How long and at what temperature to preheat your oven bake a turkey?

Here's why:

* Preheating is for quick cooking: Preheating an oven is designed to bring it to a high temperature quickly, ideal for baking things like cookies or bread that require a rapid rise.

* Turkeys need slow cooking: Turkeys are large and dense, and they need to cook slowly and evenly. A preheated oven can create hot spots that lead to uneven cooking.

Instead of preheating, follow these steps:

1. Place the turkey in the oven: Put your turkey in the oven on a roasting rack, and set the temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).

2. Calculate cook time: The general rule of thumb is to bake the turkey for 13 minutes per pound (or about 15 minutes per pound if you're stuffing it).

3. Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Important: It's crucial to let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes after cooking before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist turkey.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey!