Turkey Talk!
Most of us only cook a turkey once a year—twice if you repeat it for Christmas. So each year the questions of how much to buy, when to buy it and how long did I cook it last year swirl through your head.
Here is a guideline for how much to buy, when to thaw and how long to cook that Thanksgiving bird.
How big of a turkey do I need?
A good rule of thumb is 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person. This will allow for some leftovers. You can adjust your math depending on your guests’ appetites. Calculate closer to 2 pounds per person if they are heavy eaters or you want lots of leftovers. You can get away with 3/4 to 1 pound per person if your guests will skimp on the turkey and gobble up the many side dishes and desserts you have prepared.
When do I start thawing my frozen turkey?
The USDA recommends refrigerator instead of thawing a frozen turkey in water in the sink. The sink method encourages bacteria to grow quickly. Thawing time depends on the size of the turkey.
8-12 lbs. requires 1-2 days thawing
12-16 lbs. requires 2-3 days thawing
16-20 lbs. requires 3-4 days thawing
How long do I cook my turkey?
To roast a turkey, set your oven to 325° F.
8-12 lbs. takes 3-4 hours
12-16 lbs. takes 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours
16-20 lbs. takes 4-5 hours
Add and extra half hour to your cooking time for a stuffed turkey.
Published 11/07/08
