How to Cook a Turkey

A Guide for those New to Roasting Christmas or Thanksgiving Poultry

Nov 29, 2008 Chloë Ernst

For those roasting their first turkey or who maybe need a refresher, here is the process for buying, defrosting, and roasting a turkey for a holiday family dinner.

Never cooked a turkey? Don't know where to begin?

Roasting a turkey is a holiday favorite for many families, but for those cooking their first turkey dinner the process can seem long and confusing. The most important tip is to start planning early and write out a to-do list, menu and schedule for your big dinner.

Buying a Turkey for a Family Dinner

Both frozen and fresh turkeys are available, but which is best? If buying a turkey within the 24 hours before the big dinner, only fresh will do as there is too little time to defrost and roast the bird. If more than one day remains, frozen turkey may be the best option.

Allow about one-pound of turkey per guest.

Defrosting the Turkey: Slow and Quick-Defrost Methods

Turkey defrosts best over three days or so in the refrigerator. Be sure to place a baking pan under the turkey to collect the water.

Alternately, the quick-defrost method will more rapidly defrost the bird. Place the frozen turkey (still in its plastic wrap) in a sink of cold water. Change the water every hour or so as the water chills to the temperature of the turkey.

Through replacing the very cold with slightly warmer but still cold water, the temperature of the turkey slows rises and the bird thaws safely. It is important to note that using this same defrosting method with warm water can breed sickness-causing bacteria.

Preparing and Stuffing the Turkey for the Oven

Remove the turkey from the plastic wrap and remove the giblets or innards, which will be contained in a plastic bag, from the neck cavity. Note that turkeys have two cavities: a large body cavity and a smaller neck cavity. Wash the turkey, inside and out, then blot dry with paper towel. Place the raw turkey in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Aluminum roasting pans are a great option for a first-turkey cook!

Prepare a stuffing mixture and place a few spoonfuls loosely into the smaller neck cavity. Use toothpicks or metal skewers to secure the skin flap over the stuffing.

Then, spoon the remainder of the stuffing into the larger body cavity. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the drumstick legs together with string. Brush the turkey with oil then season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Rosemary and sage both complement turkey nicely.

How to Oven Roast the Turkey

Warm the oven to 325°F, 163°C, then place the turkey in the oven. The length of cooking time for a turkey depends on the weight. The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook, 1989, recommends the following times for roasting:

Stuffed:

• 8 to 12 lb. turkey cooks for 3.5 to 4 hours
• 12 to 16 lb. turkey cooks for 4 to 4.5 hours
• 16 to 20 lb. turkey cooks for 4.5 to 5 hours
• 20 to 24 lb. turkey cooks for 5 to 6 hours

Unstuffed:

• reduce total roasting time by 30 minutes

When the turkey turns golden, cover loosely with foil and continue roasting for the remaining time.

When is the Turkey Done?

A meat thermometer is helpful in ensuring a turkey is cooked. If using a meat thermometer, insert into the breast near the thigh. The meat thermometer must not touch the bone. The internal temperature of the turkey will be at least 180°F, 82°C, when ready.

Alternately, use a papertowel and move a drumstick up an down. The leg will move with little resistance once well cooked.

Serving the Roasted Turkey

Allow the roasted turkey to sit for 30 minutes before serving. When you do take it to the table, place on a platter and carve the bird for all to see.

Most importantly, give yourself a big congratulations on roasting your first turkey.

The copyright of the article How to Cook a Turkey in Seasonal Cooking is owned by Chloë Ernst. Permission to republish How to Cook a Turkey in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Roast Turkey is a Holiday Favorite