Turkey Time & Temperature Requirements Since so many folks are intimidated by the prospect of cooking a turkey, we went to the experts for the lowdown. Sherrie Rosenblatt of the National Turkey Federation says the Open Pan dry heat method of roasting a turkey is the easiest and most reliable way to insure turkey success. This method results in a juicy, tender, flavorful golden brown turkey. The National Turkey Federation also offers these safety recommendations: 1. Do not roast the turkey in a oven temperature lower than 325° F. Poultry should be roasted at 325° F. or higher to avoid potential food safety problems. 2. Do not roast the turkey in a brown paper grocery bag. Present day grocery bags may be made of recycled materials and are not considered safe for food preparation. 3. Do use a meat thermometer (available at most grocery stores and kitchen shops) to determine the correct degree of doneness. Turkey is done when meat in the thigh reaches 180°F or (meat in the breast in finished at 170°F. That said, here is an approximate turkey roasting timetable. Unstuffed Turkey Stuffed Turkey 8 to 12 pounds -- 2 3/4 to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds -- 3 to 3 3/4 hours 14 to 18 pounds -- 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds -- 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds -- 4 1/2 to 5 hours 8 to 12 pounds -- 3 to 3 1/2 hours 12 to 14 pounds -- 3 1/2 to 4 hours 14 to 18 pounds -- 4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds -- 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours 20 to 24 pounds -- 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours Heat Method Oven Temperature Appearance Flavor Results Suitable For Stuffing? Oven Pan Conventional Oven Dry Heat Meathod 325° F. results in minimum bird shrinkage and oven clean-up. Golden brown color; crisp skin; juicy Full roasted flavor; pan drippings are most concentrated to produce a great gravy; tender Yes Wrapped in foil, high temperature Moist heat method with turkey encased in foil 450° F. May have bare bones on drumsticks; split skin; uneven browning; foil must be opened to produce a golden brown color May have a stewed or steamed flavor; a dry texture is possible No Oven cooking bag Moist heat method with turkey enclosed in a cooking bag 350° F. May have bare bones on drumsticks; split skin; uneven color and browning; skin may be torn if it sticks to the bag May have a stewed or steamed flavor; a dry texture is possible Yes Covered charcoal grill Dry heat method Try to maintain temperature between 325-350° F. Varies with outside temperature, humidity and briquettes; extra briquettes must be added each hour. Red-brown skin color; crisp skin; the charcoal combustion may result in a rosy band of meat just under the skin and slightly pink meat. Mild to moderate smoky flavor; tender No   If you don't find your turkey questions answered on this page, or if you're looking for some good turkey recipes, click here for our Thanksgiving Turkey & Gravy home page.