Once you get the hang of it, roasting a turkey in the oven is actually very simple to learn. This article will assist you in perfecting the roasting of your bird and determining the ideal roasting time for your particular turkey. You’ll also learn the best way to prepare it before putting it in the oven.
It’s that time of year again. Macaroni and cheese casseroles begin to dance in our minds, recipe sites tremble with requests for stuffing recipes and other Thanksgiving side dishes, and questions about how to roast a turkey start to flood in.
The number of inquiries I receive each year from people who are terrified to roast turkeys in their ovens is uncountable. The majority of these individuals are excellent chefs and can roast a chicken with ease; however, when faced with a bird weighing more than three pounds, it seems that their prior experience with bird roasting is forgotten. Maybe the issue is that they are serving their roast turkey to a group of five to twenty finicky eaters. Or maybe it’s the fact that your dinner investment suddenly went from $9 to $45.
Or perhaps it’s just the bird itself—it’s a whole lot bigger than your average chicken.
Regardless, roasting a big turkey is actually just as easy as roasting a little chicken. Even though it might take a little longer, there’s no reason why you can’t have a delicious, drama-free, and tender dinner.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family friends, and, of course the centerpiece of the feast: a perfectly roasted turkey. But a question often arises: should you cover a turkey when roasting in the oven?
The answer, like many things in cooking, is: it depends. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the best approach ultimately depends on your desired outcome.
Covering the Turkey:
- Pros: Covering the turkey with foil helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture, resulting in a juicy and tender bird. This is especially beneficial for larger turkeys or those cooked at higher temperatures.
- Cons: Covering the turkey can prevent the skin from crisping up. For a golden-brown, crispy skin, you’ll need to remove the foil for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Uncovering the Turkey:
- Pros: Uncovering the turkey allows the skin to brown and crisp up beautifully. This is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional, golden-brown turkey.
- Cons: Uncovering the turkey can lead to uneven cooking and a drier bird. To prevent this, basting the turkey with pan drippings or butter throughout the cooking process is recommended.
So which method should you choose?
- For a juicy and tender turkey: Cover the turkey for the majority of the cooking time, then remove the foil for the last 30-60 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
- For a crispy-skinned turkey: Uncover the turkey for the entire cooking time, basting it frequently to keep it moist.
Here’s a handy table summarizing the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Covered | Juicy and tender, cooks evenly | Skin may not be crispy |
| Uncovered | Crispy skin, traditional look | May be dry, uneven cooking |
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment and see what works best for you and your oven. Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Additional Tips:
- Brining the turkey before roasting can help to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird.
- Seasoning the turkey generously with salt and pepper is essential for good flavor.
- Resting the turkey for at least 20 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’ll be sure to roast a delicious and impressive turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- How to Roast a Turkey – Jo Cooks: https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/roast-turkey-2/
- Should You Cover Turkey With Foil? (Southern Living): https://www.southernliving.com/should-you-cover-turkey-with-foil-8404461
Happy Thanksgiving!
Is your Thanksgiving turkey frozen?
The number of times I’ve heard of people taking a golden-brown turkey out of the oven only to discover that the center is still frozen is uncountable. You should be aware that it will take several days for a 6- to 12-pound frozen turkey to defrost. A fully thawed turkey will be soft all the way to the middle.
The problem is that, once exposed to room temperature, salmonella and other pathogens will quickly become a threat. Basically, turkey should not stay at room temperature for very long, otherwise it becomes a food safety nightmare. So! You always want to defrost your turkey in the refrigerator.
If the turkey weighs less than ten pounds, it can usually be refrigerated for three days. However, if you have a large frozen turkey weighing thirteen pounds, you should refrigerate it for four or five days prior to Thanksgiving morning. Yes, that means on Saturday or Sunday morning, taking the turkey out of the freezer and placing it in the refrigerator.
Additionally, make sure your turkey is inside a sizable pot, pan, or bowl to hold it all and prevent juices from dripping out as it defrosts. It is advisable to place it at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent any juices from leaking and contaminating the other food items. Furthermore, a heavy turkey can strain—even shatter—the refrigerator’s shelves, so it’s best to rest it on the bottom, where it’s safer.
Bringing turkey to room temperature before roasting
Before roasting, it’s usually a good idea to start with a slightly warmed bird, but as I mentioned before, poultry is a major food safety hazard. It’s ill-advised to leave it at room temperature for hours.
It is advisable that you remove the turkey from the refrigerator ONE HOUR prior to baking it. No more than that. An hour will do the trick to lessen the severity of the cold while ensuring that bacteria doesn’t have a chance to grow at room temperature.