HOW TO COOK A TURKEY: RECIPES FROM BUTTERBALL
HOW TO COOK A TURKEY: RECIPES FROM BUTTERBALL We'll start with roasting a turkey, then scroll down for instructions on brining a turkey, pre-cooked turkeys, boneless roasts, baking a turkey, and cooking whole turkey breasts. Whether you're a first-time cook or a seasoned pro, we've got answers to all of your questions. ROASTING A TURKEY If you're using a convection oven, be sure to consult Butterball's adjusted cooking instructions. Consult your manufacturer's handbook for tips to use your specific oven. The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line provides answers to all turkey questions in English and Spanish at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (800-288-8372) from now until December 24. It's open Monday through Friday from 8am-8pm CT, and on Thanksgiving Day from 6am-5:00pm CT. When is my turkey done? How to carve a turkey More Thanksgiving Recipes Thanksgiving Coupons, Offers, Specials Fresh or Frozen Whole Turkeys Roasting a whole turkey is easier than you think. Just follow these simple instructions for a fresh or thawed turkey: Preheat oven to 325° F. Drain juices and pat dry with clean paper towels. Place turkey breast side up on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep. Turn the wings back to hold the neck skin in place. (Tucking the wings will help stabilize the turkey in the pan and when carving) Brush or spray skin lightly with vegetable or cooking oil for best appearance. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the lower part of the thigh without touching the bone. When the thigh is up to temperature, and if the turkey is stuffed, move the thermometer to the center of the stuffing. Place your turkey in the oven. When the turkey is about done, loosely cover breast and top of drumsticks with a piece of foil to prevent overcooking. Your turkey is done when temperature is 180° F in thigh and 165° F in breast or stuffing. Lift turkey onto platter, and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Cooking Times in a Regular Oven (325°F) Weight / Cook Time (Unstuffed) / Cook Time (Stuffed) 4 1/2-7 lbs.- 2-2 1/2 hrs. / 2 1/4-2 3/4 hrs. 7-9 lbs.- 2 1/2-3 hrs. / 2 3/4-4 1/2 hrs. 9-18 lbs.- 3-3 1/2 hrs. / 3 3/4-4 1/2 hrs. 18-22 lbs.- 3 1/2-4 hrs. / 4 1/2-5 hrs. 22-24 lbs.- 4-4 1/2 hrs. / 5-5 1/2 hrs. 24-30 lbs.- 4 1/2-5 hrs. / 5 1/2-6 1/4 hrs. Roasting Tip If you don't have a rack, crunch aluminum foil into a coil or use vegetables like carrots to keep your turkey off the bottom of the pan. Cooking in a Convection Oven (325°F) Weight / Cook Time (Unstuffed) / Cook Time (Stuffed) 6-10 lbs.- 1 1/2 -2 hrs. / 1 3/4-2 1/2 hrs. 10-18 lbs.- 2-2 1/2 hrs. / 2 1/2-3 1/4 hrs. 18-22 lbs.- 2 1/2-3 hrs. / 3 1/4-3 3/4 hrs. 22-24 lbs.- 3-3 1/2 hrs. / 3 3/4-4 1/4 hrs. PUMPKIN PIE RECIPES Tropical Pumpkin Pie Toffee Pumpkin Pie Easy, No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Frozen Stuffed Whole Turkeys Frozen stuffed turkeys go from freezer to oven without thawing. Just follow these simple instructions for a perfectly roasted turkey: Preheat oven to 325° F. Hold under running water and remove giblets, neck, and gravy packets. Place turkey on flat rack in a shallow roasting pan, 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep. Brush or spray skin lightly with vegetable or cooking oil for best appearance. Cover neck and exposed stuffing with foil to prevent over-browning. Place turkey in pre-heated oven. When turkey is about 3/4 done, loosely cover breast and top of drumsticks with a piece of foil to prevent overcooking. After about 3 hours, insert an oven-safe thermometer deep into the thigh without touching the bone. Begin checking the turkey for doneness about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time. Your turkey is done when meat thermometer reaches 180° F in thigh and 165° F in center of stuffing. Lift turkey onto platter and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Cooking in a Regular Oven (325°F) Weight / Cook Time 7-9 lbs. / 4-4 1/2 hrs. 9-12 lbs. / 4 1/2-5 hrs. 12-14 lbs. / 5-6 hrs. BRINING A TURKEY Brining is similar to marinating, but is primarily focused on moistening the meat as opposed to adding flavor. Brining your turkey prior to cooking will help ensure you end up with a deliciously moist and flavor-packed turkey for your next gathering. Brining Steps The first step in the process is selecting your brine recipe. Our Savory Turkey Brine made with Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a simple and versatile choice that works for any occasion. Once you've selected your brine you'll need to: 12 lbs. or less 8 to 12 hrs. 12 to 14 lbs. 9 to 14 hrs. 20 lbs. and over 15 to 20 hrs. Savory Turkey Brine Recipe 2 gallons cold water 10 ounces Soy Sauce 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons dried sage 2 tablespoons dried celery seed 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 16 ? 24 lbs. Butterball? Whole Turkey Mix all ingredients until the salt is dissolved and follow our Brining Steps. Did You Know As a rule of thumb, you should brine your turkey 45 to 60 minutes per pound.