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The Kitchen Table

How long to cook the bird?

14 years ago

I read the instructions on the wrapper of the turkey. It is just a little over 10 lbs, and it says to bake 3 1/2 hrs at 325*. That sounds like a long time. Could that be right? I haven't made a whole bird for several years. Thanks for any info.

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Comments (13)

ruthieg__tx
14 years ago
Yes that's about right, that's the size I am cooking so I checked to make sure....you should test the thickest part of the thigh for a temp of 170 or close enough to that for it to finish cooking during the rest period.
Sally Brownlee
14 years ago
Dotmom the timetable recommended by the USDA say a 10lb bird unstuffed should cook 2-3/4 - 3 hours. A stuffed 10lb bird should 3 - 3-1/2 hours.
They recommend 325 deg
So your instructions sound right about perfect!

Happy cooking!
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lazypup
14 years ago
325degF is whats known as a slow oven...and when cooking a turkey in a slow oven they recommend 20min/lb.

Using the formula a 10lb bird would require 200minutes and 3.6hrs is 210min so it sounds right to me...however

The actual cooking time also depends upon how you cook the bird..If its in a covered roasting pan or an oven bag they cook just a little bit faster..

The biggest advantage of the bags is that it is self basting and keeps the bird moist.

Keep in mind that the time/weight formula is to give a hypothetical estimate and although you may set your oven at 325degF that itself does not insure the temp is correct. Oven controls are notoriously out of calibration.

The best method to insure the bird, or any meat for that matter is properly cooked you should check it with a meat thermometer.

For poulty, the correct temp is 165degF at the core. Use a probe type meat thermometer and push the probe deep into the breast, when it says 165degF the bird is done.
glenda_al
14 years ago
Doesn't Butterball have or used to have a hotline to call?
monica_pa Grieves
14 years ago
I cook mine in an open roasting pan stuffed, and allow 20 min per lb.
To test for doneness, wiggle the leg gently, if it feels like it's going to come off in your hand - it's done.
Georgysmom
14 years ago
I'm so jealous of all of you that found a 10 lb. turkey. I had to buy 14 lbs. Next year I'll just have to go shopping sooner.
kayjones
14 years ago
I got a Jennie-o frozen turkey and have it thawed for tomorrow. It has a pop-up thing-a-ma-jig that tells me when the turkey is done.
dotmom
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, Gang. I'll put that unstuffed bird in the oven at 8 am, take it out around 11:30 after checking with my instant=read thermometer. I really wanted just a turkey breast, but our mediocre grocery store just had a big pile of whole birds. Now I'm wondering if this turkey has a pop-up thingy. Guess I'll find out tomorrow when I take the wrapping off. It will just be Hubs and me, but I'll send a big part of the meal up stairs for a neighbor. We end up eating in front of our TVs, and Tory doesn't like to eat in front of people because he has use of just one hand/arm. Then I guess in the aft noon, I'll start my Christmas cards. All in all it will be a quiet day.
glenda_al
14 years ago
I don't always trust those popup things.
wildchild
14 years ago
I do mine exactly like Monica PA.
kayjones
14 years ago
Glender, I have never had it turn out under-done or over-done. For me, it's always just right! I usually buy a Butter Ball, but they didn't have any 10-pounders, but Jennie o did, so I bought that - hope it's as good as Butter Ball! Happy Thanksgiving - I'm so happy to call you 'FRIEND'!
cynic
14 years ago
A little late now but how did it turn out? I've never had the popup thing work right. Usually they pop on me within 15-30 minutes. I use a thermometer with a probe and an alarm. Set it to 155ÃÂ°and pull it out then. Let it sit to 160ÃÂ° and the breast is great. If I do a whole turkey again, I'm going to cut it up like they showed on America's Test Kitchen. (You can watch the video without registering.)
dotmom
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi KT friends I hope you'all are stuffed to the gills.
Yes, the 10 pounder turned out so good. even the white meat was moist. I don't put the dressing in the bird, but cook it separately. In the bird, I S & P, celery, onion, carrots, and several chicken stock ice cubes. I did find the giblet bag in the neck cavity......and found the neck inside after it was roasted. I don't know, maybe that was why it was so moist....ya think? LOL

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