Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, a succulent, golden-brown turkey gracing the center of the table. But what if you’re not a seasoned chef or don’t have a massive oven to accommodate this culinary masterpiece? Fear not, my fellow turkey enthusiasts, for the NESCO 18 Qt. Roaster comes to the rescue!
This powerhouse appliance boasts a spacious cookwell and the ability to handle turkeys up to a whopping 22 pounds, making it the perfect solution for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking a sweat So, let’s delve into the world of NESCO turkey roasting and discover how you can achieve a perfectly cooked bird that will have your guests raving
The NESCO Roaster: Your Thanksgiving Hero
The NESCO 18 Qt Roaster is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s a Thanksgiving hero in disguise Its durable construction and efficient heating system ensure even cooking, resulting in a juicy, flavorful turkey that will melt in your mouth. Plus, its generous capacity means you can roast a turkey large enough to feed your entire family, leaving no one hungry.
The Art of Roasting a Turkey in Your NESCO
Roasting a turkey in your NESCO roaster is a surprisingly simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve Thanksgiving glory:
- Preheat your NESCO roaster: Set the temperature to 400°F and let it preheat while you prepare your turkey.
- Prepare your turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Season generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Baste the turkey: Melt some butter or margarine and mix it with a teaspoon of browning sauce (optional). Use a pastry brush to spread this mixture evenly over the turkey skin.
- Place the turkey in the roaster: Position the turkey on the rack provided in the roaster.
- Calculate the roasting time: Determine the roasting time based on the weight of your turkey. As a general guideline, allow 12-15 minutes per pound for a fresh turkey and 15-20 minutes per pound for a frozen or stuffed turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Roast the turkey for one hour at 400°F. Then, use a baster to remove any liquid and fat from the cavity of the bird and from the cookwell. Set this liquid aside to make gravy later.
- Continue roasting: Brush the turkey with the basting liquid or butter mixture and reduce the temperature to 350°F. Continue roasting for the remainder of the calculated cooking time.
- Baste again: About halfway through the remaining cooking time, use the baster to remove any liquid from the cavity of the bird and from the cookwell. If the turkey is looking dry, baste it again with the basting liquid.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh muscle.
- Rest and carve: Remove the turkey from the roaster and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat.
Tips and Tricks for NESCO Roaster Turkey Perfection
- Add extra flavor: For a flavor boost, add 1/4 cup of apple or orange juice concentrate to the butter basting mixture. You can also place a sliced onion or a little garlic inside the cavity of the turkey for added depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooking your turkey will result in dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, but don’t let it go beyond that.
- Make gravy: Save the juices from the turkey to make a delicious gravy. You can also use these juices as a base for a flavorful soup.
- Let it rest: As mentioned earlier, resting the turkey is crucial for optimal juiciness. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I stuff the turkey before roasting it in the NESCO roaster?
A: Yes, you can stuff the turkey before roasting it in the NESCO roaster. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the stuffing is cooked through.
Q: Can I use the NESCO roaster for other dishes besides turkey?
A: Absolutely! The NESCO roaster is a versatile appliance that can be used to roast other meats, vegetables, and even desserts.
Q: Where can I find more NESCO roaster recipes?
A: The NESCO website has a wealth of recipes specifically designed for the NESCO roaster. You can also find numerous recipes online from other NESCO enthusiasts.
With the NESCO 18 Qt. Roaster, roasting a Thanksgiving turkey has never been easier. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can create a masterpiece that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your NESCO roaster, and get ready to experience the joy of Thanksgiving turkey perfection. Happy roasting!
How long do I roast my turkey in a NESCO Roaster Oven?
Turkeys take 15 to 20 minutes to cook in a traditional roaster oven per pound, and they take an extra 30 to 45 minutes to cook if they are stuffed. With the High Speed Roaster Oven, cook time is 6 minutes per pound. Just be careful not to overcook the turkey’s interior by turning off the center heating element halfway through. For full instructions, you can read our Roasted Turkey recipe here.
Always make sure to cook your turkey until the meat reaches 165 degrees at the thickest part. Be patient with your turkey! You can’t rush perfection.
What type of Roaster Oven is best for me?
The ideal roaster oven for you will depend on what you’re cooking, as we offer three different varieties.
The classic 18 Qt. Roaster Oven has been a staple at holidays, parties, and gatherings for years. It can hold up to a 22 lb. turkey and even bake full pies. Additionally, it can be used to prepare and serve hot foods like chili, hot dogs, and other appetizers for large gatherings. While your 18 Qt. Roaster Oven cooks the turkey, you can use your oven for side dishes.
The smaller 6 Qt. Roaster Oven is very similar to its larger counterpart. It has the full versatility of the 18 Qt. Roaster Oven, but in a more compact size. Its small size makes it ideal for Thanksgiving side dishes, Cornish game hens, and turkey breasts, while maintaining its flexible 200–400 degree temperature range. If you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving meal, this is the right Roaster Oven for you.
NESCO’s newest addition, the High Speed Roaster, is the fastest way to cook a turkey. It can cook up to an 18 lb. turkey in less than two hours and sears the skin to a flawless golden-brown finish using infrared lights. The center heating element cooks from the inside out to ensure an even cook every time. This Roaster can also be used for other meat dishes like beef roasts or kebobs.