How long does it take to cook a 23 lb. turkey at 250 degrees?

It's impossible to give an exact cooking time for a 23 lb turkey at 250 degrees without more information. Here's why:

* Oven Variations: Ovens can vary in temperature, even if set to the same degree.

* Turkey Shape & Size: A 23 lb turkey could be a very wide, flat bird or a long, narrow one. This affects cooking time.

* Stuffing: A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one.

* Desired Doneness: Do you want it just cooked through, or do you want the white meat to be very dry?

General Guidelines:

* Unstuffed: Expect a cooking time of around 4-5 hours for a 23 lb turkey at 250 degrees.

* Stuffed: Add at least 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.

Important Tips:

* Use a meat thermometer: The only way to know if your turkey is cooked is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) and ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.

* Check for Doneness: Start checking the turkey's temperature after the first 3 hours of cooking.

* Rest the turkey: After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for more tender meat.

For more precise guidance, consider using an online turkey cooking time calculator. These tools often factor in the turkey's weight and whether it's stuffed.