Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cooking times, let's cover the basics. You'll need to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), which is like, a pretty standard temperature for cooking a turkey. Then, you'll need to stuff the turkey cavity with some aromatics, like onions and carrots, to give it some extra flavor.
Now, when it comes to cooking time, it's all about the temperature and the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 20 minutes per pound, but that can vary depending on the oven temperature and the level of doneness you prefer. So, for a 23-pound turkey, you're looking at around 4-4 1/2 hours of cooking time - that's a long time, but trust me, it's worth it.
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How Long To Cook A Brined Turkey Per Pound? The Ultimate Guide
But here's the thing, you can't just cook the turkey and forget about it - you need to baste it every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and promote even browning. It's like, you're helping the turkey to get all golden and delicious, and that's a pretty cool process. And let's not forget about the importance of using a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature - we don't want any foodborne illnesses ruining the party.
