General rule: 13 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed bird. For 20 pounds, that’s 260 to 300 minutes. That’s 4.3 to 5 hours. See? Math can be delicious.
For stuffed birds, it’s 15 to 17 minutes per pound. That’s 300 to 340 minutes, or 5 to 5.7 hours. Basically, you’re committed for the whole afternoon. Clear your calendar. Cancel plans. The turkey is the boss now.
Here’s a cheat sheet for you: Start checking at 3.5 hours if unstuffed, 4 hours if stuffed. You’re not checking for “done.” You’re checking for progress. It’s like a midterm exam for the bird.
What If I Want Juicy Meat?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Dry turkey is a crime against humanity. Brine the bird. Yes, it’s an extra step. But it’s the difference between “Oh, this is nice” and “Where have you been all my life?”
Wet brine for 12 to 24 hours. Or dry brine with salt in the fridge for a day. The salt works like magic, forcing moisture into the meat. It’s not witchcraft—it’s physics. But feels like witchcraft.
And baste? Sure, if you want. But don’t baste every 20 minutes. That’s a myth. Basting mostly keeps the skin moist, which prevents it from crisping. So baste once or twice, then leave it alone. The turkey needs its space.