what is the best temperature to cook a turkey?

Answer 1

Open Pan Method" NTF Roasting Guidelines for a Fresh or Thawed Turkey
Roast in a 325 degrees F Conventional Oven on the Lowest Oven Rack
Weight Unstuffed Turkey Stuffed Turkey
8 to 12 pounds 2 3/4 to 3 hours 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3 3/4 hours 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
24 to 30 pounds 5 to 5 1/4 hours 5 1/4 to 6 1/4 hours

Cooking time varies depending on if bird was completely thawed, stuffed, and characterisitcs of the oven (ovens do cook at different temperatures even if you hafve the knob on 325). Start checking the bird temp frequently within a half hour of the recommended cook time.

When measuring the temperature of the whole bird, follow these procedures:
Insert thermometer in the deepest part of breast or thigh. The thermometer should reach 170ºF in the breast or 180ºF in the thigh.
When inserting the thermometer in the breast, insert from the side. The thermometer is easier to read and more accurate than when inserted from the top.
Be sure to insert a thermometer into each bird.
To measure the temperature of turkey parts and products, follow the same procedure of inserting the thermometer in the deepest part of the piece.

Answer 2

325F. Butterball says it, all my cookbooks say it, and it works.