This Christmas, simplify your life by preparing my Easy Roast Turkey Crown. It has all the flavor of a full roast turkey with none of the hassle. Along with lots of advice on how to purchase, thaw, and cook a turkey crown, there are also mouthwatering leftover turkey ideas!
One of the most stressful aspects of Christmas Day is often cited as cooking the turkey, but it doesn’t have to be! Raise your hand if you find it stressful!
In fact, many people find cooking turkey to be so stressful that I’ve written an entire post with suggestions and ideas on how to make the process less stressful. You can find it here: 20 easy tips to make cooking your Christmas turkey less stressful.
One way to make cooking turkey at Christmas less stressful is to not cook a whole bird. Whole turkeys can be difficult to store and can take a long time to cook. Because different parts of the turkey cook at different rates, it is easy to overcook or undercook them. Additionally, cooking an entire turkey can produce a lot of waste because many people prefer the white meat of the breast to the brown meat of the legs and thighs.
Avoiding this can be achieved by not cooking a large turkey at all. Instead, try my Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey Mini Fillets with Sage and Sausage Stuffing, which is a simple, elegant, and affordable way to prepare turkey for Christmas without all the work.
A roast turkey crown, on the other hand, is a fantastic compromise if you’re dead set on carving a gorgeous bronzed turkey for your Christmas table; it will still look amazing and cause you much less stress to impress your guests.
A turkey crown is much easier to get right than a whole turkey. They still make a fantastic centerpiece for your Christmas table even though they are typically easier to store in your refrigerator or freezer, quicker to defrost, quicker to cook, and easier to carve.
Are you planning a festive feast this Christmas, but feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of cooking a whole turkey? Well, fret no more! A turkey crown is here to save the day, offering all the deliciousness of a traditional roast without the stress and hassle.
But before you get started, the burning question remains: how long should you actually cook your turkey crown? Fear not, for this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to achieve perfectly cooked, succulent turkey every time.
Choosing the Right Turkey Crown Size
Before diving into cooking times, let’s first address the crucial matter of size. Selecting the right size turkey crown is paramount to ensuring you have enough to feed your guests without ending up with a mountain of leftovers.
A good rule of thumb is to multiply the number of people you plan to serve by 250g-333g, depending on their appetites. For instance, a 2kg turkey crown will comfortably feed 6-8 adults, while a 3kg crown is ideal for a gathering of 8-10 people, including children.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly smaller crown than risk having too much leftover turkey. After all, you can always supplement your feast with other delicious side dishes and festive treats.
Unveiling the Cooking Time Mystery
Now, let’s unveil the mystery of cooking times. The general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey crown that weighs 4kg or less for 70 minutes, plus an additional 20 minutes for each kilogram.
For instance, a 2kg turkey crown would require a total cooking time of 70 + (20 x 2) = 110 minutes, which translates to 1 hour and 50 minutes. Similarly, a 3kg crown would need 70 + (20 x 3) = 130 minutes, or 2 hours and 10 minutes.
This simple formula ensures your turkey crown emerges from the oven juicy and tender, with a beautifully crisp skin. But remember, this is just a guideline. If you prefer your turkey well-done, feel free to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cooking a Stuffed Turkey Crown
If you’re a fan of stuffing, you can certainly incorporate it into your turkey crown. However, remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. When calculating the total cooking time, include the weight of both the turkey and the stuffing.
For instance, if you’re stuffing a 3kg turkey crown, the total weight would be 3kg + the weight of the stuffing. Use this combined weight in the formula mentioned above to determine the appropriate cooking time.
Checking for Doneness: The Crucial Step
Now, let’s talk about the crucial step of checking for doneness. While the cooking time formula provides a good starting point, it’s always wise to double-check using a meat thermometer or a simple knife test.
A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey crown should register 74°C (165°F) for a perfectly cooked bird. If you’re stuffing your crown, ensure the stuffing reaches the same temperature.
Alternatively, you can use a sharp knife to check for doneness. Insert the knife into the thickest part of the crown, and if the juices run clear, your turkey is cooked. If you see any pink, it needs a little more time in the oven.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook the turkey for a few extra minutes than risk undercooked meat. Food safety is paramount, after all!
Defrosting Your Turkey Crown: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before embarking on your culinary adventure, it’s crucial to ensure your turkey crown is fully defrosted. Never attempt to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey, as this can lead to food poisoning.
The safest method for defrosting your turkey crown is in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 12 hours per kilogram for the defrosting process. So, a 4kg turkey crown would require 48 hours of refrigerator time.
If you’re short on time, you can defrost your turkey crown in a cool room (below 15°C). However, remember to immediately transfer the crown to the refrigerator once it’s defrosted. Keep in mind that the warmer the defrosting temperature, the higher the risk of food poisoning.
Before cooking your defrosted turkey crown, double-check the main cavity for any lingering ice crystals. Always ensure your turkey is fully defrosted before starting the cooking process.
Making the Most of Leftovers: Creative Ideas
Let’s face it, even with the best intentions, we often end up with a bounty of leftover turkey after Christmas. But don’t worry, there’s no need to despair! With a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into a plethora of delicious dishes.
From Leftover Turkey Tacos to Moroccan Turkey Filo Pie, the possibilities are endless. Remember to store your leftover turkey properly in the refrigerator or freezer to ensure its freshness and prevent foodborne illness.
Additional Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Feast
To make your Christmas feast even more enjoyable, here are a few additional tips:
- Plan ahead: Create a detailed shopping list and meal plan to avoid last-minute stress.
- Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends.
- Enjoy the process: Cooking should be a fun experience, so relax and savor the moment.
With these tips and guidelines, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of cooking a turkey crown. Remember, the key is to choose the right size, follow the cooking time formula, and check for doneness. And don’t forget to get creative with your leftovers!
So, go forth and conquer your Christmas feast with confidence, knowing that your perfectly cooked turkey crown will be the star of the show.
How to cook a turkey crown
FAQ
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