How long,,,,,,,And what Temp. do i cook a turkey??

Question

I am going hunting in the morning,, And i want it to cook while i am gone,,,And also done...(cooked).

Answer 1

Is it Done?

Thermometer Readings:

Insert your instant read thermometer between the body and leg into the meaty part of the thigh. Look for a reading of 160 – 165 degrees. When you remove the thermometer, the juices should run clear. If you must test the turkey in the breast, which I don’t recommend, look for 160 – 165 degrees on a whole bird. Remember that the breast will be done before the thighs, so watch for this critical period in the cooking time.


Pound per Minute Method:

All ovens cook differently, so these times are approximate. On an unstuffed turkey, figure 15 – 17 minutes per pound at 325 degrees. On a stuffed bird, figure 20 – 23 minutes per pound.
12-16 pounds…about 4 hours unstuffed
16-20 pounds…about 5 hours unstuffed
20-24 pounds…about 6 hours unstuffed


Resting Period:

Allow at least one minute per pound before carving. That turkey is still cooking when it first comes out of the oven.

Answer 2

If I understand this question correctly, you want to cook your turkey while you go hunting, am I right?

If this is correct, then cooking at a normal temperature of 350 degrees will only serve to BURN DOWN YOUR HOUSE WHILE YOU ARE GONE!!!

I cannot believe people would tell you that! I would REALLY like to say something sarcastic and vulger, but I think I'll save it.

Anyway, It depends on two factors:

How big is your bird?
How long will you be gone?

Usually you would cook it at 350 degrees and about 3 1/2 hours for a 12 pound bird.

Now, if you will only be gone for that long, then you MOST LIKELY you will be ok. HOWEVER, That would be pretty risky.

I would turn the temp down to 250. This will give you the added time you need. AGAIN, HOWEVER, this will only give you about another hour to an hour and a half AT THE MOST!!

The best plan would be to ask someone if they can cook it for you while you are gone. Have you thought of that?

Answer 3

325 degrees F. for 30 minutes per pound

Answer 4

one hour for every 4 pounds at 350