Roasting a turkey may sound very intimidating. It’s the star of the holiday meal and the last thing anyone wants to be known by the person who served the driest turkey ever. But it’s really not that difficult! We’ve broken roasting a turkey into 8 easy steps even a novice can follow.
1. Prepare turkey.
Make sure the turkey is properly defrosted. Wash turkey (inside and out), remove neck and giblets from the cavity, pat dry, and place on a bakers rack.
2. Truss the turkey.
Using kitchen twine, tie the abdomen and legs together. Tuck the wing tips under the bird.
3. Insert thermometer.
Place an oven safe meat thermometer into the lower part of the thigh. Make sure it does not touch a bone. Do not rely on the pop-up thermometer, they are not always accurate.
4. Grease the turkey.
With a basting brush, brush vegetable or olive oil all over the turkey. Butter can also be used. This helps brown the skin.
5. Season as desired.
Simple salt and pepper work great.
6. Roast the turkey.
Total bake time is determined based on the size of the bird. Check the package instructions or estimate 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F.
7. Tent turkey.
Two-thirds of the way through, if you find the turkey is getting too brown, cover the breast loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
8. Allow turkey to rest.
Once the turkey breast has reached 165 degrees F, remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before carving.
Feeling like you want to kick your turkey game up a few levels? Check out one of these tasty Blue Ribbon turkey recipes.
Easy Turkey with Apples & Glaze
