How To Cook A 12 Pound Turkey

All you need to know about: How To Cook A 12 Pound Turkey.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you start cooking the turkey, you need to prepare it. Start by removing the neck and giblets from the turkey. Discard the neck and save the giblets for later use. Then, rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and then rub the entire turkey with a mixture of melted butter and herbs, such as sage, rosemary and thyme. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Cooking the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake the turkey for 3 to 3 1/2 hours. To ensure that the turkey is cooked thoroughly, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should read at least 165 degrees F. If the temperature is lower, continue cooking the turkey and check the temperature every 15 minutes until it reaches 165 degrees F.

Serving the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This lets the juices redistribute, creating a juicy and flavorful turkey. Carve the turkey and serve. Enjoy!