Turkey Cooking Times

Both experienced and new cooks alike worry about how long to cook their turkey. The Butterball brand has been around since 1954, so when turkey cooking advice is needed just ask our experts. You can check our website, call, email or even text during the holiday period. We will help you prepare the perfect turkey dinner.

Turkey cooking times will vary with size or if you are roasting a frozen turkey so the best and safest way to be sure your turkey is done is to check with a meat thermometer. The temperature must be 180˚F/82˚C in the thigh and minimum 165˚F/74˚C deep in the center of the stuffing.

Refer to the turkey cooking chart on the package or online. Half an hour before you expect your turkey to be done check temperatures with your thermometer. Keep in mind that it can take longer for a turkey to cook than the time listed on a chart.

Oven Temperature: Roasting charts are created using perfectly calibrated ovens. If your oven is a few degrees cooler than the recommended 325˚F/165˚C your turkey will take longer to cook. An inexpensive oven thermometer will let you know to set the dial a few degrees warmer.

Oven Opening: Anxious cooks who open the oven every 15 minutes to check the turkey allow heat to escape and as a result their turkey can take up to an hour longer to cook.

Foil or Shiny Pan: Your turkey can take longer to cook when you use a foil or shiny roasting pan that does not conduct heat.

After removing your perfectly-cooked Butterball turkey from the oven let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Juices will redistribute throughout the meat and your turkey will be moist and flavourful.

Relax and enjoy time with your friends and family. Don’t stress over the turkey. Let your kitchen buddy, the meat thermometer, let you know when your turkey is cooked and ready to serve.