How Long To Cook A Turkey At 350

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Introduction

Roasting a turkey is a culinary centerpiece, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States and other celebratory meals worldwide. The question of “how long to cook a turkey at 350” degrees Fahrenheit is paramount for achieving a perfectly cooked bird: moist, tender, and beautifully browned. This method’s enduring popularity stems from its relative simplicity and reliable results, making it a favorite among home cooks seeking a delicious and impressive main course.

Ingredients

The core ingredient is, of course, a whole turkey. The size will determine the cooking time. Other essential ingredients include:

• Turkey (size dependent)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Optional: Aromatics (onion, celery, carrot, garlic)
• Optional: Butter or oil for basting

Substitution options include using different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. For example, paprika and garlic powder can be added for a smokier taste, or citrus slices can be incorporated for brightness.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is vital for a successful turkey. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Thawing: If the turkey is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator (allow about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey) or in a cold water bath (changing the water every 30 minutes). Never thaw at room temperature.
2. Rinsing: Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Seasoning: Season the cavity generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs and aromatics. You can also rub the skin with salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Optional Brining: Brining the turkey (soaking it in a saltwater solution) for several hours or overnight can result in a more moist and flavorful bird. Follow a reliable brining recipe.
5. Trussing (Optional): Trussing the legs with kitchen twine helps the turkey cook more evenly.

For efficiency, thaw the turkey well in advance. For better flavor, consider dry brining by liberally salting the turkey skin 1-3 days before cooking. This allows the salt to penetrate the meat and results in crispy skin.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking a turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a straightforward method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Prepare the Turkey: Place the prepared turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
3. Basting (Optional): Melt butter or heat oil. Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes during cooking. This helps to keep the skin moist and promotes browning.
4. Cooking Time: This is where “how long to cook a turkey at 350” becomes crucial. See the recommended times below:
   • 8-12 pound turkey: 2 to 3 hours
   • 12-14 pound turkey: 3 to 3 hours
   • 14-18 pound turkey: 3 to 4 hours
   • 18-20 pound turkey: 4 to 4 hours
   • 20-24 pound turkey: 4 to 5 hours
5. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
6. Resting: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey.

If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. If stuffing the turkey, add approximately 30-45 minutes to the cooking time and ensure the stuffing also reaches 165F (74C).

Serving Suggestions

The possibilities for serving turkey are endless. Traditional accompaniments include:

• Stuffing or dressing
• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy (made from the turkey drippings)
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole
• Sweet potato casserole
• Rolls or bread

For a more modern twist, consider serving the turkey with roasted root vegetables, quinoa salad, or a citrusy slaw. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Plating ideas include arranging the carved turkey on a platter with the sides surrounding it, or creating individual plates with a slice of turkey, stuffing, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here are some useful tips and common mistakes to avoid:

• Tip: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Tip: Basting the turkey with butter or oil helps to keep the skin moist and promotes browning.
• Tip: Let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Overcooking the turkey will result in dry meat.
• Mistake: Not thawing the turkey completely before cooking will result in uneven cooking.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door frequently during cooking will lower the oven temperature and increase cooking time.

To enhance flavor, consider adding aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will infuse the turkey with flavor as it cooks. To achieve crispy skin, pat the turkey dry before roasting and avoid overcrowding the roasting pan.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering “how long to cook a turkey at 350” is a valuable skill for any home cook. It provides a delicious and impressive centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special occasions. The moist, flavorful results and relatively simple process make it a rewarding experience. The recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate different flavor preferences by using various herbs, spices, and marinades. Now that the process has been demystified, the next step is to gather the ingredients, prepare the turkey, and start cooking! Check out more delicious cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com to continue your culinary journey and find new inspiration for your kitchen.