Here’s the only cooking time framework you need. Forget the per-minute math. Instead, think in total hours based on weight ranges.
- 8-12 lbs Stuffed: Plan for 3 to 3.5 hours. Start checking at 2 hours 45 minutes.
- 12-16 lbs Stuffed: Plan for 3.5 to 4.5 hours. This is the danger zone—start checking early at 3 hours.
- 16-20 lbs Stuffed: Plan for 4.5 to 5.5 hours. And please, consider cooking your stuffing on the side. Just saying.
- 20-24 lbs Stuffed: Plan for 5.5 to 6.5 hours. At this point, you’re cooking a small mammal. Good luck.
Notice how I said “plan for” and not “it will take exactly.” That’s because every oven runs 30-50°F hotter or colder than it claims. That dial is a liar, and we’re all okay with that—until it’s not.
