Thanksgiving dinner is made easy with this incredibly moist and perfectly cooked turkey in a bag. The oven-safe roasting bag creates a tender and golden turkey with just a few simple steps making this the BEST way to cook a turkey.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time2 hourshrs30 minutesmins
Total Time2 hourshrs40 minutesmins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: thanksgiving, turkey in a bag
Servings: 12
Author: Alyssa Rivers
Ingredients
1Turkeyabout 12-18 lbs. (thawed according to package)
Adjust the rack of your oven to be on the second position from the bottom and remove any racks above. Preheat the oven to 350° Farhenheit.
Ensure the pan is at least 2 inches larger than the turkey. Also, make sure your oven-safe turkey bag is larger than your turkey so it can wrap all the way around it.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour into the turkey bag. Shake well making sure to coat the inside of the bag with flour. Place the bag in the pan and prepare the turkey.
Remove the neck and the bag of giblets from the turkey's cavities. Rinse the turkey well (inside and outside) and pat dry with paper towels. Be sure to throw away the paper towels and wash your hands well.
Using string or twine, tie up the turkey legs and the wings together.
Butter, Season, and Place Turkey in Bag
Mix together the dried Italian seasonings, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub the outside and inside of the turkey generously with the softened butter. Season well with the mixture of seasonings.
Add the turkey to the bag, breast side up.
Close the bag and seal it with the enclosed nylon tie. You can also twist it tightly and tie it in a knot.
Tuck the bag into the pan to keep it from touching the element in the oven.
To allow steam to release, cut 5 slits in the top of the bag.
Cook and Rest the Turkey
Place the turkey in the oven and bake for about 2 1/2-3 hours. Cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey. My turkey was 14 pounds and it took 2 1/2 hours to reach the right temperature.
Refer to the cooking chart enclosed with the baking bag. Check the temperature by placing a thermometer in the thickest part of the turkey thigh. When the internal temperature reaches 165° Farhenheit, it's ready!
Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes.
Open the bag and carefully remove the turkey to a serving platter.
Garnish around the turkey with sliced fresh parsley or herbs, oranges, lemons, and cranberries. It will make it festive and beautiful!