The brown paper bag technique is an easy and reliable way to cook a juicy and tender turkey for your upcoming Thanksgiving feast. It has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many families, and with good reason! It’s easy, efficient, and delivers consistently delicious results.
Why Roast Turkey in a Paper Bag?
Roasting a turkey in a paper bag offers several advantages:
- Moistness: The bag creates a humid environment that traps the turkey’s natural juices, resulting in a beautifully moist bird. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked turkey!
- Flavor: The paper bag allows the turkey to breathe while it cooks, promoting even browning and enhancing its natural flavor.
- Simplicity: This method is incredibly straightforward. Simply season and bag your turkey, and let the oven do the rest. No basting or complicated techniques required!
- Convenience: The bag catches all the drippings, making cleanup a breeze.
Two Delicious Brown Paper Bag Turkey Recipes
We’ve compiled two popular brown paper bag turkey recipes for your consideration, each with its own unique twist:
Anita’s Table Talk Brown Paper Bag Turkey:
This classic recipe is a tried-and-true method that has been passed down through generations. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers a consistently juicy and flavorful turkey.
Ingredients:
- 10-16 lb whole turkey
- 2 stalks celery, cut in half
- 1 carrot, cut in half
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
- Mayonnaise
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Poultry seasoning
- Brown paper bag
Instructions:
- Defrost the turkey completely in the refrigerator.
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Add celery, carrot, and onion to the cavity.
- Tie the wings and legs to the body with string.
- Massage the turkey skin with mayonnaise, using about 1 cup. You can also use vegetable oil for this step.
- Season generously with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Oil a brown paper bag thoroughly, making sure to coat every surface.
- Place the turkey in the bag, seam side up. Fold the opening and staple it shut.
- Place the bagged turkey in a roasting pan or lasagna pan. Ensure the seam of the bag is facing upwards.
- Roast the turkey at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the temperature should reach 180 degrees in the thigh and 170 degrees in the breast.
- Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before removing the bag and carving.
Kidd Kraddick’s Famous Brown Paper Bag Turkey:
Garlic and olive oil are added to this recipe to give it a special twist and deeper flavor. Additionally, it highlights how crucial it is to use a large enough paper bag in order to avoid burning.
Ingredients:
- 18-20 lb whole turkey
- 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 1 carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
- 3-4 crushed garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Brown paper bag
Instructions:
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Add celery, carrot, onion, and garlic to the cavity.
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with a large brown paper bag. Staple shut or secure with paper clips.
- Sprinkle the bag with water.
- Roast the turkey at 375 degrees for 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the temperature should reach 163-170 degrees.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and cut away the bag. Strain the drippings from the pan and use them to make gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Paper Bag Turkey
About roasting a turkey in a brown paper bag, the following are some frequently asked questions and their responses:
- Is it safe to cook a turkey in a brown paper bag? Yes, it is safe as long as you use a clean, uncoated paper bag and avoid direct contact with the heating element.
- Will the paper bag catch fire? No, the paper bag will not catch fire as long as the temperature remains below its burning point (451 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Can I use a Reynolds cooking bag instead? You can, but the Reynolds bag will steam the turkey instead of roasting it, resulting in a different texture and flavor.
- What if my turkey is too big for one paper bag? You can use two paper bags, overlapping them at the ends.
- How do I make gravy with the drippings? Strain the drippings from the pan and add chicken broth and cornstarch to thicken.
Additional Tips for Roasting Turkey in a Paper Bag
- Use a large enough bag. The bag should be big enough to comfortably accommodate the turkey without touching the sides.
- Don’t overstuff the bag. This could restrict airflow and prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.
- Let the turkey rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
- Don’t throw away the drippings! Use them to make a delicious gravy.
One easy, efficient, and delicious way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey is to roast it in a brown paper bag. Your family will love this method so much that it becomes a Thanksgiving tradition for years to come because of its simplicity of preparation, consistently juicy results, and enhanced flavor. So gather your ingredients, grab a paper bag, and get ready to discover the wonders of brown paper bag turkey!