How Long to Cook a 24 lb Turkey

A 24 lb turkey roasts for 4 h 30 min to 5 h at 325°F unstuffed, or 5 h to 5 h 30 min stuffed. It needs 6 days to thaw in the refrigerator and serves about 16 people. Cook to 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

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Turkey to buy

24 pounds

Whole turkey, for 24.0 servings

Servings: 24.0 people

Thawing

Thaw in the refrigerator24 hours for every 4 to 5 lb, at 40°F or below. The safest way: 6 days
Or in cold water30 minutes a lb in a sealed bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook it right away: 12.0 hours

Roasting

Roast at 325°F, unstuffedCheck with a thermometer, not the clock: 4 h 30 min to 5 h
Safe internal temperatureIn the thickest part of the breast and thigh, and the stuffing: 165°F
Rest before carvingCover loosely with foil: 20 to 30 min

Roasting times are the USDA chart for an unstuffed turkey at 325°F and change with the oven, the pan and the bird, so cook to temperature. Never thaw a turkey on the counter. A frozen turkey can be cooked from frozen, but takes about 50% longer.

Before you buy: round up to whole packs, check the size printed on the label, and add a little spare. Your supplier has the final say.

Roasting a 24 lb turkey

These times are the USDA chart for a thawed whole turkey at 325°F in a roasting pan. Ovens, pans and birds vary, so use a thermometer and not the clock. Stuffing adds about 30 minutes, and the stuffing must reach 165°F as well.

Roasted	Time at 325°F
Unstuffed	4 h 30 min to 5 h
Stuffed	5 h to 5 h 30 min

Thawing a 24 lb turkey

Method	Time
In the refrigerator (40°F or below)	6 days
In cold water (changed every 30 min)	12.0 hours

Never thaw a turkey on the counter. A frozen turkey can be cooked from frozen, but it takes about 50% longer. See how long to thaw a turkey for every method.

How many people a 24 lb turkey serves

Per person	Servings
1 lb each	24
1.25 lb each	19
1.5 lb each (with some leftovers)	16
2 lb each (plenty of leftovers)	12

Not sure which size to buy? Try how big a turkey for your guests or the full cooking guide.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Turkey Size Calculator: How Big a Turkey for Thanksgiving?: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Roasting pan with rack Instant-read meat thermometer Brining bag Disposable roasting pans Gravy separator

Frequently asked questions

How long to cook a 24 lb turkey?

4 h 30 min to 5 h at 325°F if it is unstuffed, and 5 h to 5 h 30 min if it is stuffed. This is the USDA chart for a thawed whole turkey. Cook to temperature: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, the breast and the stuffing.

How long to thaw a 24 lb turkey?

6 days in the refrigerator, at 24 hours for every 4 lb, rounded up. In cold water it takes about 12.0 hours, at 30 minutes a pound, and you must cook it straight away.

How many people does a 24 lb turkey feed?

About 16 people at 1.5 lb of whole bird each, or 24 people at the USDA minimum of 1 lb each.

How long should a 24 lb turkey rest?

20 to 30 min, loosely covered with foil. Resting lets the juices settle and keeps the meat moist when you carve.

Related sizes and guides

Related sizes

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.

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