For 43 years, the Butterball Turkey Talk - Line experts have been an invaluable resource for millions of home cooks across the nation. As Thanksgiving approaches, these experts stand ready to assist in making your holiday meal a resounding success. In this article, we'll delve into the most frequently asked questions on the Butterball Turkey Talk - Line and their answers, so you can have your best Thanksgiving ever.

One of the most common questions is about turkey sizing. How big of a turkey should you buy? The general rule of thumb provided by the experts is to plan for about 1 - 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. If you want leftovers, err on the side of a larger bird. For example, if you're hosting 10 people, a 12 - 15 pound turkey would be a good choice. This ensures that everyone gets their fill and you have some delicious turkey for sandwiches later in the week.

Cooking time is another major concern. A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one. For an unstuffed turkey, you should cook it at 325°F. A 12 - 14 pound turkey will take approximately 3 - 3.5 hours. However, for a stuffed turkey of the same weight, add about 30 - 45 minutes to the cooking time. It's crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

Many people also wonder about brining the turkey. Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt - water solution, sometimes with added herbs and spices. It helps to keep the turkey moist and adds flavor. To brine a turkey, dissolve about 1 cup of salt per gallon of water. You can add things like garlic, onions, and herbs to the brine for extra flavor. Submerge the turkey in the brine in the refrigerator for about 12 - 24 hours, depending on the size of the turkey.

When it comes to stuffing, there are two main camps: those who stuff the turkey and those who cook it separately. If you choose to stuff the turkey, make sure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as well. To cook the stuffing separately, you can use a baking dish. Combine bread cubes, onions, celery, and your choice of seasonings. Add some broth to moisten the stuffing and bake it at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour.

Another question that often comes up is about basting the turkey. Basting involves pouring the pan juices over the turkey during the cooking process. It helps to keep the turkey moist and gives it a nice golden - brown color. You can baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so. However, be careful not to open the oven door too often, as this can cause the oven temperature to drop and increase the cooking time.

Finally, what about the sides? Classic Thanksgiving sides include mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and green bean casserole. For mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes until they're tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and a little salt and pepper. For sweet potato casserole, combine cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and a little cinnamon. Top it with marshmallows and bake until the marshmallows are golden. Green bean casserole is made with canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Bake it in the oven until it's bubbly and the onions are crispy.

In conclusion, with the help of the Butterball Turkey Talk - Line and these tips, you can create a Thanksgiving meal that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these answers to the most common questions will guide you to a successful and delicious holiday feast.