Every year right before Thanksgiving, I scramble for accurate turkey cooking times and temperatures. I know I’m not the only one that has this problem, because I get several calls each year asking me the same question! It’s usually these calls that begin my search for the answer. I’m glad that I’m finally putting this together, because now I know where to find the answer to my question every year… Bread & With It!
When preparing your bird for Thanksgiving dinner make sure you follow these five steps and refer to the Turkey Cooking Times and Temperatures table below. Every bird varies in shape and size and consequently so does the time.
Step 1
Remove neck and giblets from turkey cavity and set aside for gravy. Thoroughly rinse whole turkey and both cavities. Dry with paper towels.
Step 2
If desired, loosely stuff neck and body cavities of turkey with a spoon just before roasting. For both stuffed and unstuffed turkeys pull neck skin down and secure with a short skewer. If your turkey comes with a band for drumsticks secure them. If there is no band secure with kitchen string. Tuck wings under the turkey body.
Step 3
Place turkey in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Brush or rub turkey with desired herbs and oils. Insert a meat thermometer into center of one of the thigh muscles making sure not to touch the bone.
Step 4
Cover with foil to prevent the skin from burning during cooking time. Make sure to leave air space between turkey and foil to prevent skin from sticking to foil.
Step 5
Roast on the bottom rack of oven using the chart below for accurate turkey cooking times and temperatures. Two-thirds through roasting time, cut bands or remove string from drumsticks. Remove foil the last 45 minutes of roasting.
When a meat thermometer registers 180 degrees F in thigh muscle and juices run clear. Center of stuffing should register 165 degrees F, your turkey is done. Always verify temperatures of poultry and stuffing with a meat thermometer. Here is a wireless meat thermometer that measures the temperature from over 300 feet away. It beeps and flashes at you when your turkey reaches the correct temperature without you having to check every few minutes. Buy it now from Amazon 46% off and free shipping!
Remove bird from oven; cover. Allow turkey to stand for 15 minutes before carving.
