Here is the best method for how long to cook a large 25-pound turkey. It's an easy way to ensure oven-roasted turkey is moist, juicy, & ready for the holidays. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a party, everyone will rave about this turkey. Times & temps include for with stuffing, no stuffing, & cooking it in a Reynold's roasting bag.
** TIMES WILL VARY for cooking if you choose to cook the turkey stuffed or in a roasting bag - or at 350° - see guides above. This recipe is for turkey without stuffing and roasted at 325° in the oven.
Defrost your turkey for 5-6 days in the refrigerator.OPTIONAL dry brine - If using a dry brine, start the salting process 3 days before cooking your turkey. The DRY SALT BRINE link is shared above.
Preheat the oven to 325°.While the oven is preheating, prepare the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan on a rack. Remove any parts in the cavity. Place the lemon and garlic pieces inside the turkey cavity.
Coat the skin of the turkey with softened butter. Next, combine all the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle the turkey seasoning blend over the butter. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the turkey.
Place it in the oven and cook for 3 hours. Baste only once during the first half of cooking, at about the one-hour mark.
Midway through the cooking, remove the foil and continue to cook another 2 ½ hours. Continue basting once every 30 minutes. Do not do it any more than that as the oven will lose heat.
An unstuffed 25-Pound turkey will take about 5 ½ - 6 hours in total.To check for doneness, place an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. If it is 175°, and the breast is 165° ... the turkey is ready!
Remove the turkey carefully from the oven. Let it rest while covered loosely with foil for 30-60 minutes. Place the turkey on a carving board or platter to serve. Remove the lemons and garlic from the cavity carefully and discard. Serve with your favorite side dishes and Enjoy!