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How Long Do I Cook a 20 Pound Turkey

Introduction

If you’re planning to roast your Thanksgiving turkey this year, you might be wondering how long it takes to cook a 20 pound turkey. For example, if your turkey is 15 pounds (which is quite large), do you need to adjust cooking times? Here’s everything you need to know about cooking a 20 pound turkey!

Important safety notes

First, make sure that the turkey you’re using is fresh and has not been frozen. The best way to do this is by checking its “sell-by” date on the package or label. If there isn’t one, it’s probably safe to assume that the bird hasn’t been kept in a freezer for very long–but if it looks like it’s been around for years (or even months), then it’s probably best not to use that particular turkey for your big dinner plans.

Second, make sure that your oven or slow cooker can fit whatever size turkey you choose; otherwise, things could get messy in more ways than one! If this seems like too much research before Thanksgiving Day rolls around again next year…well then maybe consider just going out somewhere else? There are plenty of restaurants out there who will be happy enough just knowing someone else made their meal instead of doing all the work themselves!

Cooking a 20 pound turkey in the oven

You can cook a 20 pound turkey in the oven.

Set your oven to 350 degrees
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and baste it with butter or oil (to keep it moist)
Cook for 2-5 hours depending on the size of your turkey, checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer every 30 minutes until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part

Cooking a 20 pound turkey in the slow cooker

Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches 165 degrees F, the recommended temperature for safe cooking (the turkey should be cooked through).
Remove the turkey from the slow cooker and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.

How long do I cook a 20 pound turkey?

It depends on the method you use, but generally speaking, it takes between two and six hours to cook a 20-pound turkey. The time it takes for your turkey to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F will depend on how much fat there is in the bird (more fat means longer cooking time) as well as its size. If you’re using an oven bag or roasting pan with rack, then add another 30 minutes onto those times if you want crispy skin; this is because these methods allow heat to circulate around the entire bird evenly so all sides get cooked at once!

A 20 pound turkey takes between 2-6 hours to cook depending on the method.

The cooking time for a 20 pound turkey depends on the method you use. In the oven, it will take 2-6 hours to cook depending on how long your bird is and what temperature you set your oven at. If you’re using a slow cooker or electric roaster, it could take 3-5 hours for your bird to reach its desired temperature (165 degrees F).

If this sounds like too much work for one meal, consider breaking up the process into two days: cook half of it now and save some for later!