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
Click on the link above for more information regarding cooking turkeys.