Cooking a 14 lb turkey requires careful preparation and attention to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and remains moist. Here's a general guideline for cooking a turkey of this size:
Thawing: If your turkey is frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity if they are included.
Preparing the turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any packaging or trussing from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season it with salt, pepper, and any other preferred herbs or spices. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, or citrus fruits for added flavor.
Roasting: Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired. Brush the turkey with melted butter or oil to promote browning and moistness.
Cooking time: As a general rule of thumb, estimate 13-15 minutes of cooking time per pound for an unstuffed turkey. However, it's crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Check the temperature in multiple spots, avoiding contact with bones.
Basting and tenting: Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan drippings or a mixture of broth and butter to help keep it moist. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
Resting: Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes carving easier.
Remember that cooking times can vary, so it's essential to rely on a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is safely cooked. Also, these are general guidelines, and you may have your preferred cooking method or recipe. Consulting a reliable recipe or turkey cooking guide can provide more specific instructions based on your preferred approach.