Another Turkey question!?

Question

This is the first time I'm cooking a turkey, by myself, and knowone to help! I have a 9 and 1/2 pound turkey. Its a butterball! It says 20-30 minutes per pound. I do not have a thermonater, or a pop up thingy on my turkey! Will it be over done if I cook it for 4 hours? How do i know when it's done? Also what do u prefer,moist stuffed turkey stuffing, or crunchy? I am by myself this year and I want to make sure I dont mess it up. Thank you Also do u like yams with pecans or marshmellows better, and mashed or not? thanks again

Additional Details

im on a limited budget, butter ball is all walmart had 3 weeks ago. 2 and 1/2 hours or 3 tops. whew, thanks u saved me. It would suck having the fixings without the bird. Comment about it would be dust, LMAO u had me on the floor laughing! Thanks so much God Bless

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I don't like butterballs. They are injected with oil and salt water. Not butter - but oh well, you are a turkey newbie.
It's about 15 to 20 minutes per pound, unstuffed. about 30 stuffed. Don't over stuff the bird. Just put enough stuffing to fill the bird loosely. Don't press or cram the stuffing in. Bake the extra in a casserole pan.
For the yams or sweet potatoes, ugh on the marshmallows. Butter and a little brown sugar and salt.I serve mashed potatoes with gravy.
4 hours is too long for this turkey, about 21/2 to 3 hours.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

yes im a turkey newbie, that was cute! Thank you very much and I guarentee next year will NOT be butterball! Thanks again
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Answer 2

Omg it will be dust if you cook it for 4 hours..

the pop out thingys don't work

spend 2 bucks on a thermometer and make sure you cook it until the thermometer reads 161 degrees when pericing the thickest part of the bird. then put it on a cutting board or in another pan and cover it with tinfoil for 20 minutes before slicing

cook the bird at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes before taking the temp.

I like moist stuffing
and pecans.. marshmallows are for smores..

Answer 3

Some good thoughts here by the previous contributors. I just might add - to use a cooking bag, big enough for a turkey. Any grocery store should have them. It will help retain the moisture in the bird, so as not to be too dry if you do over-cook a little. Just follow the instructions, pop a few small holes in the bag so the bag does not pop open from the heat.

Answer 4

Yes 4 hours should be enough time . You will know the turkey is done if you can take the leg and pull it away from the body. Use a hot pad the turkey leg bone will be very hot. You will be able to see the cooked meat at the leg joint. If the meat does not seem to be completely done then put the turkey back in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Be sure and baste the turkey every hour during the cooking. Basting means to dip the juice from the bottom of the roasting pan and pour it over the turkey. My mother never had a meat thermometer and she cooked good turkey every year. If this is your first time cooking a whole turkey be sure and get the giblets out of the tukey before roasting. Also be sure to put the turkey in the frig to thaw this will take a few days for a 9 pound turkey.