How to Cook a Perfect 20-pound Turkey at 350F

ByMike Thompson Turkey Recipe

How to Cook a 20-pound Turkey at 350F

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking the main event: the turkey! If you’re planning on roasting a 20-pound turkey, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of cooking a perfectly juicy, flavorful turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to brining and roasting it to carving it and serving it. So whether you’re a seasoned turkey cook or you’re just getting started, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Time Temperature Instructions
1 hour 15 minutes 350 degrees Fahrenheit Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Brush the turkey with melted butter or olive oil.
Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
Roast the turkey for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Preparation

Before you can cook a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to prepare it properly. This includes brining the turkey, removing the giblets, and making sure the turkey is thawed.

Brining the turkey

Brining is a process that helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. To brine a turkey, you will need:

* A large stockpot or bucket
* Water
* Salt
* Sugar
* Spices (optional)

1. Fill the stockpot or bucket with cold water.
2. Add the salt, sugar, and spices (if desired).
3. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
4. Place the turkey in the brine.
5. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine.
6. Cover the pot or bucket and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

Removing the giblets

The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They are usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A pair of kitchen shears

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
2. Locate the bag of giblets inside the turkey’s cavity.
3. Use the knife to cut open the bag.
4. Remove the giblets from the bag.
5. Discard the giblets or save them for another use.

Thawing the turkey

If you are using a frozen turkey, you will need to thaw it before you can cook it. To thaw a turkey, you can:

* Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator.
* Thaw the turkey in a sink full of cold water.
* Thaw the turkey in a microwave oven.

Important safety tips

When brining a turkey, make sure to use cold water. Brining a turkey in hot water can cause the turkey to become contaminated with bacteria.

When removing the giblets from a turkey, be careful not to cut yourself with the knife.

When thawing a turkey, make sure to thaw it in a safe location. Do not thaw a turkey on the counter or in a sink full of warm water.

Cooking

Once you have prepared the turkey, you can cook it. To cook a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need:

* A roasting pan
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking spray
* Salt
* Pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spray the roasting pan with cooking spray.
3. Place the turkey in the roasting pan.
4. Rub the turkey with salt and pepper.
5. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
6. Roast the turkey for 3-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking the turkey’s temperature

The best way to check the turkey’s temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting the turkey

After the turkey is done cooking, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Serving the turkey

Once the turkey is rested, you can carve it and serve it. Enjoy!

Tips for cooking a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit

* Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides. Some popular side dishes for turkey include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Cooking a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple process. By following these steps, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey for your family and friends.

Resting

After you remove the turkey from the oven, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

To rest the turkey, place it on a cutting board or platter and cover loosely with foil. The turkey should not be wrapped tightly in foil, as this will trap the heat and steam, which can cause the meat to become dry.

While the turkey is resting, you can prepare the gravy and other side dishes.

Carving

Once the turkey has rested for at least 30 minutes, it is time to carve it. The best way to carve a turkey is to use a sharp knife and a cutting board.

To start, remove the legs from the turkey by cutting through the joint between the thigh and the body. Then, cut each leg in half at the joint between the thigh and the drumstick.

Next, remove the wings from the turkey by cutting through the joint between the wing and the body.

Finally, cut the breast meat from the turkey by cutting down the center of the breastbone. Then, cut each breast half in half crosswise.

The turkey is now ready to be served.

Cooking a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple process that can be completed in just a few hours. By following these steps, you can be sure to cook a delicious and juicy turkey for your next holiday meal.

How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?

A 20-pound turkey will take approximately 4 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should the turkey be when it’s done?

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What should I do if the turkey is still pink in the middle?

If the turkey is still pink in the middle, it needs to be cooked longer. Continue to cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I cook a turkey breast at 350 degrees?

Yes, you can cook a turkey breast at 350 degrees. However, it will take less time to cook than a whole turkey. A 4-pound turkey breast will take approximately 2 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey at 350 degrees?

Here are some tips for cooking a turkey at 350 degrees:

* Start with a thawed turkey. Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator takes about 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. If you don’t have time to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, you can thaw it in a sink full of cold water.
* Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Rub the turkey with a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
* Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
* Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan.
* Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
* Cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound.
* Remove the foil and cook the turkey for an additional 30 minutes.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey?

Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey:

* Not thawing the turkey completely. A partially thawed turkey will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
* Overcooking the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Not using a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving. Letting the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving will allow the juices to redistribute and will make the meat more moist.

cooking a 20-pound turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. The most important thing is to make sure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Once the turkey is cooked, it can be removed from the oven and allowed to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!