Before cooking turkey, make sure it is thoroughly dethawed. It will take longer than the directions given on the turkey packaging (about double the time).
Remove the neck and innards from turkey, making sure both cavities are empty. Rinse turkey, inside and out, thoroughly. Stuff both cavities with dressing. Melt 1 Cup Butter and pour over turkey, making sure that the skin has been completely covered with butter. This will insure a more moist turkey. Cover with foil or roasting pan lid. Cook, according to time table at 325 degrees. After 1/3 of the cooking time has passed, uncover turkey. Baste turkey a couple times while covered, and then every 15 to 20 minutes thereafter. Remove turkey from oven when done and let sit 20 minutes before carving.
Turkey Time Table:
8 to 12 pounds:*Stuffed: 3 to 3 1/2 hours*Unstuffed: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds:*Stuffed: 3 1/2 to 4 hours*Unstuffed: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds*Stuffed: 4 to 4 1/4 hours*Unstuffed: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds*Stuffed: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours*Unstuffed: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds*Stuffed: 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours*Unstuffed: 4 1/2 to 5 hours