Cooking a stuffed turkey in the oven is a culinary art form that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the interplay between heat, time, and the unique characteristics of the bird itself. The act of stuffing a turkey involves filling its cavity with an aromatic blend of herbs, vegetables, and sometimes grains, which adds both flavor and moisture to the meat as it cooks.
The duration for which a stuffed turkey should be cooked in the oven varies depending on its weight, the type of stuffing used, and the desired level of doneness. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, and 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. This estimate assumes that the turkey is cooked at a consistent temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).