How To Cook A Turkey In A Roasting Bag

Two things to always remember when roasting a turkey on Thanksgiving: don’t forget to remove the giblets and be sure to keep the meat moist and tender. There are many more turkey-truths out there to follow, based on years of experience and personal preference when it comes to the prized Thanksgiving bird. We’ve tried many different methods over the years and one of our favorite roasting methods is to use a roasting bag.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A turkey-size roasting bag is what you’ll need, and at this time of year, it’s pretty easy to find. A roasting bag will be able to cook a turkey as small as eight pounds and as big as 24 pounds! Roasting bags have been around for a while, and one reason why they’re so amazing is that a bag helps to lock in moisture. No one wants a dry turkey on Thanksgiving! This saves the chef time too, as there’s no need to regularly open the oven to baste the turkey.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven roasting bag (19×23 ½-inch)
• Large roasting pan (2-inch deep)
• Medium-sized bowl
• Cooking twine
• Carving fork
• Carving board

Ingredients

• 1 oven roasting bag, 19×23 ½-inch
• 1 turkey (8 to 24-pounds), thawed, giblets and neck removed, rinsed and dried
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and dried thyme until well combined. Set aside.
3. Shake flour inside the roasting bag. Place bag in a large 2-inch deep roasting pan.
4. Place onion wedges, garlic cloves, and carrot pieces in bottom of roasting bag.
5. Rub turkey with melted butter. Evenly spread and rub seasoning mix around whole turkey.
6. Place turkey into the bag, resting on top of onions and carrots. Roasting bag opening should face one end of the roasting pan and not open upwards.
7. Close and seal with cooking twine. Cut 4-6 slits in top of roasting bag.
8. Transfer roasting pan to oven and bake according to the weight of the turkey. (See weight and cooking times below)
9. When turkey reaches an internal temperature of 180°F in the thickest part of the turkey thigh, remove from oven and rest in oven bag for 15 minutes to allow juices to settle back into the turkey.
10. Use a carving fork to lift turkey from bag and transfer to a carving board. Carve and enjoy!

Turkey Cooking Times

• 1.5-2 hours for 8-12 lb turkeys
• 2-2.5 hours for 12-16 lb turkeys
• 2.5-3 hours for 16-20 lb turkeys
• 3-3.5 hours for 20-24 lb turkeys

Tips for Success

• Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity before cooking.
• Ensure the turkey is thoroughly thawed for even cooking.
• Allow the turkey to rest after cooking to let the juices redistribute, making the meat tender.

Additional Tips or Variations

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a lemon or orange, halved, inside the turkey cavity before placing it in the bag. You can also experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While nutritional content can vary based on the size of the turkey and specific ingredients, generally, a serving of turkey is high in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals like B6 and niacin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a roasting bag for other types of meats?

Yes, roasting bags can be used for other meats like chicken, beef, or pork, helping to lock in moisture and enhance flavors.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

You can adjust the spice mix to your liking or based on what you have available. The key is to ensure the turkey is well-seasoned.

Conclusion

Cooking a turkey in a roasting bag is a foolproof way to ensure your Thanksgiving centerpiece is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Give this method a try, and you’ll find yourself impressing family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor. We’d love to hear how your turkey turns out, so please share your experiences in the comments below!