How To Cook A Turkey For Thanksgiving

All you need to know about: How To Cook A Turkey For Thanksgiving.

How To Cook A Turkey For Thanksgiving

Cooking a turkey is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition. Here’s how to do it right!

Step 1: Preparing the Bird

Begin by thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. A 12-15 pound turkey will take about 2-3 days to thaw.

Once thawed, remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Stuff the Turkey

If you choose to stuff your turkey, do so just before roasting. Stuff it loosely with a savory dressing of your choice. Do not overstuff the bird or it will take longer to cook.

Step 3: Roasting the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Place your turkey, breast-side up, in a large roasting pan. Brush the turkey with melted butter or oil and season with salt and pepper.

If desired, add 1-2 cups of chicken stock to the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.

Cover the turkey loosely with a piece of aluminum foil and place in the oven.

Step 4: Basting the Turkey

Baste the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it moist. Uncover the turkey for the last hour of roasting.

Step 5: Checking the Temperature

Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it does not touch bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 6: Letting the Turkey Rest

Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and transfer to a large carving board. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Enjoy!