By doing everything wrong over the years, I’ve found the best way to cook a turkey is to toss out everything you may have heard about the “right” things to do. High heat, upside down, no basting. These are the step by step secrets to the best turkey you’ll ever eat whether you like white or dark meat. Keep reading to learn more!
The United States Department of Agriculture advises to cook a whole turkey breast side up during the entire cooking time. Turning over a large, hot bird can be dangerous and it’s very easy to tear the skin, making the finished product less attractive.
Why the Best Roast Turkey is Cooked Upside Down (High Heat Recipe)
I’m sharing all the embarrassing tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way about cooking turkeys. I know this information might be shocking, but the best way to cook a turkey is not low and slow, breast side up. It does not require basting. (It doesn’t even require washing and patting the turkey dry, you guys!) These out-of-date methods make a dry and yucky turkey for your beautiful Thanksgiving table.
This recipe is without a doubt, the best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe! Of course, it’s also a great recipe for any time you need the perfect roast turkey – Christmas, Easter, or any other time you would like to have leftover turkey to add to your freezer!
1. COMPLETELY THAW your frozen turkey
- 12-16 pounders need 3-4 days to thaw. (Put in fridge on Sunday or Monday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)
- 16-20 pounders need 4-5 days to thaw. (Put in fridge on Saturday or Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)
- 20-24 pounders need 5-6 days to thaw. (Put in fridge on Friday or Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)
2. Bring your turkey to room temperature.
Take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before you want to roast it. It should come to room temperature before cooking. That takes about an hour for most whole turkeys.
3. Do not rinse your turkey.
This goes counter to what many people think, but according to the USDA, “Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.”
4. Remove all innards (neck & giblet)!! You might laugh… but not everyone knows to do this.
5. Cut off all plastic pieces on the bird – ties holding legs together and the pop up timer. That dumb plastic timer doesn’t work anyway so get rid of it before cooking your turkey.
Tips & Tricks – How to Bake a Turkey Upside Down
I promise, you will love the moist turkey you end up with when you follow this easy turkey recipe!
Place turkey breast side DOWN in a large roasting pan. We use a roasting rack to keep the turkey up out of the drippings. I forget to take a picture after I put it in the pan, so refer to the picture above for proper breast side DOWN position.
Tuck the wing tips under the bottom of the turkey so they don’t burn. Put cold water in the bottom of the roasting pan (around the bird but not over it). You don’t want to wash away the butter or seasoning.
Start the turkey roasting on the lowest oven rack in a preheated oven at 500 degrees for 30 minutes. Then, turn the oven down to 350 and cook for 1 1/2 more hours (without opening the oven). Turn the oven light on and check from time to time to make sure the turkey is not browning too much. If it is, loosely tent the turkey with foil.
Every time you open the oven door, your turkey dries out a little more. That’s why basting does more harm than good. So really resist opening that door if you can help it.
Your First Turkey! Easy Roast Turkey for Beginners for the Holidays!
FAQ
Does it matter which way you put a turkey in the oven?
Is it better to cook a turkey upside down or not?
What is the correct position for roasting a turkey?