How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey: A Beginner's Guide

Cooking a whole turkey feels like a big deal, especially the first time. The good news: it's mostly about planning, a good thermometer and patience.

Follow this simple plan for a juicy, golden bird.

How big a turkey do you need?

Plan about 1–1.5 lb (450–700 g) of whole turkey per person. That leaves room for leftovers.

Step-by-step roasting

1. Thaw it fully in the fridge (allow roughly a day for every 4–5 lb).
2. Pat it dry and season generously with salt, pepper and soft butter under and over the skin.
3. Roast at 325°F (160°C). An unstuffed turkey usually needs around 13–15 minutes per pound.
4. Check the temperature. The thickest part of the thigh and the breast should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest it under loose foil for 30–45 minutes before carving.

Keep it juicy

• Don't overcook — start checking early.
• Cook stuffing separately so the turkey cooks evenly.
• Baste only occasionally; opening the oven often slows cooking.

Carving made easy

Remove the legs and wings first, then slice the breast meat across the grain. Arrange on a warm platter and pour over a little gravy.

Write down your timings this year — next Thanksgiving will be even easier.