Description
Cooking a turkey in a roasting bag is a foolproof way to achieve juicy, flavorful, and perfectly roasted turkey every time. This simple method allows the turkey to roast in its own juices, keeping it moist and tender, while the seasoning adds a savory depth of flavor. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a special family meal, this easy method guarantees delicious results with minimal effort!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 oven roasting bag
- 1 turkey (8 to 24 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4–6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and dried thyme.
- Prepare the Roasting Bag: Shake 1 teaspoon of flour inside the roasting bag to prevent the bag from bursting while cooking. Then, place the bag in a roasting pan large enough to fit the turkey.
- Add Vegetables: Add the quartered onion, peeled garlic cloves, and 1-inch pieces of carrots to the roasting bag. These will add extra flavor to the turkey as it roasts.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey with the melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the turkey, making sure to rub it all over the skin and inside the cavity.
- Place the Turkey in the Bag: Carefully place the seasoned turkey into the roasting bag, sitting it on top of the vegetables. Seal the bag with twine and cut 4-6 slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey according to its weight. Use the following guideline for roasting times:
- 8 to 12 lbs: 2.75 to 3 hours
- 12 to 14 lbs: 3 to 3.75 hours
- 14 to 18 lbs: 3.75 to 4.25 hours
- 18 to 20 lbs: 4.25 to 4.5 hours
- 20 to 24 lbs: 4.5 to 5 hours Always check that the internal temperature reaches 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Check the Temperature: The turkey is ready when it reaches 180°F (82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the bag for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey even more tender and flavorful.
- Carve and Serve: After resting, carefully carve the turkey and serve with the roasted vegetables and your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your turkey. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is fully cooked.
- Optional Additions: You can add herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme inside the turkey cavity for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables inside the roasting bag, adding potatoes, parsnips, or other root vegetables for a more robust side dish.
- No Need to Baste: The roasting bag locks in moisture, so there’s no need to baste the turkey during cooking. The skin will be beautifully golden and crispy without the extra effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.75 to 5 hours (depending on turkey size)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg