How to Cook Turkey {In an Oven Bag}
Ingredients
- 12 - 24 lb. turkey
fresh or frozen and fully thawed
- 1/4 cup butter
softened
- 3 garlic cloves
minced, 1 Tbsp
- 1 tsp dried thyme
or 1 Tbsp chopped fresh*
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 celery ribs
chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion
peeled and chopped into chunks
- 2 carrots
peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces
Directions
- 1
Move oven rack one level below center and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 2
In a small mixing bowl stir together butter, garlic, thyme and season with a little salt and pepper.
- 3
Remove neck and giblets from turkey and remove any pin feathers left behind. Tuck wings under turkey. Season cavity of turkey with salt and pepper.
- 4
Using the back end of a wooden spoon separate turkey breast skin from breast. Rub butter underneath skin (again I just use the back end of the spoon), smooth over skin to spread butter out. Altnerately you can just rub butter over skin but I feel it seasons better when rubbed underneath.
- 5
Season all over turkey with a fair amount of salt and pepper.
- 6
Add 1 Tbsp flour to the Reynolds Kitchens Turkey Size Oven Bag and shake. Place oven bag in a roasting pan, add celery, onion and carrots to oven bag. Place turkey over vegetable layer in oven bag.
- 7
Close oven bag with the oven safe tie included. Cut 6 slits across top of the oven bag to allow steam to escape then tuck ends of oven bag into the pan.
- 8
Cook unstuffed turkey according to size (the breast should register 165 degrees in center of thickest portion in several places and the thigh 175 degrees on an instant read thermometer): 12 - 16 lb turkey: 2 - 2 1/4 hours16 - 20 lb turkey: 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 hours20 - 24 lb turkey: 2 1/2 - 3 hours
- 9
Let turkey rest 20 minutes. Carefully cut top of oven bag open, transfer turkey to carving board and carve.
How to Cook Turkey {In an Oven Bag}
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of a perfectly juicy, tender turkey that’s a breeze to prepare for your next big gathering? This oven bag turkey recipe is your secret weapon, promising delicious results every time without the stress of a dry bird.
What makes this recipe truly special is the ingenious use of an oven bag. It locks in moisture and infuses the turkey with incredible flavor from the aromatic butter, garlic, and herbs, ensuring a succulent roast that's virtually foolproof. Say goodbye to basting every hour and hello to more time enjoying your guests.
When you pull this turkey from the oven, you can expect a beautifully golden-brown exterior and incredibly tender meat that practically falls off the bone. Each slice will be bursting with savory flavors from the simple yet potent combination of softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, complemented by the sweet and earthy notes of roasted celery, onion, and carrots. It's a comforting, classic roasted turkey experience, made effortless.
Customization & Variations
While the core method ensures a perfect bird, you can easily adapt the aromatics to suit your taste. If you prefer, swap the dried thyme for fresh chopped thyme for a brighter, more vibrant herb note. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, or even add a sprinkle of dried rosemary or sage alongside the thyme for a more traditional holiday flavor profile. The humble celery, onion, and carrots are foundational, but other root vegetables could be nestled around the bird inside the bag if desired for extra flavor.
This stunning, easy-to-make roasted turkey is the ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family meal where you want to impress without the fuss. Serve it proudly alongside your favorite holiday fixings for a truly memorable feast.