Cooking a 21-pound turkey can be a time-consuming process, but with the right temperature and cooking method, you can ensure a delicious and fully cooked bird. The estimated cooking time for a 21.5-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit is around 4.5 to 5 hours if the turkey is unstuffed. However, if you prefer to stuff your turkey, you should add at least 15 minutes to the total cooking time.
It’s important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on various factors such as the accuracy of your oven’s temperature, the type of oven you have, and whether the turkey is fresh or frozen. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to use an instant-read meat thermometer to determine when the turkey is done, rather than relying solely on the cooking time.
To ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, you should aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. This is the minimum safe temperature recommended by the USDA to kill any bacteria that may be present in the turkey.
To properly cook a 21.5-pound turkey, follow these steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity if they are included. Rinse the turkey thoroughly inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wings behind the back and tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help the turkey cook evenly.
4. If you choose to stuff the turkey, do so just before you’re ready to put it in the oven. Be sure to stuff the cavity loosely, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Do not overstuff, as it can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety concerns.
5. Brush the turkey with melted butter or oil, and season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
6. Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast it according to the estimated cooking time, around 4.5 to 5 hours for an unstuffed turkey.
7. About halfway through the cooking time, check the turkey’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. If the temperature has not reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, continue cooking.
8. Baste the turkey with its own juices or additional melted butter every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
9. Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier bird.
10. Carve and serve the turkey, ensuring that each slice is cooked through and flavorful.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. The cooking time may vary depending on the specific circumstances, so it’s always best to rely on the internal temperature rather than the estimated cooking time alone.
Cooking a 21.5-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit will likely take around 4.5 to 5 hours if the turkey is unstuffed. Adding stuffing to the turkey will increase the cooking time by at least 15 minutes. However, the most accurate way to determine when the turkey is done is by using an instant-read meat thermometer and ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.