Roast Turkey Cooking times

Whether you are cooking a Turkey for thanksgiving or traditionally in the UK at Christmas, then this guide below might help with your cooking times. I always buy my Turkey fresh but if you do buy a frozen Turkey, then read the defrosting instructions.

Top tips for cooking the best Turkey

  1. If budget allows buy a free range Turkey. It is your centre piece and with all meat, free range is much better quality.
  2. Make sure your Turkey will fit in the oven.
  3. Make sure your roasting tin is big enough for Turkey. You will need to be able to extract the juices when basting the Turkey.
  4. Write down the weight of the bird as you will through the packaging away. This is in case you need to double check.
  5. Get your Turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. The colder the bird, the longer it will take.
  6. Make sure your oven is fully heated up before cooking commences.
  7. Allow for resting time after the Turkey is cooked. a 5-6kg bird will need around an hour.
  8. When you cover your Turkey, cover it lose and remove the foil for the last hour so it browns more. Your bird wants to be golden in colour.

How to test your Turkey is cooked

Insert a skewer or knife into the thigh. The juices should run clear and have no signs of blood.

Cooking times

Times are for a fully defrosted and whole Turkey. If you are cooking a crown, please follow the instructions on the packet.

Heat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4
4-5kg – cook 2¼ to 2½ hours
5-6kg – cook 2½ to 3 hours
6-7kg – cook 3 hours to 3½ hours
7-8kg – cook 3½ to 4 hours
8-9kg – cook 4 to 4¼ hours
9-10kg – cook 4¼ to 4½ hours