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How Long to Cook a 12 lb Turkey — Cook Time Calculator

A 12-pound turkey is the most manageable size for most home cooks — small enough to fit comfortably in a standard oven rack, large enough to feed 8–10 people generously. At 325°F, an unstuffed 12-pound bird takes about 2.5–3 hours. Stuffed, add another 30–45 minutes. Use the calculator below to reverse-engineer your exact oven-in time based on when you want to eat.

A 12 lb turkey only needs 2–3 days to thaw in the fridge. If you forgot to thaw, cold-water thaw takes 6 hours (change water every 30 min).
lbs
Thawing first? Allow 24 hours in the refrigerator per 4–5 lbs of turkey. A 14 lb turkey needs 3 days to thaw safely. Never thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook a 14 lb turkey?
At 325°F, an unstuffed 14-pound turkey takes approximately 3–3.75 hours. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F measured in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone.
Is it safe to cook a stuffed turkey?
The USDA recommends cooking stuffing separately for food safety — the stuffing inside the bird reaches 165°F long after the turkey meat is done, leading to overcooked, dry turkey. Cook stuffing separately for both safety and better texture.
How long to rest a turkey after cooking?
Rest a turkey for 20–30 minutes after removing from the oven. Tent loosely with foil. Larger turkeys stay hot longer than you think — they won't get cold in 30 minutes.
At what temperature is turkey done?
Turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer away from bone, which conducts heat and gives a false high reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook a 12 lb turkey at 325°F?
At 325°F, a 12-pound unstuffed turkey takes 2.5–3 hours. A stuffed 12-pound turkey takes 3–3.5 hours. Always verify with a thermometer — the thigh should reach 165°F (not touching bone) before removing from the oven. Oven variations and starting temperature affect timing significantly.
What time should I put a 12 lb turkey in the oven for a 2 PM dinner?
For a 2 PM dinner: put the turkey in at 10:30–11 AM for an unstuffed bird. Add 30 minutes buffer, so start at 10 AM if you want peace of mind. Include 30 minutes resting time after removing from the oven before carving. Use the calculator above for your specific dinner time.
How many people does a 12 lb turkey feed?
A 12-pound turkey feeds 8–10 people generously, or up to 12 with plenty of sides. After cooking, a 12-pound turkey yields about 7–8 pounds of edible meat. Plan 1 pound of raw turkey per person for main-course quantities, or 0.75 pounds per person if serving many sides.
Do I need to baste a 12 lb turkey?
Basting is optional and largely cosmetic — it moistens the surface skin but doesn't significantly affect meat moisture since the hot oven evaporates surface liquid almost instantly. A better approach: dry-brine the turkey 1–3 days ahead (rub with salt and refrigerate uncovered) for naturally crispier skin and juicier meat. Baste only if you want very golden skin color.

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