I threw spices, unsalted butter, flour, and an extra bag of potatoes into my cart last night during another last-minute grocery run (because you can never have too many potatoes). I realized that I would be moving a turkey from my house to someone else’s house for the first time ever as my cart passed a display of aluminum foil pans. I guess I’ll be taking care of the turkey like a chauffeur, taking it from point A to point B.
Did I mention that the turkey will be cooked? That this will be the first turkey I’ve ever cooked? It weighs approximately 15 pounds and will be transported in its whole, roasted, uncarved state.
I didn’t consider the three flights of stairs I would have to carry the turkey up and down, the fact that it wouldn’t be carved, or the fact that a fifteen-pound turkey would feel a lot heavier than the ten pounds of potatoes I had just bought when I offered to make this turkey. Those of you who live in big cities, especially if your buildings don’t have elevators, can probably relate to the struggle.
After researching on Pinterest, I polled a few facebook friends and family to see if they had advice. The majority advised keeping the turkey warm and contained while traveling a short distance of around 10 miles by placing it in a cooler. This solution is also much easier to lug down the stairs than a roasting pan. Better Homes and Gardens cautions not to transport a cook and stuffed turkey. A turkey should not be packed; it should have an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit for the thigh, 170 degrees Fahrenheit for the breast, and clear juices. The safest way to transport is to cook the turkey, let sit for twenty minutes and then carve. After that, pack up the carved meat and move to a cooler. It is not advisable to partially cook a turkey, transport it, and then finish cooking it because bacteria grow quickly in warm environments and can cause food poisoning. For more information, check out these tips from the experts at BHG. Hopefully, these turkey transport tips will come in handy!.
Transporting a cooked turkey for Thanksgiving can be a tricky task. You want to ensure it arrives at your destination safely, without drying out or losing its crispy skin. Here are some tips to help you transport your turkey like a pro:
Preparation:
- Rest the turkey: After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and less likely to dry out during transport.
- Carve the turkey: You can transport the turkey whole or carved. Carving it before transport can save space and make it easier to reheat individual portions.
- Choose the right container: Use an insulated container, such as a cooler or insulated bag, to keep the turkey warm. Line the container with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Keep it warm: Place a hot water bottle or heating pad in the bottom of the container to keep the turkey warm. Alternatively, you can preheat the container with hot water and then drain it before adding the turkey.
Transporting the Turkey:
- Pack it tightly: Fill any empty space in the container with crumpled newspaper or towels to prevent the turkey from moving around and drying out.
- Keep it level: If transporting the turkey in a car, place the container on a flat surface to prevent it from tipping over.
- Minimize travel time: The shorter the travel time, the less likely the turkey will dry out. Plan your route and try to avoid any unnecessary stops.
Reheating the Turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the carved turkey on a baking sheet.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the turkey is heated through.
- Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Additional Tips:
- If you’re concerned about the skin drying out, you can brush the turkey with melted butter before transport.
- Consider making gravy ahead of time and transporting it separately. This will save you time and effort once you arrive at your destination.
- If you’re transporting the turkey a long distance, consider using a food-grade thermal bag or container that can keep the turkey warm for several hours.
By following these tips you can transport your cooked turkey safely and ensure it arrives at your Thanksgiving gathering moist delicious. and ready to enjoy!
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Food52 Hotline: How should I transport my turkey for Thanksgiving?
- The Kitchn: How to Transport a Turkey
- Butterball: How to Transport a Turkey
How to Transport Holiday Foods Safely
FAQ
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