I am planning to use this recipe on a 24 pound stuffed bird - I would be grateful for any guidance on cooking time that you could give. Many thanks.

Question

PHIL · Answer

don't stuff it , not worth the trouble.  I always make the stuffing separate.

savedbytheapron · Answer

Thank you for your reply! I ended up with a (somewhat) smaller bird (see above).  I am looking forward to not poisoning my guests tomorrow (which should be the minimum)  and am still hoping to produce a juicy bird.

savedbytheapron · Answer

Thank you!  I went to pick up the bird today (I am in Germany and we do an expat Thanksgiving on Saturday either before or after the actual day) where they informed me that they could not give me the 12 kg turkey that I ordered but rather an 8kg (17lbs) and were surprised that I was not angry at all but rather relieved!  I have added a ham and will not stuff the bird and will hope for the best!

SMSF · Answer

This advice may come too late for you if you've already purchased/ordered your big turkey, but I recommend roasting two smaller turkeys instead, especially for a stuffed bird. Here's why:
- Easier to handle
- Less chance of overcooking the turkey, especially the breast meat, when getting the stuffing up to the proper and safe temperature
- More pieces to go around! 4 legs, etc.

Lori T. · Answer

At 325F, a stuffed turkey of that size will need at least 5 1/2 hours or longer in the oven to reach the safe internal temperatures.   To be honest, I'd hesitate to stuff and roast a bird that size.  By the time the stuffing gets to the correct temperature, the breast meat will likely have dried out badly.  There is also always the risk that not all of the stuffing will get hot enough, long enough, to kill off dangerous bacteria.  I'd really recommend not stuffing a bird of that size, just because of the increased risks.   Not to mention, the very long roasting time it requires.  Also keep in mind that the longer your bird is in the oven, the less juicy and tougher it may end up being.

I am planning to use this recipe on a 24 pound stuffed bird - I would be grateful for any guidance on cooking time that you could give. Many thanks.

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