How Long to Cook a 10kg Turkey

A 10 kg turkey cooks for 4 h 50 min at 180°C (160°C fan), then rests for 30 to 60 minutes. Allow about 5 days to thaw it in the fridge. It feeds about 14 people at 675 g each.

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Turkey to buy

10.0 kg

For 10.0 servings, rounded up to the next half kilo

Servings: 10.0 people

Thawing a frozen turkey

In the fridgeAllow 10 to 12 hours a kilo, on the bottom shelf in a tray to catch drips: 120 hours
Which is aboutStart early: it should be fully thawed before you cook it: 5 days

Cooking

Roasting time at 180°C (160°C fan)20 minutes a kilo plus 90 minutes: 4 h 50 min
In minutes: 290 min
Rest before carvingCover with foil and a clean towel: 30 to 60 min
Safe core temperatureCheck the thickest part of the thigh with a probe: the juices must run clear: 70°C

These are guides: ovens vary, so check your turkey's label and use a probe thermometer. Always thaw a turkey fully in the fridge, wash your hands and surfaces after handling raw meat, and do not wash the bird. Cook a stuffed turkey for the time on the pack, which is based on the weight of the bird and the stuffing separately.

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.

Cooking a 10 kg turkey

The usual rule is 20 minutes a kilo, plus 90 minutes for a turkey of this size, at 180°C (160°C fan), which gives 4 h 50 min for 10 kg. Weigh the turkey after stuffing it and always check the label, because pack timings differ.

What time to put it in the oven

Work back from when you want to carve: cooking time, then 45 minutes of resting under foil. Add time for the oven to heat up, and the roast potatoes go in the hot oven while the turkey rests.

To carve at	Put the turkey in at
1:00 pm	7:25 am
2:00 pm	8:25 am
3:00 pm	9:25 am
4:00 pm	10:25 am

Thawing a 10 kg turkey

Allow about 5 days in the fridge: 10 to 12 hours a kilo, so 120 hours at the long end. Start early, and never thaw a turkey at room temperature.

How many people a 10 kg turkey feeds

Portion	People
450 g each	22
675 g each (standard)	14
900 g each (plenty of leftovers)	11

Not sure what size to buy? See what size turkey for your guests or the Christmas turkey calculator.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Christmas Turkey Calculator (UK): edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Roasting tin with rack Digital meat thermometer Cooking foil (heavy duty)Carving set Food storage containers

Frequently asked questions

How long does a 10kg turkey take to cook?

4 h 50 min at 180°C (160°C fan), which is 290 minutes: 20 minutes a kilo plus 90 minutes. Then rest it for 30 to 60 minutes. These are guides, so check the label on your turkey and use a probe.

How long should a 10kg turkey thaw?

About 5 days in the fridge (12 hours a kilo, so 120 hours), on the bottom shelf in a tray to catch drips. It must be fully thawed before it goes in the oven.

How many people does a 10kg turkey feed?

About 14 people at 675 g of whole bird each, or 22 at a 450 g minimum.

What temperature should the turkey reach?

70°C in the thickest part of the thigh, with the juices running clear. Rest it under foil and a clean towel afterwards.

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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