Roasting Bag Turkey: Perfect Timing For Juicy Meat

Cooking a turkey in a roasting bag is a great way to ensure your bird is juicy and tender. The bag traps in moisture, meaning less mess and quicker cooking times. The size of your turkey will determine how long it takes to cook in the bag, but as a guide, a 12-15lb turkey will take around 2-2 1/2 hours. It's important to use a bag that is specifically designed for cooking in the oven, and to cut slits in the bag to allow steam to escape.

Cooking times for a turkey in a roasting bag

Cooking a turkey in a roasting bag is a great way to ensure your bird is juicy and tender. The bag traps in moisture and heat, speeding up the cooking time and reducing the need for constant basting.

The cooking time for a turkey in a roasting bag depends on the weight of the bird. Here is a general guide:

• A 10-12 lb turkey will take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook.
• A 12-15 lb turkey will take around 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes to cook.
• A 15-20 lb turkey will take around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours to cook.
• A 20-24 lb turkey will take around 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes to cook.

It's important to note that these are approximate times and the actual cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the temperature of the turkey when you put it in the oven. Always use a meat thermometer to check that your turkey is fully cooked. The thickest part of the thigh should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, while the breast should be at least 150°F.

Tips for cooking a turkey in a roasting bag:

• Use a specific oven-safe roasting bag designed for turkeys. These can usually be found in the plastic wrap and aluminum foil aisle of your local grocery store.
• Add a tablespoon of flour to the bag before adding the turkey to prevent sticking and bursting.
• Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. You can also add onions and lemons to the cavity to enhance the flavour.
• Truss the turkey before adding it to the bag for even cooking.
• Cut a few slits in the bag to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
• Always let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving.

Benefits of cooking a turkey in a bag

Cooking a turkey in a bag has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender by trapping in moisture. The trapped moisture also means that the turkey self-bastes, as condensation collects in the bag and drips back onto the bird. This means that there is no need to baste the turkey manually.

Another advantage of cooking a turkey in a bag is that it saves time. A turkey cooked in a bag will cook around an hour faster than one cooked according to a standard recipe. This is because the bag traps in heat as well as moisture.

Using a bag also makes cleanup easier. There is no need to scrub a dirty roasting pan, as any juices or drippings are contained within the bag. Simply throw the bag away after straining out the juices to make gravy.

Finally, cooking a turkey in a bag can help to reduce the aroma of turkey filling your house. If you don't want the smell of turkey to linger for hours, using a bag can help to contain the aroma.

Preparing the turkey for the bag

Preheat the Oven:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 325°F-350°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking turkey and will ensure even cooking. Also, adjust the oven rack by moving it one level below the center. This adjustment will provide ample space for the turkey to cook evenly.

Prepare the Roasting Bag:

Coating the roasting bag with flour is an essential step. Spray the inside of the bag with cooking spray or add a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Close the bag and shake it to ensure the flour coats the entire surface. This step helps prevent the bag from bursting and aids in browning the turkey. Place the prepared bag in a roasting pan, which will catch any drippings and juices during cooking.

Season the Turkey:

Remove any neck, giblets, or pin feathers from the turkey. You can save these for stock or discard them. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, ensuring the cavity and the outside are dry. Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside. You can also add other seasonings like garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, or onion powder to enhance the flavor. Don't be shy with the salt—it's crucial for a tasty bird!

Truss the Turkey (Optional):

Trussing the turkey, or tying the drumsticks together, is an optional but recommended step. It helps ensure even cooking by keeping the bird in a compact shape. If you choose to truss, simply cross the drumsticks and use kitchen string to tie them together. You can also tuck the wings under the bird or tie them back.

Add Butter or Oil (Optional):

For an extra juicy and flavorful turkey, you can rub butter or oil all over the skin. This step is entirely optional but can add richness and moisture to the meat. You can also add a compound butter or herb mixture under the skin for an even more flavorful bird.

Place the Turkey in the Bag:

Now, it's time to put the turkey in the prepared roasting bag. Place the turkey breast-side up in the bag, ensuring any wings or legs are securely tucked or tied. Carefully lift the bag with the turkey inside and place it into the roasting pan.

Seal and Vent the Bag:

Seal the roasting bag securely with the provided tie or a knot. Make sure to follow the bag manufacturer's instructions for sealing. Once sealed, use a knife or scissors to cut several vents in the top of the bag. These vents are crucial to allow steam to escape and prevent the bag from bursting.

Final Preparations:

With the turkey in the bag, it's now ready for roasting. Ensure the bag is not touching the walls or racks of the oven to avoid melting. You can double-check that the oven temperature is set correctly, and then place the roasting pan with the bagged turkey inside. Your turkey is now prepared and ready for the roasting process!

Preparing the bag

Firstly, it is important to select an appropriate oven bag. Look for oven-safe turkey bags, which are typically made of durable, heat-resistant, and BPA-free nylon. These bags are designed to lock in moisture, preventing splattering and juice drips. Ensure the bag is specifically labelled as oven-safe; do not use brining bags or large zip-top bags as they cannot withstand high temperatures.

Once you have the right bag, open it and add a coating to prevent the bag from bursting and enhance browning. A common coating is flour, with around 1-2 tablespoons being enough to coat the inside of the bag. Close the bag and shake it to distribute the flour evenly. Alternatively, you can spray the bag with cooking spray before adding the flour and shaking.

The next step is to add vegetables and aromatics to the bag, which will flavour the turkey as it cooks. Cut vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery can be used, along with stems of fresh herbs. These act as a rack for the bird. Place the bag with the vegetables in a roasting pan.

Now it's time to add the turkey to the bag. Place the turkey breast-side up inside the bag, ensuring it is securely sealed. Use the oven-safe tie that comes with the bag, or a knot if necessary. Make sure any ends of the bag are tucked inside the roasting pan.

Finally, cut slits or vents in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape and prevent the bag from bursting. You can use scissors or a knife to create about six 1/2-inch vents or slits.

By following these steps, your roasting bag will be prepared, and you'll be one step closer to a juicy and tender turkey!

Cooking the turkey

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Roasting Bag

Adjust your oven rack to one level below the centre of the oven and preheat the oven to 325-350°F. Prepare your roasting bag by coating the inside with cooking spray or flour. This will prevent the bag from bursting and help with browning. Place the bag in a roasting pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Remove the neck, giblets, and any pin feathers from the turkey. You can save these for another use or discard them. Tuck the wings under the turkey, or tie them back if you prefer. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, and season the cavity and the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. You can also add onions and lemons to the cavity to enhance the flavour.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture (Optional)

In a small mixing bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, separate the turkey breast skin from the breast and rub the butter mixture underneath the skin. You can also rub it over the skin for added flavour.

Step 4: Place the Turkey in the Bag and Secure It

Place the turkey in the prepared roasting bag, breast-side up. Close the bag securely with the tie that comes with the bag or a knot. Make sure any ends of the bag are tucked inside the roasting pan. Cut several slits or vents in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Transfer the bagged turkey to the oven, ensuring that no part of the bag is touching the oven walls or racks. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey. For a 12-15 lb turkey, roast for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. For a 15-20 lb turkey, roast for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For a 20-24 lb turkey, roast for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.

Step 6: Rest the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest, still sealed in the bag, for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Use caution when opening the bag, as there will be hot steam inside. Carefully cut the bag open and transfer the turkey to a platter or carving board.

Step 7: Make Gravy (Optional)

Don't forget to reserve the juices from the roasting bag to make delicious, flavourful gravy! Simply strain the juices and add stock as needed.

Frequently asked questions