16 lb Turkey Cooking Time at 325°F (Stuffed & Unstuffed)
16 lb turkey: 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min at 325 °F
Roast a 16 lb unstuffed turkey for 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min at 325 °F, until it reaches 165 °F in the thickest part of the breast, thigh and wing.
Step by step
- Thaw it in the refrigerator for about 4 days.
- Preheat the oven to 325 °F (165 °C).
- Roast unstuffed for the time above, or 4 h – 4 h 15 min at 325 °F if stuffed.
- Check that the breast, thigh and wing reach 165 °F (74 °C), then rest 20–30 minutes.
Planning a 5:00 PM dinner? Put a 16 lb unstuffed turkey in a 325 °F oven by about 12:00 PM — that allows roughly 4 hours of roasting (about 15 minutes per pound), 30 minutes of resting and a little time for preheating. Start checking the temperature 30 minutes before the shortest time. A 16 lb bird gives about 8.8 lb of cooked meat, enough for 10 people with leftovers or 16 without.
Details
- Unstuffed at 325 °F
- 3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min
- Stuffed at 325 °F
- 4 h – 4 h 15 min
- Thaw in fridge
- 4 days
- Thaw in cold water
- 8 hours
- Feeds
- 10–16 people
- Weight in kg
- 7.3 kg
How it works
Turkey times follow USDA guidance for a fully thawed bird roasted at 325 °F. Time is only a guide — ovens, pans and how cold the turkey is when it goes in all make a difference — so always check with a food thermometer. The turkey is safe at 165 °F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the wing; carryover heat during resting keeps it juicy.
Nearby values
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Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook a 16 lb turkey?
3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min unstuffed at 325 °F.
How long does a 16 lb turkey take to thaw?
About 4 days in the fridge, or 8 hours in cold water.
How many people does a 16 lb turkey feed?
About 10 to 16 people, allowing 1–1½ lb per person.
What temperature should turkey reach?
165 °F (74 °C) in the breast, thigh and wing.