FAQs
The basics, like onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, help lend that traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Take your aromatics up a notch by adding halved lemons or oranges. The citrus will add a nice brightness to the turkey and keep it perfectly moist.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We've done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!).
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey? ›
"Often, consumers will inquire about adding water to the bottom of their roasting pans. We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan. Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey."
Does foil help cook turkey faster? ›
Thanksgiving Foil-Wrapped Turkey: Turkey in a Hurry
Foil wrapping is the answer! This technique helps speed the cooking process and locks in the turkey's natural juices.
What is the secret to a moist turkey? ›
Brine your turkey for the best juicy bird.
In recent years, brining has become more popular and can be done with either a wet or dry brine. A wet brine involves immersing the turkey in a salt-water solution for 12-24 hours. Dry-brining is where salt is rubbed over the turkey skin for 24-48 hours before cooking.
What can I put on my turkey to give it flavor? ›
Two sticks of softened butter, five spice seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and just chop the Rosemary up really fine. I'm just loosening the skin from the meat of the Turkey, and we just start stuffing. So we're lathered up on outside and inside. Onion, garlic, and Rosemary.
Should I rub butter or oil on my turkey? ›
Because turkey breast is especially lean, I like to rub softened fat beneath the skin just before roasting. It melts and gives the meat extra flavor, richness, and moisture. Duck fat is wonderful for this, and it fortifies the poultry flavors, but unsalted butter works well, too.
Should I put a stick of butter in my turkey? ›
Impart rich flavor and add moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey by adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting. Learn how to do this simple (but genius) technique for a delicious Thanksgiving turkey. I'm Kelly Senyei with http://www.epicurious.com, and this is how to put butter under turkey skin.
Should I cook my turkey covered or uncovered? ›
To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.
What is the best temperature to cook a turkey? ›
What Temperature to Cook the Turkey? Cook your turkey at 325 degrees F for most of the cook time; in the final 45 minutes, remove the cover or foil tent from the turkey, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F and baste the bird with butter. The initial lower oven temperature cooks the turkey through evenly.
Roasting your turkey ahead will save you the time spent testing and carving, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. It's easy: Simply cook it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then carve the bird into large pieces—breasts, wings, thighs and drumsticks.
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey? ›
We recommend cooking an unstuffed turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. This 15-pound turkey should be fully cooked within about 3.5 hours — but you should always check the internal temperature before serving to prevent food poisoning.
How do I keep my turkey from tasting gamey? ›
The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution.
Why does my turkey taste gamey? ›
If you've ever eaten wild turkey then you know it doesn't taste quite the same as those Butterball turkeys you eat every Thanksgiving. The meat from wild animals, including turkeys, has a certain taste that some describe as gamey.
How to make turkey not bland? ›
In addition to sprinkling salt on the surface of the turkey, give your bird a big flavor boost by seasoning under the turkey's skin, too. Stir your favorite spices and herbs into softened butter, then rub it all over the turkey and under the skin.
What can I add to ground turkey to make it taste better? ›
The Turkey Seasoning:
- Chili powder.
- Ground cumin.
- Garlic powder.
- Onion powder.
- Paprika or dried oregano.
- Salt & Black Pepper.
- Optional: red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper or a little spice kick.