Butterball Turkey Cooking Times: A Guide to Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Butterball Turkey Cooking Time Per Pound: A Guide

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking the perfect turkey. But how long do you cook a Butterball turkey per pound? And what are the best cooking methods?

In this guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about cooking a Butterball turkey. We’ll cover everything from thawing and brining to roasting and carving. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and juicy turkey this Thanksgiving.

Let’s get started!

Weight (lbs)	Cooking Time (minutes)	Rest Time (minutes)
3-4	15 minutes per pound	30 minutes
5-7	15 minutes per pound	40 minutes
8-12	15 minutes per pound	50 minutes
13-15	15 minutes per pound	60 minutes
16-20	12 minutes per pound	70 minutes
21-24	10 minutes per pound	80 minutes
25-28	8 minutes per pound	90 minutes
29-32	5 minutes per pound	100 minutes

Cooking Methods for Butterball Turkey

There are many different ways to cook a Butterball turkey, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The best cooking method for you will depend on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.

Roasting

Roasting is the traditional method for cooking a turkey. It is a relatively simple method that produces a moist and flavorful bird. To roast a turkey, you will need:

* A large roasting pan
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking oil
* Salt and pepper

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, inside and out.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up in the roasting pan.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
6. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
7. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Roasting is a great option for large turkeys, as it allows the entire bird to cook evenly. However, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are cooking a large turkey.

Baking

Baking is a similar method to roasting, but it does not require as much attention. To bake a turkey, you will need:

* A large baking dish
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking oil
* Salt and pepper

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, inside and out.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up in the baking dish.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the dish.
6. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
7. Bake the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Baking is a good option for smaller turkeys, as it is a relatively quick and easy method. However, it is important to make sure that the turkey is cooked through before serving.

Deep frying

Deep frying is a fast and efficient way to cook a turkey. However, it is also a dangerous method, so it is important to take precautions. To deep fry a turkey, you will need:

* A large pot or deep fryer
* Peanut oil
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking oil
* Salt and pepper

1. Fill the pot or deep fryer with enough peanut oil to cover the turkey.
2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, inside and out.
5. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil.
6. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the turkey from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain.
8. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Deep frying is a great option for large turkeys, as it cooks the bird quickly and evenly. However, it is important to make sure that the turkey is cooked through before serving.

Smoking

Smoking is a slow and low-temperature cooking method that produces a flavorful and moist turkey. To smoke a turkey, you will need:

* A smoker
* Wood chips
* A meat thermometer
* Cooking oil
* Salt and pepper

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, inside and out.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker.
5. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Smoking is a great option for people who want a flavorful and moist turkey. However, it is important to make sure that the turkey is cooked through before serving.

Temperature and Time Guidelines for Butterball Turkey

The following temperature and time guidelines are based on a 12-pound turkey.

Roasting

* Oven temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit
* Cooking time: 15 minutes per pound
* Resting time: 1

Tips for Cooking a Butterball Turkey

When it comes to cooking a Butterball turkey, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it turns out perfectly. Here are a few tips:

* Thawing the turkey. The first step is to thaw the turkey. If you’re thawing the turkey in the refrigerator, it will take about 24 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey. If you’re thawing the turkey in a sink full of cold water, it will take about 3 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey.
* Preparing the turkey. Once the turkey is thawed, you’ll need to prepare it for cooking. This involves removing the giblets and neck from the cavity, and rinsing the turkey inside and out. You’ll also need to decide how you want to cook the turkey.
* Cooking the turkey. There are a few different ways to cook a Butterball turkey. You can roast it in the oven, cook it in a slow cooker, or smoke it. The cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose.
* Resting the turkey. After the turkey is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

Here are some additional tips for cooking a Butterball turkey:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough.
* Baste the turkey during cooking to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can cook a Butterball turkey that is perfectly cooked and delicious.

Common Problems When Cooking a Butterball Turkey

When cooking a Butterball turkey, there are a few common problems that can occur. Here are some tips to help you avoid these problems:

* Dry turkey. The most common problem when cooking a turkey is that it turns out dry. This can be caused by overcooking the turkey, not basting it during cooking, or not letting it rest before carving it. To avoid a dry turkey, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, baste it during cooking, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.
* Tough turkey. Another common problem when cooking a turkey is that it turns out tough. This can be caused by undercooking the turkey, cooking it at too high of a temperature, or not letting it rest before carving it. To avoid a tough turkey, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, cook it at a moderate temperature, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.
* Overcooked turkey. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. It can also be dangerous to eat, as it can contain harmful bacteria. To avoid overcooking your turkey, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Undercooked turkey. Undercooked turkey is dangerous to eat, as it can contain harmful bacteria. To avoid undercooking your turkey, cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

By following these tips, you can avoid the common problems that can occur when cooking a Butterball turkey.

Cooking a Butterball turkey is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can cook a turkey that is perfectly cooked and delicious.

Q: How long does it take to cook a Butterball turkey?

A: The cooking time for a Butterball turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 10-pound turkey will take approximately 3 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take approximately 5 hours.

Q: What is the best way to cook a Butterball turkey?

A: The best way to cook a Butterball turkey is to roast it in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Fill the pan with 1 cup of water and cover the turkey with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a Butterball turkey?

A: Here are some tips for cooking a Butterball turkey:

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

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

A: Some common mistakes people make when cooking a Butterball turkey include:

* Not using a meat thermometer. This is the most important tip for cooking a turkey. Without a meat thermometer, you can’t be sure that the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.
* Overcooking the turkey. This is the second most common mistake people make. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough.
* Not letting the turkey rest. This is the third most common mistake people make. Letting the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving it will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

Q: What are some alternative cooking methods for a Butterball turkey?

A: In addition to roasting a Butterball turkey in the oven, you can also cook it using other methods, such as:

* Braising: Braising is a cooking method that involves cooking the turkey in a liquid, such as broth or wine. This method is ideal for a moist and flavorful turkey.
* Smoking: Smoking is a cooking method that involves cooking the turkey over indirect heat from wood smoke. This method is ideal for a smoky and flavorful turkey.
* Grilling: Grilling is a cooking method that involves cooking the turkey over direct heat from a grill. This method is ideal for a crispy and flavorful turkey.

the cooking time for a Butterball turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the cooking method used. For a general guideline, a 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is always best to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy Butterball turkey for your next holiday gathering.