Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if you’re like me, you’re starting to plan out your holiday meals. One of the staples of Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey. While the exact recipe may vary from family to family, one question remains: How long should you cook a seven-pound turkey? Luckily, the answer isn’t as complicated as it may seem. In this blog post, I’m going to break down the basics of how long it takes to cook a seven-pound turkey. So put on your chef’s hat and let’s get to work!
Contents
Preparing the Turkey
Before we get into the actual cooking time, let’s talk about preparing the turkey. You’ll want to make sure the turkey is completely thawed before you start cooking. If you have a frozen turkey, you’ll need to thaw it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Once you’ve thawed the turkey, it’s time to season it. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix, or you can make your own. I like to use a mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Cooking the Turkey
Once your turkey is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to get cooking. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F and then place the turkey in a roasting pan. Make sure to add some liquid to the pan, like chicken broth or white wine, to keep the turkey moist as it cooks. It’s important to note that the cooking time of your turkey will depend on a few factors, including the weight of the turkey, the type of oven you’re using, and the temperature you’re cooking at.
Cooking Times for 7lb Turkeys
Convection Oven
If you’re using a convection oven, you’ll want to roast the turkey for about 2 ½ hours. You’ll know your turkey is done when the internal temperature of the thigh meat is 165°F.
Standard Oven
If you’re using a standard oven, you’ll want to roast the turkey for about 3 ½ hours. You’ll know your turkey is done when the internal temperature of the thigh meat is 165°F.
Let the Turkey Rest
Once your turkey is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey and will ensure that your turkey is juicy and flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your turkey has rested, it’s time to carve and enjoy! Serve your turkey with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cranberry sauce, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Conclusion
Cooking a seven-pound turkey doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of preparation and the right cooking times, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey in no time. So don’t be afraid to take on the challenge and cook the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving feast! And don’t forget the gravy. As the song says, “Gravy makes everything better!”
