earlier. Every turkey is a unique snowflake. Treat it with respect.
After it’s done, rest it for 30-45 minutes. That’s when you make the gravy. (Pro tip: use the drippings from the pan—the best part.)
But what if it’s taking forever?
Look, ovens are moody. Maybe yours runs cool. Maybe the turkey was still a little frozen in the middle. If the clock is ticking and your guests are hungry, don’t panic. Pour a glass of wine. Open a bag of chips. The turkey will be done when it’s done.
You can also raise the temp to 350°F for the last hour. That speeds things up without ruining the texture. Just keep that thermometer handy.