Is It Better to Cook a Turkey in a Bag?

by

A delicious way to have a flavorful, moist turkey dinner without all the hassle is to cook the bird in a bag.

This recipe for turkey in a bag is ideal served on your Thanksgiving table alongside your preferred rolls and appetizer.

I have made this turkey oven bag recipe for years. It’s ideal for simplifying holiday entertaining or for that occasion when you find a really good deal on a roasted turkey to go with your spiral ham.

I vividly recall being in my friend’s tiny college kitchen, watching her as she took a turkey out of a paper bag. Even though I now know that I prefer using a food-grade oven bag, that was before I became obsessed with cooking turkey in a bag.

I was shocked at the flavor and novelty of it. The perfect main along side my favorite green been casserole recipe, delicious rolls, and yummy spinach artichoke dip.

I enjoy cooking enough turkey to freeze it chopped and ready to use in my favorite enchilada recipe or any other delicious dish.

Ah, the age-old Thanksgiving debate: to bag or not to bag the turkey? This culinary conundrum has divided families and friends for generations, sparking passionate arguments and heated debates. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the pros and cons of this controversial cooking method.

The Case for the Bag:

Proponents of the bag sing its praises for its ability to deliver a juicy, flavorful bird with minimal effort The bag acts as a self-basting system, trapping moisture and creating a microclimate of deliciousness around your turkey. This results in a tender, succulent bird that practically falls off the bone.

Furthermore, the bag eliminates the need for constant basting, freeing you up to tackle other Thanksgiving tasks or, dare I say, relax with a glass of wine. Additionally, cleanup is a breeze, as the bag contains all the drippings and juices, leaving your roasting pan sparkling clean

The Case Against the Bag:

Opponents of the bag lament the lack of crispy skin, a hallmark of a perfectly roasted turkey. The bag’s moist environment prevents the skin from achieving that golden-brown, crackly texture that many consider essential.

Moreover, some argue that the bag imparts a slightly “steamed” flavor to the turkey, detracting from its natural richness. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of using plastic bags in high-heat cooking environments.

The Verdict:

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to cook your turkey in a bag is a personal one. If you prioritize juicy, flavorful meat and easy cleanup, then the bag is an excellent option. However, if crispy skin is non-negotiable for you, then you may want to consider other cooking methods.

Additional Considerations:

  • Size matters: Oven bags come in various sizes, so be sure to choose one that can accommodate your turkey.
  • Seasoning is key: Don’t skimp on the seasonings, as they will infuse the turkey with flavor.
  • Don’t forget the vegetables: Adding vegetables to the bag will create a flavorful broth that can be used for gravy.
  • Let it rest: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to ensure juicy meat.

Whether you choose to bag it or roast it bare, the most important thing is to cook your turkey with love and care. With a little planning and attention, you’ll be sure to create a Thanksgiving feast that will leave your guests gobbling with delight.

How to Cook Turkey In a Bag

Lets get to it. You’ll see making a moist flavorful turkey is so so easy when you use a bag. Also it cooks up much faster!.

  • Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350 F
  • Prep your turkey. Make sure the plastic is off, the bags of giblets are out, and your turkey is completely thawed. I’ve included some advice below in case your turkey isn’t completely thawed. Don’t worry, I deal with partially frozen turkeys all the time.
  • Pull the skin away. To remove the turkey’s skin from the meat without ripping it, run your hand gently over the skin. Usually, I use a large cutting board or jelly roll pan for all of this prep work.
  • Coat with butter. Melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, dried herbs, and any desired fresh herbs. I typically just use dried plus butter for this step. Apply your butter mixture all over the turkey’s underside using your hands—yes, this can get messy. No need for perfection, just do the best you can.
  • Season the skin of the turkey. Grate a good pinch of salt onto the skin of the turkey. This will depend on your family’s tastes. Treat it like you are season that amount of meat. Use half table salt and half garlic salt if you’re using it. After adding a small pinch of pepper, place the smoked paprika on top.
  • Chop the veggies. Core the apple and chop into halves or quarters. Chopped celery into 2-3 inch pieces and onions into quarters Chop two celery pieces, one quarter of an apple, and one onion quarter into smaller pieces. This will be for inside the turkey. The remainder will slide beneath the turkey to aid in its removal from the bag.
  • Season the inside of the turkey. Fill the turkey with a heaping pinch of salt and pepper. Add some finely chopped onion, apple, and celery along with some fresh or a few pinches of dried herbs. This is not stuffing this is just for flavor. Make sure the turkey cavity is spread out and has space to breathe; you don’t want to stuff it. You want it to be only about 1/3 full, so fill it entirely with 1/2 to 1 cup.
  • Prep the pan. After setting the roasting rack inside the pan, open the bag, add the two TBS of flour, and shake the mixture. Then add in the apples, onions, and celery. Spread along the bottom. you will place the turkey on top.
  • Bag the turkey. Place the turkey inside the bag and secure with the included plastic closure or knot with a string. Make sure there is a hot spot near each breast in your thigh where you can place the thermometer when it’s time by cutting a few holes in the bag along the top.
  • Bake. Stick the turkey in the oven and bake. Test for doneness. Because the turkey will continue to cook after it is taken out of the oven, I remove it when the temperature in the breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature in the thigh reaches 170 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let it rest. It just needs to rest in the bag for fifteen minutes. Another awesome perk. If you require additional time before eating, you can allow it to rest for a longer period of time after removing the bag.

Carve the turkey and enjoy. Make sure to check out my favorite method for carving a turkey or chicken. It makes it so you get as much meat as possible and it still looks awesome!.

When to Start Defrosting Your Turkey

Generally speaking, each 4 pounds of turkey requires a full day in the refrigerator to thaw. So if you have a 12 pound turkey stick it in with 3 full days at the least. 16 pound turkey? You will want 4 days.

How To Cook A Turkey EASY | OVEN BAG Turkey Recipe | Simply Mamá Cooks

FAQ

Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or without a bag?

Why Cook Turkey In A Bag? The oven bag method has fallen out of favor over the years as cooks have chosen to roast and brine their birds, or even smoke them outside. But this method can produce a juicy, flavorful bird with much less clean up. And just about any traditional roasted turkey recipe will work in a bag.

Does cooking turkey in a bag reduce cooking time?

A turkey roasted in an oven bag will usually cook one hour faster than traditional open roasted methods. For approximate cooking times, follow the oven bag turkey cooking times chart. For food safety, always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked correctly.

Will meat brown in an oven bag?

It sure can; our turkeys came out with beautifully browned skin. Here are a few additional tips to add to your, ahem, bag of tricks. MIND THE TEMPERATURE: Because the bag traps heat and steam, the heat energy in the bag will be greater than the heat energy of the dry air in the oven.

Should you put Turkey in a bag?

Turkey in a bag makes for easier cleanup, too—no scrubbing a dirty roasting pan. Simply throw the bag in the trash after you’ve strained out the juices to make turkey gravy. If popping plastic in the oven seems like a bad idea, don’t worry. Oven bags are made of materials that are heatproof past the average temperatures used in ovens.

What are the health benefits of ground turkey?

Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.

Why should you cook a Turkey in a bag?

It traps in moisture to help the turkey stay juicy and tender as it cooks. Cooking in a bag also saves time, as your turkey will cook about an hour faster in the bag than what your recipe specifies. A bag is also self-basting, which means condensation collects in the bag and drips onto the turkey as it cooks.

Should you cook a Turkey in an oven bag?

If you’re cooking the annual Thanksgiving turkey, you might wonder if you should use an oven bag. It’s a method that many advocate makes a juicy turkey—and it’s foolproof for beginners. Find out all the pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag before you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

No related posts.

Leave a Comment