Exactly How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey for a Safe and Juicy Bird

Wondering how long to cook a stuffed turkey? You may also be asking what’s the right cooking time per pound for your stuffed turkey? Most of us are more familiar with cooking turkey or chicken breasts than we are with cooking a whole bird. And since you probably only roast a turkey once or twice a year, it can be a challenge to master roasting a perfectly juicy bird. So if you’re wondering how long to cook a stuffed turkey, or you’re feeling intimidated by even the thought, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tapped our Test Kitchen pros to dish about everything you need to know for cooking a stuffed turkey to the perfect temperature, including food safety tips. Ready, set, roast.

Cooking Time for a Stuffed Turkey

You’ve selected your favorite stuffing recipe, dressed the turkey in a turkey rub, and stuffed the bird. You’re almost there. But what’s the cooking time for the turkey? Take a moment to pat yourself on the back, because you’re almost there. We’re sharing exactly how long you should cook a stuffed turkey. “Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before stuffing. Avoid putting raw eggs or meat products, such as sausage, inside of the turkey,” says Lynn Blanchard, test kitchen director, Better Homes & Gardens. For the most even cooking, we do recommend cooking the stuffing separately from the turkey.

After stuffing, we recommend trussing the turkey. To truss, tuck drumsticks under the band of skin across tail, reset leg clamp or tie legs to tail with kitchen string. Twist wing tips under the back.

How Long to Cook a Stuffed Turkey

First, what’s the cooking time per pound for a stuffed turkey? Using a 325°F oven, here’s a rough per pound guide from the pros at foodsafety.gov. These stuffed turkey cooking times have been tested and proven to work well by our Test Kitchen team:

• For 10- to 12-pound turkey, roast 3¼ hours to 3½ hours.
• For 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast 3½ to 4 hours.
• For 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast 4 to 4¼ hours.
• For 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast 4¼ to 4¾ hours.
• For 20- to 24-pound turkey, roast 4¾ to 5¼ hours.

As a general rule, stuffed birds require at least 45 minutes more roasting time than unstuffed birds. The safest way to determine your exact roasting time is by checking every 15 minutes or so after the 3-hour mark using a meat thermometer. A probe thermometer lets you keep an eye on the turkey temp without opening and closing the oven. When cooking a stuffed turkey, the temperature should read 165°F in the stuffing, 170°F in the breast, and 175°F in the thigh. When taking the temperature of your turkey, do not let the thermometer touch the bone. 

Note that after removing the turkey from the oven, the temperature of the meat will rise about 5°F. “For the most foolproof results, brine your turkey. Either a wet or dry brine will keep the turkey both well seasoned and juicy,” says Juliana Hale, senior culinary specialist, Better Homes & Gardens.

How to Serve a Stuffed Turkey

Cooking turkey for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated! Be sure to remove the stuffing before carving and add it to a separate serving dish. Keep the stuffing warm in the oven if you need. If you follow these tips for how to cook a stuffed turkey, you’re sure to serve a perfectly roasted dinner every time.

How to Store Leftover Turkey and Stuffing

If you have leftover turkey, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze leftover turkey for up to three months. It’s best to freeze the turkey the day it’s made, after the meat has completely cooled.

To store leftover stuffing, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.