How Long Does It Take To Cook A Turkey At 400 Degrees. Also make sure your bird is thawed before cooking and i cook for an hour at 350 400 degrees to start. Since the 20 pound turkey is twice the size of a 10 pound bird at first the answer might seem obvious.
Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey and stuffing. You can baste a couple of times during the day if you want or just let it cook. Insert the thermometer into the bird between the breast and thigh being sure not to hit bone.
Insert the thermometer into the bird between the breast and thigh being sure not to hit bone.
Let it sit on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes. These times are approximate. The first thing you should do before you embark on cooking a turkey is invest in an instant read thermometer. I have started earlier then 11pm and bird is fine cooking longer.