How Long Do You Cook a 12 Lb Turkey May 2023 El Reno Ok

Table of Contents

Introduction

Turkey is practically synonymous with Thanksgiving and Christmas, but cooking one can be a daunting task. The good news is that if you follow these steps, you’ll have a perfectly roasted turkey on your holiday table in no time.

Here’s how to tell when your turkey is done.

To test the doneness of your turkey, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone). The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in all parts of the meat, including the innermost parts. If you don’t have a thermometer and you can’t see through your turkey’s skin enough to check for color changes or clear juices running from it, use this trick: Hold your hand under where you want to take its temperature and lift it away–if there’s no steam rising off that part of your hand after about 10 seconds, then it’s safe to assume that part will be done once roasted for another hour or so at 325 degrees F (163 C).

The temperature of the turkey, not a timer, is the most accurate way to determine if it’s adequately cooked.

The temperature of the turkey, not a timer, is the most accurate way to determine if it’s adequately cooked. You should use an instant-read thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature before removing it from the oven. The USDA recommends that you take out your turkey when its internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius). Letting your bird rest while it continues cooking will ensure that all of its juices stay inside and don’t run out onto your serving platter or tablecloth when you carve into them later on in the meal!

The internal temperature of a turkey should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in all parts of the meat, including the innermost parts.

The cooking time will vary depending on your oven and how many pounds you are cooking, but here are some general guidelines:

If your turkey weighs more than 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms), increase the roasting time by 15 minutes per pound (0.45 kilogram). So if it weighs 16 pounds (7 kilos), cook it for 2 hours 45 minutes; if it’s 17 pounds (8 kilos), cook for 3 hours 10 minutes; etcetera.* For every 2 inches (.5 centimeters) above 8 inches (.2 meters) add 5 minutes to your total cooking time.* A three-pounder takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to cook fully–so don’t forget about those little ones!

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature after roasting for one hour.

Now that you have a 12 lb turkey in the oven, it’s time to check on its progress. If you’ve roasted a turkey before and know how long it takes for your bird to reach temperature, feel free to use this method instead of using an instant-read thermometer.

If using an instant-read thermometer: Remove the turkey from its roasting pan and let rest on a cutting board or platter for at least 20 minutes before carving. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of both breasts (not touching bone), then into each thigh joint (not touching bone). The temperature should be 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius).

Take out your turkey when the thermometer reads 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius), and let it rest while it continues cooking.

Take out your turkey when the thermometer reads 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius), and let it rest while it continues cooking.
The internal temperature of your bird will continue to rise as it rests, so don’t worry if it’s not done yet.

Cooking a 12 lb turkey can be intimidating, but if you follow these steps you will have a perfect holiday meal

It can be intimidating to cook a turkey. But if you follow these steps, you will have a delicious holiday meal!

You’ll need to purchase a 12 lb turkey and place it in your oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set the temperature on high for 30 minutes before putting in your turkey. When this time has passed, remove all packaging from around your bird and place it on an elevated rack inside of an aluminum pan (you can also use foil). Then cover both sides with olive oil or melted butter before sprinkling salt evenly over both sides of each side of meat–this will ensure that all parts are fully seasoned and moistened during cooking so they come out moist when finished! Next set aside while we turn down heat slightly: lower temperature down by 25 degrees Farenheit until it reaches 250 degrees Farenheit; cook until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Farenheit which should take roughly 1 hour per pound depending upon size & shape (i e , oval-shaped birds may require less time). Once done let rest 15 minutes before carving into portions.”

Conclusion

You can cook a 12 lb turkey, and it will be delicious. The key is to use an instant-read thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through, and then let the meat rest before slicing into it. If you follow these steps, you’ll have nothing to worry about!