Make a gigantic bird if you’re hosting a large gathering and want to serve a lot of turkey. But theres another option: Cook two smaller birds in the oven at the same time.
King Phojanakong, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, tells LIVESTRONG that “two birds might be a better choice for a juicier, tender product that you can fit in your oven.” com. A larger and older turkey is more likely to have tough meat, Phojanakong says.
Two smaller birds might also be easier for you to handle; just consider how much simpler it is to lift up a roasting pan filled with a 12-pound turkey as opposed to a roasting pan full of a 24-pound bird that is smoldering. With two birds in play, you can also use different seasonings. Plus, youll cut down on cook time: Two small turkeys cook faster than a single super-sized one.
But if youre going to cook two turkeys at once, youll need to do some advance planning. Here’s what you need to know and the precise procedures for baking two turkeys at once.
Forget the giant, intimidating bird – this Thanksgiving ditch the stress and cook two smaller turkeys instead! This clever trick not only saves you time but also delivers a potentially tastier, more tender result.
Why Two Turkeys are Better Than One:
- Juicier and More Tender: Smaller birds tend to be more succulent, while larger ones can be tougher and drier.
- Easier Handling: Lifting a 12-pound turkey is a breeze compared to a 24-pound behemoth.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Experiment with different seasonings for each turkey, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
- Faster Cooking Time: Two smaller turkeys cook much quicker than a single giant one, freeing up your oven for other dishes.
Planning Your Two-Turkey Feast:
- Choose the Right Turkeys: Opt for two birds of similar size (10-14 pounds each) for even cooking.
- Oven Space Check: Ensure your oven can comfortably accommodate two roasting pans with the turkeys and some breathing room for proper heat circulation.
- Timing is Key: Follow the cooking time for the smaller turkey’s weight, not the combined weight of both.
- Clean Your Thermometer: Prevent cross-contamination by cleaning the thermometer probe between checking each bird.
- Brining for Extra Juiciness: Brine the turkeys separately the day before for maximum moisture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Two Turkeys:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Dry the thawed turkeys and place them breast-side up on separate wire racks in individual roasting pans.
- Tuck the wing tips under the shoulder for even cooking and space-saving.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of each pan.
- Rotate the turkeys every 30 minutes for even browning.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, breast, and wing.
- Rest the turkeys for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Stuffing Safety:
- Cook stuffing separately for optimal food safety.
- If stuffing the bird, do so before step 4, using 3/4 cup stuffing per pound of turkey.
- Ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F before serving.
Cooking Time Reference:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time (Unstuffed) | Cooking Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 pounds | 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours | 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes |
| 12-14 pounds | 3 hours – 3 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours |
Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Stovetop: Braise or sauté turkey parts for a flavorful twist.
- Slow Cooker: Cook a turkey breast or a cut-up whole turkey for a hands-off approach.
- Gas Grill: Utilize indirect heat for a smoky, outdoor-cooked turkey.
- Deep Fryer: Perfect for turkeys up to 12 pounds, following USDA guidelines.
- Microwave: Cook a small turkey (up to 14 pounds) whole or in parts.
Additional Resources:
- USDA: “Can I cook two turkeys at the same time?”
- National Turkey Federation: “Convection Oven 101”
- Kansas State University: “Can Two Turkeys Be Roasted in One Oven?”
- Michigan State University: “Food thermometers”
Remember:
- Always follow safe food handling practices and cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Adjust cooking times based on your specific oven and turkey size.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your perfect Thanksgiving feast!
Happy Cooking!
Choose the Right Size Turkeys
Youll want to make sure theres room for both birds in your oven.
To help with timing, take into account their size: “To ensure that the birds cook at similar rates, it’s best to look for two that are as close to the same size as possible,” advises Phojanakong.
Plan to Clean Your Food Thermometer
A food thermometer is the only way to know when a turkey is fully cooked. Poultry may be undercooked on the inside, which can result in a foodborne illness, even if the outside is a delicious golden-brown color.
Cleaning the thermometer probe between uses is required to avoid cross-contamination, per Michigan State University. Use soapy water to clean it, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
You can keep two food thermometers on hand, one for each turkey, if you’re feeling extra cautious. Thatll save you some washing time if youre checking on the temperatures of both turkeys.
It’s acceptable to check the temperature of a single bird during the cooking process because, given their similar sizes, they will cook at the same rate, according to Phojanakong. Do check the temperature on both turkeys at the final stage to determine if theyre done.
Rachael Ray’s Thanksgiving Tip: Cook 2 Small Turkeys
FAQ
Can you cook 2 turkeys together?
Is it better to roast two small turkeys or one large one?
How long to cook two 6 pound turkeys?
What temperature do you cook a turkey two?
How do you cook two turkeys at a time?
Here are some tips to remember when cooking two turkeys at one time: Choose the right roasting pan: For a 9- to 12-pound turkey, choose a shallow roasting pan no more than three inches deep; place a rack in the bottom of the pan to elevate the turkey above the pan drippings.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
Can You bake two turkeys in the same oven?
Yes, you can bake two turkeys in the same oven. However, it is important to make sure that there is enough space between the turkeys so that they cook evenly. You should also make sure that the turkeys are not touching each other, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.
How many turkeys should a single oven cook?
When buying two turkeys for a single-oven approach, Johnson advises selecting two smaller turkeys weighing between 9 and 12 pounds each. Here are some tips to remember when cooking two turkeys at one time: