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21 lb Turkey Cooking Time at 325°F (Stuffed & Unstuffed)

21 lb unstuffed turkey4 h 30 min – 5 h at 325 °F
Oven temperature
325 °F (165 °C)
Roasting time
4 h 30 min – 5 h
Done when
165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part of the breast, innermost thigh and wing
Thaw in the fridge
5 days (about 1 day per 4–5 lb)
Thaw in cold water
10.5 hours (30 min per lb, change water every 30 min)
Rest before carving
20–30 minutes

Times follow USDA roasting guidance for a fully thawed turkey at 325 °F. Stuffing must also reach 165 °F. Always confirm doneness with a food thermometer — time is only a guide.

21 lb turkey: 4 h 30 min – 5 h at 325 °F

Roast a 21 lb unstuffed turkey for 4 h 30 min – 5 h at 325 °F, until it reaches 165 °F in the thickest part of the breast, thigh and wing.

Step by step

  1. Thaw it in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 °F (165 °C).
  3. Roast unstuffed for the time above, or 4 h 45 min – 5 h 15 min at 325 °F if stuffed.
  4. 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 21 lb unstuffed turkey in a 325 °F oven by about 11:15 AM — that allows roughly 4.75 hours of roasting (about 14 minutes per pound), 30 minutes of resting and a little time for preheating. Start checking the temperature 30 minutes before the shortest time. A 21 lb bird gives about 11.6 lb of cooked meat, enough for 14 people with leftovers or 21 without.

Details

Unstuffed at 325 °F
4 h 30 min – 5 h
Stuffed at 325 °F
4 h 45 min – 5 h 15 min
Thaw in fridge
5 days
Thaw in cold water
10.5 hours
Feeds
14–21 people
Weight in kg
9.5 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

Turkey weightUnstuffed time
17 lb3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min
18 lb3 h 45 min – 4 h 15 min
19 lb4 h 15 min – 4 h 30 min
20 lb4 h 15 min – 4 h 30 min
21 lb4 h 30 min – 5 h
22 lb4 h 30 min – 5 h
23 lb4 h 30 min – 5 h
24 lb4 h 30 min – 5 h
25 lb5 h – 5 h 30 min

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I cook a 21 lb turkey?

4 h 30 min – 5 h unstuffed at 325 °F.

How long does a 21 lb turkey take to thaw?

About 5 days in the fridge, or 10.5 hours in cold water.

How many people does a 21 lb turkey feed?

About 14 to 21 people, allowing 1–1½ lb per person.

What temperature should turkey reach?

165 °F (74 °C) in the breast, thigh and wing.

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