When it comes to cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, one of the most common questions is whether it’s better to cook it at 325 or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The short answer is that both temperatures will cook the turkey thoroughly and safely. However, there are some differences between the two that can help determine which is the best option for your specific needs.
Summary of Differences Between 325 vs 350 for Cooking Turkey
Here is a quick overview of how cooking a turkey at 325°F compares to 350°F:
- 325°F results in a slower cook time, while 350°F reduces total cooking time.
- 325°F produces a juicier turkey with more forgiving cook time, while 350°F can lead to a drier bird if overcooked.
- 325°F allows the turkey to absorb smoky/woody flavors better from a brine or rub. 350°F highlights herby/spicy flavors more.
- 325°F requires less basting and monitoring, 350°F needs basting every 30 mins to prevent drying out.
- For a 12-15 lb turkey, 325°F takes about 3.5-4.5 hours total. 350°F takes about 2.5-3.5 hours.
- 325°F gives a more even, gentle cook. 350°F can create greater contrast between light & dark meat.
Both temperatures will result in perfectly safe and delicious turkey when cooked properly. 325°F produces a slightly more tender and moist bird, while 350°F cuts down on cooking time. Keep reading for more details!
Cooking Time Differences
The main difference between cooking a turkey at 325°F compared to 350°F is the total cooking time.
Here are some general guidelines for cooking times based on the size of your turkey:
| Turkey Weight | 325°F Time | 350°F Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs | 2.5-3 hours | 2-2.5 hours |
| 12-15 lbs | 3-4 hours | 2.5-3 hours |
| 15-18 lbs | 3.5-4.5 hours | 3-4 hours |
| 18-20 lbs | 4-5 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
| 20-24 lbs | 4.5-5.5 hours | 4-5 hours |
As you can see, cooking the turkey at the higher 350°F temperature reduces the total roasting time by approximately 1 hour compared to the lower 325°F oven. This time savings comes in handy if you’re facing a busy holiday schedule.
Juiciness and Tenderness
Cooking temperature not only affects total cook time, but also impacts the moisture and tenderness of the turkey meat. The lower 325°F oven temp produces a juicier, more tender turkey, while the 350°F turkey cooks faster but can become slightly drier.
The slower cooking method at 325 allows time for the juices inside the turkey to gently warm up and circulate throughout the meat. This results in a bird that is succulent and fall-off-the-bone tender. The more moderate heat helps break down collagen in a way that leaves turkey meat very moist and juicy.
On the other hand, the quicker 350 degree method can rapidly dry out moisture from the turkey if overcooked. The higher heat cooks the exterior proteins faster, which means that both the dark and white meat can dry out if not properly monitored and basted during roasting.
Flavor Impacts
The choice of oven temperature also subtlely changes the flavors imparted to the turkey.
At the lower 325°F, the turkey has more time to absorb woody, earthy flavors from any brining, dry rubs, or injected marinades. The slower cook allows any smoked, maple, or molasses flavors to deeply permeate the meat.
With 350°F, those flavors have less time to fully absorb. However, you’ll get more pronounced punch from any spicy, herby, or citrus flavors added. The higher heat helps draw those bright, aromatic flavors into the turkey quickly.
So if you want a deeply savory turkey accentuated by woodsmoke or maple syrup, 325°F is your best bet. But if your turkey relies on spices, herbs, zest, or chili flavors, then 350°F will really make them shine.
Convenience and Monitoring
A 325 vs 350 degree turkey also differs in terms of convenience and how much monitoring is required.
The lower oven temperature requires less frequent basting and checking on the turkey. Opening the oven repeatedly causes drastic temperature drops that can negatively impact cook time and moisture. At 325°F, a turkey only needs basting every 45 minutes to an hour.
At 350°F, moisture evaporates faster in the heat, so basting is recommended every 30 minutes. This high-heat method also requires more frequent oven-peeking to make sure the skin isn’t browning too quickly.
So if you want to put in minimal effort while the turkey roasts, the gentler 325°F method allows you to check in less often while still delivering juicy meat.
Doneness and Carryover Cooking
No matter which temperature you choose, you’ll want to rely on a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than cook time alone. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, without touching bone. The turkey is done when both areas reach 165°F.
It’s also crucial to account for carryover cooking. This is the rise in internal temperature that continues cooking the turkey for 10-15 minutes after it’s removed from the oven as heat equalizes.
To allow for carryover cooking, you’ll want to pull the fully cooked turkey from the oven once the breast reaches 160°F and thigh reaches 175°F. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest to finish cooking to the food safe165°F.
Preventing Overcooking
The main risk when cooking turkey at 350°F is overcooking and drying out the meat. The quicker high heat can swiftly bring the turkey past the point of perfect doneness into overcooked territory.
Here are some tips to prevent overcooking at 350°F:
- Monitor temperature closely starting at least 30-45 minutes before target time.
- Check the deepest breast area and inner thighs with a meat thermometer.
- Once 160°F is reached in breast, remove turkey from oven.
- Let it rest 20+ minutes to allow carryover cooking to 165°F.
- Baste every 30 minutes to prevent skin drying out.
- Use broth, wine, or water in the bottom of the pan to add moisture.
- Tent with foil if skin starts browning too quickly.
As long as you keep a close eye on the temperature and moisture levels, you can still achieve a tender, juicy turkey at 350°F.
Cooking at Both Temperatures
There’s no rule saying you can’t cook a turkey at both 325 and 350 degrees! In fact, this hybrid method gives you the best of both temperatures.
For the first half of roasting, use 325°F. This gentle heat thoroughly and evenly cooks the inner meat while infusing rich flavor. Then for the last 45-60 minutes, increase to 350°F. This higher temp crisps and browns the skin for gorgeous presentation.
Just monitor the temperature closely as it approaches 165°F, then let it rest before serving. This gives you a turkey that is super moist on the inside yet has crisp, golden brown skin.
Final Thoughts
In the debate between cooking your turkey at 325 vs 350°F, both temperatures work well. 325°F delivers foolproof tender, juicy meat at the cost of longer cook time. 350°F crisps the skin beautifully but risks drying out the turkey if you aren’t vigilant.
For the most guaranteed moist and flavorful turkey, 325°F is your best option. But 350°F can also produce amazing results with frequent basting and monitoring. Just follow the temperature, not the clock, for perfect doneness either way.
The most important things are using an accurate meat thermometer, accounting for carryover cooking, and allowing the turkey to rest before serving. Follow these tips and your turkey will turn out spectacularly, no matter which temperature you choose!
