How Long to Cook a 10-Pound Turkey

The best recipe, tips, tricks, temperatures, & time information for making an amazing holiday bird. Learn how long to oven roast a small 10-pound turkey so it has juicy tender meat and yummy crispy golden skin on the outside. This is for an unstuffed turkey cooked at 325 degree F.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 3

resting time 30

Total Time 4

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 261 kcal

Equipment

roasting pan

Ingredients

1 10-pound turkey defrosted or fresh
4 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
1 lemon cut in quarters
4 clove garlic
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon paprika
½ tablespoon black pepper
½ tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground sage
1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Instructions

Defrost the turkey in the refrigerator for 4 days
NOTE: If using a dry brine, start the salting process 3 days before cooking your turkey. Links below in the recipe card on the dry brine process I recommend or see the post above.
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In a medium-sized roasting pan, 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.
1 10-pound turkey, 1 lemon, 4 clove garlic
In a small bowl add all the spices and stir to combine.
1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, ½ tablespoon black pepper, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground sage, 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
Coat the skin of the turkey with softened butter. Sprinkle the turkey seasoning blend over the butter.
4 tablespoons salted butter
Place a large sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the turkey. Place it in the oven and cook for 1 ½ hours. No Basting needed but if you like to baste, do so at the hour mark.
Remove the foil and continue to cook another 1- 1 ½ hours.
To check for doneness, place an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. Check it at the 2½ hour mark. If it is 175°, the turkey is ready.
Remove the turkey carefully from the oven. Let it rest while covered loosely with foil for 30-45 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!

Notes

TIME & TEMP GUIDE FOR STUFFED OR UNSTUFFED TURKEY:
For cooking at 350°a 10-lb turkey takes 2 - 2 ½ hours to cook in the oven
For a stuffed 10-pound turkey, cook at 325°F for 3 ½ - 4 hours to cook in an oven

LEFTOVERS:

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

BRINE:

To dry brine starting 3 days before cooking, follow my SALT BRINE RECIPE FOR TURKEY.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 919mgPotassium: 58mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 612IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.4mg

Keyword christmas, dinner, Easter, family, holiday, low carb, low fat, thanksgiving

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