The short answer is: cook your bagged turkey at 350°F (175°C). For a standard, unstuffed bird, plan on 13 to 15 minutes per pound. That’s your magic range, right there.
If you’re math-averse (like me), that means a 12-pound turkey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. A 20-pounder? You’re looking at 4.5 to 5 hours. But wait! There’s one rule that trumps all math: the thermometer never lies.
Let’s Break It Down By Size
Here’s a super simple cheat sheet, just for you. Always check your bag’s instructions first, because brands vary, but this is your safe baseline.
For an 8 to 12 pound bird: cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. That’s a great Sunday dinner size, right?
For a 12 to 16 pounder: give it 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is the classic “family gathering” bird. You’ve got this.
For a 16 to 20 pound beast: expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Yes, it’s a commitment, but the bag makes it feel like a walk in the park.
