Roasting a turkey in a plastic oven bag is a foolproof way to achieve a juicy, flavorful bird with minimal effort. The oven bag locks in moisture, helping the turkey cook faster while keeping the meat tender and succulent. Plus, it simplifies cleanup! This method is perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a perfectly roasted turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-14 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary sprigs)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2-3 carrots, chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 oven-safe roasting bag
- 1 tablespoon flour (for coating the bag)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels. Be sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity (you can save these for making gravy or broth). Place the turkey on a clean surface for seasoning.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin where possible. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and rub it in as well. Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary, both inside and outside the cavity.
Step 4: Stuff the Cavity
Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, garlic cloves, carrots, and celery. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Prepare the Oven Bag
Place 1 tablespoon of flour inside the oven bag and shake it around to coat the inside evenly. This helps prevent the bag from bursting while the turkey roasts. Then place the bag in a large roasting pan, ensuring it’s big enough to hold the turkey comfortably.
Step 6: Place the Turkey in the Bag
Carefully place the seasoned turkey into the prepared oven bag, breast-side up. If your turkey has wings or legs sticking out, you can tuck them in to ensure everything fits neatly inside the bag.
Step 7: Seal and Vent the Bag
Close the oven bag using the provided nylon tie or by tying it securely with kitchen twine. Make sure to leave a little bit of space for air to circulate inside the bag. Then, cut 4-5 small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Step 8: Roast the Turkey
Place the roasting pan with the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for 2 to 2 ½ hours for a 10-14 lb turkey, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Step 9: Rest the Turkey
Once the turkey is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest in the bag for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
Step 10: Carve and Serve
Carefully cut open the oven bag and remove the turkey from the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and carve it as desired. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Oven Bag: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using an oven bag. Most brands come with ties and instructions on proper use.
- Turkey Size: If you’re roasting a larger turkey (15-20 lbs), increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes per poundand check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, you can carefully open the oven bag for the last 15-20 minutes of roasting to allow the turkey skin to brown.
Variations
1. Herb-Infused Turkey
For extra flavor, use fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme tucked under the turkey skin and inside the cavity. You can also add lemon slices for a citrusy twist.
2. Spicy Cajun Turkey
Rub the turkey with a mix of Cajun spices or your favorite spicy seasoning for a bold, flavorful bird. This works well if you’re looking for something different from traditional seasoning.
3. Citrus-Brined Turkey
Brine the turkey for 12-24 hours in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) before roasting. This adds moisture and a slight sweetness to the meat.
4. Garlic Butter Turkey
Add extra garlic to the butter rub and stuff extra garlic cloves under the turkey skin for a garlicky punch of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Check the breast as well to ensure it’s cooked through.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Yes! You can place carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes around the turkey in the bag for a complete meal. The vegetables will roast in the turkey’s juices and become tender and flavorful.
Q: How do I make gravy from the drippings?
After removing the turkey from the oven, pour the juices from the oven bag into a saucepan. Heat the drippings over medium heat, whisk in some flour or cornstarch to thicken, and season as needed for a rich, flavorful gravy.
Q: Can I roast a turkey breast in a bag?
Yes, you can use this method for roasting a turkey breast as well. Adjust the cooking time based on the weight, typically about 1½ to 2 hours for a 6-8 lb breast.
Roasting a turkey in a plastic oven bag is a simple and effective way to ensure your turkey comes out juicy and flavorful with minimal effort. The sealed environment of the bag locks in moisture and infuses the turkey with herbs, butter, and spices while reducing cooking time. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this foolproof method will help you achieve the perfect turkey every time!