Approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the cooking method and readiness of the turkey.
An expanded response to your question
Cooking a 20 pound turkey at 400 degrees requires attention to detail to ensure a delicious and safe Thanksgiving meal for your guests. The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the cooking method, stuffing, and preferences for moist or crispy skin.
According to the USDA, a turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat. This typically takes 3 to 3.5 minutes per pound when roasting at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, a 20-pound turkey should take approximately 4 to 5 hours to roast properly. However, cooking methods such as deep frying or smoking may require different time and temperature specifications.
When cooking a turkey at high temperatures, it is important to keep the skin from drying out. Basting the turkey with butter or oil every 30 minutes can help maintain moisture and create crispy skin. For additional flavor, herbs such as rosemary and sage can be added to the basting mixture.
Chef Ina Garten suggests an alternative method for cooking a turkey with a crispy skin, stating, “I cook my turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and rub it with melted butter and seasoned salt before roasting.” By cooking the turkey at a lower temperature, the skin has time to crisp up without drying out the meat.
Here is a table outlining estimated cooking times for a 20-pound turkey based on cooking method and oven temperature:
| Cooking Method | Oven Temperature | Estimated Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Roasting | 325 degrees F | 4-5 hours |
| Roasting | 350 degrees F | 3.5-4 hours |
| Roasting | 375 degrees F | 3-3.5 hours |
| Roasting | 400 degrees F | 2.75-3.5 hours |
| Deep Frying | 350 degrees F | 3.5-4 minutes per pound |
In conclusion, cooking a 20-pound turkey at 400 degrees for approximately 4 to 5 hours can result in a delicious Thanksgiving meal, but it is important to consider individual cooking preferences, methods, and safety guidelines. As Julia Child once said, “Success in the kitchen depends on a blend of common sense, good taste, and an adventurous spirit.”
In this video, you may find the answer to “How long do you cook a 20 pound turkey at 400 degrees?”
The video highlights the ideal temperature and cooking times for a 20-pound turkey in the oven, which is 325 degrees Fahrenheit for unstuffed (4-5 hours) and 4.25-5.25 hours for stuffed turkeys. It also recommends browning the turkey first at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes before reducing it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional tips include choosing a fresh turkey, loosely trussing or not at all, and letting the turkey rest before carving.
There are additional viewpoints
For an 18- to 20-pound turkey: 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.
10 to 12 minutes per pound
275 degrees: 20 to 25 minutes per pound 300 degrees: 15 to 18 minutes per pound 325 degrees: 15 minutes per pound 350 degrees: 13 minutes per pound 375 degrees: 12 minutes per pound 400 degrees: 10 to 12 minutes per pound
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How long does it take to cook a turkey at 400 degrees?
400°F (204°C) is the perfect temperature for cooking a whole bird. You’ll get crispy skin without compromising tenderness. Depending on the size of your bird, it should take anywhere from 2-6 hours to roast at 400°F (204°C).
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Also asked, How long does a turkey take per pound at 400?
In reply to that: Allow 15 minutes for every pound, according to the Simply Recipes website. Start cooking the turkey at 400 degrees for the first half hour, and then reduce heat to 350 for next two hours. Reduce heat to 225 for the next hour and a half.
Subsequently, How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey at 450? The reply will be: 13 minutes of cooking time for each pound of turkey if roasting empty and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed. What temperature to cook the turkey? Preheat the oven to 450°F then drop the temperature to 350°F after putting the turkey into the oven.
Similarly one may ask, Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 400?
While the best temperature to cook a turkey is always 325°F, how much time your bird will need in the oven will depend on its weight. An unstuffed 8-pound turkey can take less than 3 hours, while a stuffed 24-pound turkey can take over 5 hours.
Then, How many hours should you cook a 20 pound turkey for? If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed .
Additionally, How long does it take to cook a 20lb Turkey?
How long should a 20lb turkey cook? Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours.
How many minutes per pound will my Turkey take? To roast turkey, the general calculation for cooking time is 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed and 15 minutes per pound for stuffed, at 350°F. By size, you can roast a turkey with these suggestions; 8 to 12 pounders: 3 hours at 325°F.
Hereof, How many hours should you cook a 20 pound turkey for?
The response is: If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed .
How long does it take to cook a 20lb Turkey? Answer: How long should a 20lb turkey cook? Cooking time will vary. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take 4 1/4 to 5 hours to cook, check the temperature on the thermometer after 4 1/4 hours.
Herein, How many minutes per pound will my Turkey take?
To roast turkey, the general calculation for cooking time is 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed and 15 minutes per pound for stuffed, at 350°F. By size, you can roast a turkey with these suggestions; 8 to 12 pounders: 3 hours at 325°F.