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    Home » Thanksgiving » How Cook a Turkey

    How Cook a Turkey

    Published: Dec 11, 2018 · Modified: Dec 7, 2020 by Jennie · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Cooking a turkey isn't as hard as you might think. With these simple steps and just a few ingredients, this is How to Cook a Turkey that is simple and delicious. 

    Full baked turkey on plate with dressings

    Turkey is always the star of the show on Thanksgiving and even for Christmas for some people. Making a turkey can seem pretty intimidating seeing that it usually is the most important and takes the most prep work. Don't fear because you got this. I laid out every step from thawing the turkey to roasting it. It's simple and easy to make and has the most amazing flavor. Let's get starting my thawing our frozen turkey. 

    How to that your turkey for the perfect bake!

    how to cook a turkey

    Unless you are buying a turkey the day before a big holiday then it most likely is frozen. To prepare your turkey you want to allow it to thaw in the fridge. Doing it on the counter or sink could cause bacteria to grow so thawing it slowly in the fridge is the best option.

    • Keep your turkey in the original wrapping. Place the entire turkey still wrapped in a few plastic grocery store bags. I find this helps keep any mess your turkey might make when thawing easy to clean up.
    • Place your turkey in the fridge. I used a 15-pound turkey and needed to allow mine to thaw in the fridge for 4 days. See the chart above to know how long you will need yours to thaw.

    Thawing is one of the most important steps. You want to do it slowly and safely and the last thing you want is a frozen turkey on Thanksgiving morning.

    The 7 Steps of cooking a turkey!

    How Cook a Turkey

    Step one: Once your turkey is thawed and ready to cook you want to start by removing all packaging. The packaging that your turkey came in should tell you where the giblet package is and if you need to remove the neck. Once everything is removed you can rinse your turkey with water then pat it dry and place it in your roasting pan.

    Step two: Next rub Rub salt and pepper on turkey. You can use more or less but I found this to be the perfect amount. Rub it in good and even get it into the cavities.

    How Cook a TurkeyStep three: In a medium saucepan melt 1 stick of butter. Make sure you are not melting all your butter you want to keep ½ stick cold for later. Once melted remove from eat and whisk in lemon juice and thyme.

    Step four: Slowly pour this over your turkey in the roasting pan. Use a brush if needed to make sure it is even all over your turkey.

    How Cook a Turkey

    Step five: Slice the remaining ½ stick of butter and place it on top of the turkey. Bake for 3 - 3 ½ hours.

    How Cook a Turkey

    Step six: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey. See the chart above for suggested cooking time. Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches at least 165 degrees F. I always use a meat thermometer to check and don't rely on the pop-up timer that some turkeys come with.

    How Cook a Turkey

    Step seven: Once cooked remove from oven and allow to rest on the roasting pan for 20-30 minutes. Add to a platter then slice and serve.

     

    roasting turkey

    Here are a few of my favorite sides to serve with my turkey:

    Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: Making recipes the day before a big holiday dinner is the best! Less work the day of and more time with family. 

    Cranberry Jello Salad: This recipe is one from my husband's childhood. It was his favorite and now a favorite with my family.

    Green Bean Casserole: A classic holiday side dish recipe. This was a recipe my mom made every holiday and we loved it.

    If you tried this recipe or any of my recipes I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and YOUTUBE.

    I would love for you to follow along and discover more amazing recipes.

    Show me what you are making, tag us or use hashtag #TDOARH

     

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    How Cook a Turkey

    How to Roast a Turkey

    Jennie Duncan
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 3 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time 3 hrs 50 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 pound turkey
    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (divided)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Preparing your roasting pan with rack and set aside. 
    • Remove turkey from bag. Remove giblet package, neck, and any clamps that are in your turkey (everything should be on the preparation directions on your turkey packaging). 
    • Rinse turkey then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Rub salt and pepper on turkey. 
    • In a medium saucepan melt 1 stick of butter (keep ½ stick cold). Once melted remove from eat and whisk in lemon juice and thyme. Slowly pour this over your turkey in the roasting pan. 
    • Slice remaining ½ stick of butter and place it on top to the turkey. Bake for 3 - 3 ½ hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey. See chart above for suggested cooking time. Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches at least 165 degrees F. I always use a meat thermometer to check and don't rely on the pop up timer that some turkeys come with. 
    • Once cooked remove from oven and allow to rest on the roasting pan for 20-30 minutes. Add to platter then slice and serve. 

    Notes

    Show me what you are making! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and tag us or use hashtag #TDOARH
    Keyword butter, turkey
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

     

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    Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a busy mom of three and I love cooking and sharing easy recipes. From slow cooker meals to casseroles all my recipes are simple to make and ones the entire family will love.

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