How Long to Cook a 22 Pound Turkey at 325

What Size Turkey Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb: 1 pound of turkey per person attending. Account for 1 1/2 lbs of turkey per person to ensure each guest has leftovers to take home (for leftover turkey sliders).

• 5-person gathering: 7 1/2 lb turkey
• 10-person gathering: 15 lb turkey
• 15-person gathering: 22 lb turkey (see tips below!)
• 20-person gathering: 2 (15-lb) turkeys 

Note: we recommend choosing 2 small turkeys over one really large turkey because they cook faster and more evenly. If you’re cooking for more than 15 people, opt for 2 turkeys.

Cook Times Based On the Size of the Turkey

Here is a general overview of turkey cook times based on its size if you’re roasting at 325°F. However, these are general guidelines. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for best results (see temperature guide below). 

We also recommend using a 2-stage cooking process, like in our cheesecloth turkey. This is when you cook the turkey at a high temperature (425) for an hour, and then turn the temp down to 325 for the remainder of roasting. 

• 10 to 12 pounds: 2 ½ to 3 hours
• 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours  
• 14 to 16 pounds: 3 1/2  to 4 hours  
• 16 to 18 pounds: 4 to 41/2 hours 
• 18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/2 to 5 hours 
• 20-22 pounds: 5 to 51/2 hours 

Factors that Affect Cook Time

Although the above cook times are a good starting point to give you an idea of how long to cook a 22 lb turkey, there are several factors that can affect that. Here are some of them. Because of this, the internal temperature of the turkey is always the best indicator of doneness. 

• Stuffing the turkey: an unstuffed bird will cook faster than a stuffed bird. We recommend cooking your stuffing (aka dressing) outside of the turkey because it’s safer and speeds up the turkey cooking.
• Bringing the turkey: similar to chicken wing brine, a brined turkey will cook slightly faster than an unbrined turkey. Always use a meat thermometer for best results.
• The size and shape of your roasting pan.
• Type of oven (convection or conventional) and its airflow.
• The exact shape and size of the bird.
• The temperature of your turkey when it goes in the oven.

Internal Temperature of Roasted Turkey (Breast and Thigh)

The most important factor to cooking turkey correctly isn’t actually the right time, but the right temperature. According to the USDA, a safe temperature for turkey is when a food thermometer instantly reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Always use an instant-read thermometer to determine doneness.

However, it also states that a turkey breast that reads 157°F for 50 seconds, rather than 165 instantly, is also safe. Because of this, pull the turkey out of the oven when it reaches 157°F in the thickest part of the breast meat. The temperature will hold that temp and even rise more because of carryover cooking.

Note that the dark thigh meat, needs higher temperatures for collagen to melt. Because of this, the temperature should reach 175-180°F in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) when you remove it from the oven. 

For the most tender turkey, pull the bird from the oven when it reaches these temperatures:

• Turkey breast: 157°F
• Turkey thigh: 175°F

How Long to Cook a 22-Pound Turkey at 325°F

​Plan on 15-17 minutes of cooking time for each pound of an unstuffed turkey. Estimate 15 minutes if your turkey is brined because it cooks slightly faster. 

That means you can expect to cook a 22-pound turkey for 5 to 5 1/2 hours at 325°F. 

However, every bird and oven varies, so always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Start checking the bird early (around 4 hours), without opening the oven too often. Or use an alarm thermometer probe to track the temperature. 

Note: Allow your whole bird to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours prior to roasting. Ideally, it will be somewhere around 30-35°F when it goes into the oven (keep it below the danger zone of 40°F). It will cook more evenly and quickly if you allow it to rest at room temperature. 

Don’t forget to let the turkey rest on a platter or cutting board to allow for carryover cooking and to let the bird reabsorb the juices.

Brining Turkey

Using a brine is going to make the turkey moist and give you golden skin. The kosher salt helps retain moisture while the sugar gives you a golden brown skin.

Here’s a great wet brine and dry brine recipe. It will help you decide which one to use and how to make it. The biggest difference is that a wet brine works quicker (12-24 hours) while a dry brine takes longer (24-48 hours) to work its magic.

Thawing Frozen Turkey

When it comes to how long to cook a turkey, always keep thaw times in mind prior to roasting.  The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is to let it sit in the fridge. A good rule of thumb is 24 hours for every five pounds of turkey. 

This means that a 20-pound turkey should be placed in your fridge 4 days before cooking and a 12-pound turkey should be placed in your fridge 2-3 days before cooking. For a 22-pound turkey, start thawing the bird in the fridge 4-5 days in advance. Put the entire bird turkey breast side up on a large sheet pan and place it in the fridge to thaw.

Leftover Turkey

A 22-pound turkey might be the perfect size for your Thanksgiving turkey, but this size turkey may give you some leftovers! 

If you have leftovers, store them in a plastic zip-top bag or airtight container. Leftover turkey is only good for 3-4 days so be sure to consume it quickly! If you need inspiration for leftover turkey, we love these mini leftover turkey sandwiches. We top them with a little bit of leftover cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes for a combo that is both, salty and sweet! They are delicious with whatever type of turkey meat you have left, including dark meat or white meat.

Turkey Side Dishes, Appetizers, and Desserts

From appetizers and salads to mashed potatoes and desserts, we’ve got you covered! Many of our side dishes are also dairy-free and/or gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, accommodating for all dietary preferences and allergens. 

• Appetizers: 
  • Candied pecans 
  • Sweet potato bites 
  • Healthy cranberry meatballs 
• Salads: 
  • Thanksgiving salad with spiced vinaigrette
  • Pear salad with goat cheese and candied pecans 
• Side dishes: 
  • Turkey gravy
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Green bean casserole
• Desserts: 
  • Vegan pumpkin cheesecake bars 
  • Healthy pumpkin cookies 
  • Healthy apple crisp 
  • Vegan caramel sauce

Need a Thanksgiving-inspired drink? Check out our 20 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Cocktails.