How long to cook a 13 lb turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, many home cooks begin to feel the pressure of preparing a perfect holiday feast. Among the many dishes to plan for, the turkey often becomes the centerpiece of the meal, leading to a flurry of questions about the best cooking techniques. One frequent query is about cooking time, as nobody wants to serve an undercooked turkey or one that has dried out from too long in the oven. Understanding the proper timing can ensure a juicy, flavorful turkey that everyone will appreciate.

For a 13 lb turkey, plan to cook it for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).

When preparing a 13 lb turkey, it’s essential to consider whether it’s stuffed or unstuffed, as this will affect the cooking time. For an unstuffed turkey, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 13 to 15 minutes per pound at 350°F. Therefore, a cooking time of 3 to 3.5 hours is appropriate. If your turkey is stuffed, increase the cooking time to about 15 to 17 minutes per pound, which means you’d be looking at roughly 3.5 to 4 hours of cooking time. It’s also crucial to check for the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and innermost part of the thigh for the turkey to be safe to eat. Allowing the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving will help the juices redistribute and yield a more flavorful, moist bird.