How to Roast a Turkey by Internal Temperature

Want the secret to a perfectly cooked bird every time? Learn how to roast a turkey by internal temperature so it turns out tender, juicy, and golden whether you’re roasting in the oven, in a bag, or cooking a turkey breast.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to prep for your turkey day feast. There are a lot of ways you can cook a turkey, but making a roasted whole turkey in the oven is by far the easiest, especially if you use a wireless meat thermometer to track the internal temperature.

Curious about how to roast a turkey like a pro? Read our step-by-step guide so you can roast your bird stress-free.

Turkey Preparation Steps

First things first, there are a few ways to roast a turkey: in the oven, on a wood pellet grill, in an electric rotisserie, etc. While all these roasting methods are foolproof, we’ll be focusing on roasting a turkey in the oven for this guide. Either way, the process is simple once you have the right setup and tools.

Tools for Roasted Turkey

Not only are the steps to roasting turkey easy, but the tools you need for it are fairly lowkey as well. Gather these supplies before you start cookin’:

Roasting Pan – Choose a sturdy pan with high sides to catch drippings.
Roasting Rack – Keeps the turkey elevated for even cooking and airflow.
Smart Meat Thermometer (Specifically, a MEATER)– Your secret weapon for a perfect roast.
Carving Set – A sharp knife and fork for smooth slicing.
Kitchen Twine – Keeps the bird compact for even cooking.
Basting Tool – A baster or heatproof brush to reapply juices or butter.
Cutting Board – Large and sturdy for carving.
Foil – Used to tent your turkey if it browns too quickly or for resting.
Paper Towels – To pat the turkey dry for crispier skin.
BBQ Oven Mitts – Protect your hands when moving hot cookware.

Here’s why MEATER is the best tool for roasting turkey: It’s completely hands-off, so you can monitor your bird without opening the oven or grill and losing heat. No messy cords. Just a sleek, wireless probe that connects to the MEATER app. Multiple sensors track both the internal temperature of your turkey and the ambient temperature of your oven or wood pellet grill for more accurate results.

The app walks you through every step, from prep to resting, and even predicts when your turkey will be done. MEATER automatically calculates carryover cooking, so you never overcook, which is a major win for turkey since it dries out so easily. With an extended Bluetooth or Wi-Fi range (depending on your model), you can step away and relax.

Not sure which MEATER suits you best? Compare MEATER models to find your perfect match.

In the meantime, the MEATER Pro XL and MEATER Block are great MEATER choices for your Thanksgiving needs. With multiple probes, you can monitor the internal temperature of multiple areas of the turkey.

Ingredients for Roasted Turkey

While the tool list for roasting turkey is fairly simple, you can be a bit more creative when it comes to ingredients. You can go with a simpler rub or a more time-intensive brining recipe. Here are some ingredients that will work well with your roasted bird:

Main Ingredients

Whole Turkey – Fresh or fully thawed if frozen.
Kosher Salt – Key for seasoning or dry brining.
Black Pepper – Balances and enhances flavor.
Butter or Olive Oil – Promotes browning and rich taste.

Aromatics (for cavity or roasting pan)

Onion – Adds depth and sweetness.
Garlic – Boosts savory flavor.
Fresh Herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley for classic Thanksgiving flavor.
Citrus (lemon or orange) – Brightens the richness.
Celery & Carrots – Create a flavorful base for drippings and gravy.

Optional Flavor Boosters

Compound Butter – Mix butter with herbs, garlic, and zest to spread under the skin.
Broth or Stock – Keeps the turkey moist during roasting.
Wine or Apple Cider – Adds complexity to the pan juices.
Smoked Paprika or Chili Flakes – For color and a touch of heat.

Turkey Prep Steps

Thawing – If your turkey is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator. Plan ahead—it takes about 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds.
Prep the Bird – Remove giblets and the neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season the inside with salt and pepper. You can add aromatics like lemon, onion, apple, and herbs inside, but the FDA recommends making stuffing on the side for food safety.
Butter and Season – Gently loosen the skin above the breasts and spread herb butter underneath and over the top. Tuck the wings under and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

How to Roast a Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F, the ideal temperature for juicy meat and crisp skin.
Insert your MEATER probe into the thickest part of the breast. Make sure the safety line on the probe is fully inside the meat so both internal and ambient temperatures are tracked.
Set Up – Place the turkey on a roasting rack in your pan, with aromatics like onions and herbs surrounding it.
Roast – Put the turkey in the oven uncovered and let MEATER do the monitoring.
Cook Until Perfect – The MEATER app will alert you when the breast reaches a certain point, around 155°F or even earlier for carry-over cooking. That’s your cue for a perfectly roasted turkey with golden skin.
Rest – Remove the turkey and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute and your bird can reach its ideal internal temperature with carryover cooking.

How to Cook a Turkey Breast Roast

If you’re cooking for a smaller group, a turkey breast roast is a great option.

Preheat Oven – 325°F is ideal for even cooking.
Prep – Pat the turkey breast dry, rub with olive oil or butter, then season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Insert MEATER – Push the probe into the thickest part of the breast past the safety notch, avoiding bone.
Roast – Place the breast on a rack in a shallow pan and roast uncovered.
Cook Until Carryover Temp Reached – Let MEATER guide you to an internal temperature of 165°F. The app will let you know when to pull your turkey so that it stays moist all the way to carving.
Rest – Tent with foil and let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Always make sure to double-check your turkey recipe to confirm times, though, before you start cookin’.

Roasted Turkey FAQs

What oven temperature yields the juiciest roast turkey? 325°F is the sweet spot for even cooking and juicy results.

How long should I roast a turkey for consistent doneness? Skip the timer, go by temperature. Wait for 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh for perfect doneness.

Should I brine my turkey overnight or skip it for ease? Brine if you have time for max flavor and moisture (12–24 hours ahead). For simplicity, dry-brine by salting the turkey and leaving it uncovered in the fridge overnight.

Always double-check that your turkey isn’t pre-brined or injected, though before you start.

What’s the finished internal temperature for turkey? 165°F for the breast and 175°F for the thigh.

How do I truss and butter a turkey for even browning? Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath. Rub softened butter (plain or mixed with herbs) under the skin and across the surface for crispy, golden skin.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325°F or 350°F?**

The exact cooking temperature isn’t as important as finishing at 165°F. Whether you go low and slow at 300°F, steady at 325°F, or hotter at 350°F, as long as your turkey reaches 165°F internally, it’ll come out juicy, tender, and delicious every time.

Should a turkey be covered or uncovered when roasting? Roast uncovered for crispy skin. Tent with foil only if it browns too fast.

What’s the secret to a moist turkey? Temperature control. Use MEATER to pull your bird right at 165°F, then let it rest before carving. Add a brine or butter under the skin for extra insurance.

Bottom line: MEATER takes the stress out of learning how to cook a turkey. Whether you’re roasting a whole bird, a turkey breast roast, or experimenting with how to roast a turkey in a bag or on a pellet grill, MEATER gives you precision and peace of mind. This Thanksgiving, let the app guide you, and enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful turkey you’ve ever made.