Baking a Turkey

A large frozen turkey (15 to 20 lbs.) should be placed in the refrigerator to thaw four days before it will be cooked.

Use the table below to estimate the baking time of a turkey, but use a meat thermometer to be certain the turkey is done. The turkey should be 180° at the thigh which is the thickest part and stuffing should be at least 165° at the center.

WEIGHT	UNSTUFFED	STUFFED
10 to 12 lbs. 12 to 15 lbs. 15 to 18 lbs. 18 to 21 lbs. 22 to 25 lbs.	3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/4 hours 4-3/4 hours 5-1/4 hours	4 hours 4-1/2 hours 4-3/4 hours 5-1/4 hours 5-3/4 hours

Stuffing can be cooked separately in the oven. Place it in a buttered baking dish, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, and cook at 375° for 30 to 40 minutes, basting occasionally with juice from the turkey.

If you are going to bake the turkey with the stuffing inside it, do not stuff it until immediately before it goes in the oven. The stuffing should be cool when you place it inside the bird, and it should not be tightly packed. The stuffing should be at least 165° at the center before you remove the turkey from the oven.

WEIGHT	CUPS OF STUFFING
12-15 lbs. 15-20 lbs.	10 cups 12 cups