How To Cook Turkey In Oven

All you need to know about: How To Cook Turkey In Oven.

How To Cook Turkey In Oven

Cooking a turkey in the oven is a relatively simple process, but it does require some special preparation to achieve the best results. Below are the steps to follow to ensure a succulent and juicy turkey.

Preparing the Turkey

The night before you plan to cook the turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to allow it to slowly thaw. Depending on the size of the turkey, this could take up to 24 hours.

Once the turkey is thawed, it is time to prepare it for the oven. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the body and cavity of the turkey. Rinse the turkey both inside and out with cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.

Seasoning the Turkey

Next, season the turkey inside and out with your favorite herbs and spices. Popular seasonings to use include sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion.

If you’d like to add additional flavor, consider stuffing the cavity of the turkey with your favorite stuffing mix. After you’ve finished seasoning the turkey, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the breast.

Cooking the Turkey

Now it’s time to cook the turkey. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can place the turkey directly on the bottom of the roasting pan.

Brush the turkey with melted butter or olive oil, and place it in the preheated oven. Once it’s in the oven, calculate the cooking time, allowing about 15 minutes per pound of turkey.

Checking for Doneness

Once the estimated cooking time has elapsed, check the turkey for doneness. To do this, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should read at least 165°F.

If it hasn’t, continue to cook the turkey for an additional 10-15 minutes, and then check again. Once the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the oven, cover it with a tent of foil, and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Enjoy!