Cooking turkey overnight in an oven bag is all about decreasing stress on the big day. This easy overnight turkey recipe ensures that in the morning you have the most mouthwateringly moist and tender turkey meat imaginable.
Cooking turkey overnight in an oven bag is a Thanksgiving dinner game-changer. This overnight turkey method is awfully easy and your entire bird will be moist, tender, and juicy, even the white meat! What’s more, the bird is done first thing when you wake up so you can use that super-rich broth and some of the meat to put into your dressing and turkey gravy for the big meal.
The instructions couldn’t be easier. Just remove the turkey giblets, pop your turkey in an oven bag with the flour, shove the butter you-know-where, and then roast the turkey overnight. Then on the day, you can use your oven to cook all those delicious Thanksgiving side dishes.
Before we dive into the recipe, I just wanna say that there’s no one right way to cook a turkey. This is just another method to add to your repertoire! Clearly, because there are a lot of different turkey recipes on Southern Plate. Like turkey on the grill, slow cooker turkey, and deep-fried turkey. This is just another method to add to your repertoire!
Cooking the perfect turkey can be intimidating, especially for first-timers tackling the bird on Thanksgiving. With all the sides to prepare and guests to entertain, you want to ensure the turkey is properly cooked without drying out. Many wonder about cooking their turkey at a lower temperature like 200°F to allow more flexibility with oven space and time. So, can you cook turkey at 200 degrees?
The short answer is yes, you can cook turkey at 200°F, but it requires much more time. The key is reaching a safe internal temperature to kill bacteria. Whole turkeys need to hit 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs before they’re considered safe to eat. Let’s look at how to properly cook turkey at 200°F.
Factors Affecting Cook Time
When cooking turkey at a lower 200°F temperature, the most important factor is achieving a safe internal temperature The amount of time needed can vary depending on
-
Turkey Weight – A general rule is 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F. At 200°F it takes about twice as long. A 15 lb turkey needs 450-540 minutes (7.5-9 hours).
-
Cooking Temperature – The lower 200°F temperature increases cook time substantially. Raising to 250°F would reduce time versus 200°F.
-
Stuffing – A stuffed turkey takes longer than an unstuffed one, as stuffing needs to reach 165°F.
-
Thawed vs Frozen – A fully thawed turkey cooks much faster than a frozen one.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these tips for successfully cooking turkey at 200°F:
-
Thaw – Ensure frozen turkey is fully thawed in the fridge for 24 hrs per 4-5 lbs.
-
Remove Giblets – Check the cavity and remove bag of giblets if present.
-
Prepare Turkey – Pat turkey dry and rub skin with oil or butter. Generously season with salt and pepper.
-
Place in Oven – Put turkey breast up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1-2 cups water or broth to prevent burning.
-
Cook at 200°F – Roast turkey uncovered at 200°F, calculating 30 minutes per pound. A 15 lb turkey needs 7.5-9 hours.
-
Baste – Baste turkey with pan drippings hourly to keep moist.
-
Check Temperature – Start checking thigh and breast temp halfway through. Once 155°F and 180°F are reached, it’s done.
-
Rest – Allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
-
Carve and Enjoy! – Time to carve your perfectly cooked low and slow turkey!
Turkey Isn’t Done When Estimated Time is Up
If the turkey hasn’t reached temperature when estimated cook time is up, you have options:
-
Continue roasting at 200°F, checking every 30 minutes until done.
-
Increase oven temp to 300-350°F to speed up cooking, checking often.
-
Move to a 300°F oven if you need the space, monitoring closely to avoid overcooking.
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer and relying on reaching proper internal temperatures rather than just cooking time. If the breast or thigh are under 155°F or 180°F respectively when time is up, let it keep going until finished.
Moist and Tender Keys
To ensure your 200°F turkey comes out juicy and tender:
-
Brine turkey overnight before cooking to boost moisture.
-
Baste with pan drippings hourly during cooking.
-
Avoid opening the oven door often, which releases heat.
-
Allow turkey to rest before carving so juices redistribute.
-
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Time Saving Tips
Cooking turkey for 8-10 hours can occupy your oven. Here are some time saving tips:
-
Cook turkey overnight at 200°F while sleeping!
-
Start the night before and finish in morning if needed.
-
Increase temperature if turkey isn’t done when you need the oven.
-
Cook sides in a slow cooker or on the stovetop to free up oven.
-
Have guests bring ready-to-serve side dishes to share.
Alternatives to Low Oven Roasting
If you want to free up oven space or reduce roasting time, consider these alternatives:
-
Grill turkey on a gas or charcoal grill, saving oven space. Use indirect heat.
-
Smoke turkey in a smoker box or grill with wood chips for delicious flavor.
-
Deep fry turkey for faster cooking, opening up oven room for sides. Use caution to avoid burns.
-
Butterfly or spatchcock turkey so it roasts quicker and more evenly.
-
Roast just a bone-in turkey breast, which cooks faster than a whole bird.
Is Cooking Turkey at 200°F Safe?
The USDA recommends temperatures no lower than 325°F when cooking poultry to ensure safety. However, turkey can be safely cooked at 200°F as long as it reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F in the breasts and 180°F in the thighs.
Relying solely on cook times can lead to undercooked, unsafe turkey. Use a good meat thermometer to monitor temperature and determine doneness instead. Cook until the thermometer hits the USDA recommended minimums, regardless of estimated cook times.
Mastering the Turkey
Cooking the perfect turkey can seem daunting, but following temperature guidelines, using a thermometer, and relying on these tips leads to foolproof results. Roasting low and slow at 200°F allows ample flexibility but requires vigilance monitoring temperature, not just time. Focus on safe internal temperatures, baste periodically, and let the bird rest before slicing for a tender, juicy turkey. Mastering the turkey takes some trial and error, but the rewards of a home-cooked bird make the effort worthwhile.
What You Need To Cook A Turkey Overnight
- Turkey
- Flour
- Butter
- You’ll also need an oven bag that’ll fit your turkey and a roaster pan so the turkey broth doesn’t overflow!
How to Cook Turkey Overnight in an Oven Bag
Look in the turkey cavity and make sure there are no turkey giblets (bags of anything). If there are, remove those.
Grandmama always saves hers for giblet gravy. You do what your heart tells ya to do.
Put one tablespoon of flour in the oven bag, then shut it and shake it.
Place the turkey breast side down in the oven bag (the oven bag should now be sitting in your roasting pan).
Breast side down is key here for moist white meat. It may look funny but trust us!
Stick that butter where the sun don’t shine (up the little gobbler’s rear, sorry gobbler).
Seal the bag and cut a few small slits in the top.
Turn the oven to 250 and cook overnight.
I don’t put mine in until 10:30/11 and then take it out at about 6 in the morning. You want to cook it for about 7 hours but no more.
When you wake up, your entire house will smell like turkey and the broth will be SO RICH and wonderful!
At this stage, I recommend always using a thermometer to check the temp of the meat. 165 degrees F for the breast and 170 degrees F for the legs.
Slice the turkey and place it on a platter. Spoon the leftover turkey juices or broth over if you like.
Cover with cling wrap or foil and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.
Reheat it on low in the oven until warm and toasty. How long will depend on how thick you slice the turkey.
Can You REALLY Cook Turkey At 200°? LIVE Answering Thanksgiving Questions!
FAQ
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
- Minimum internal temperature: 165°F
- Oven temperature: Not lower than 325°F
- Use a food thermometer: Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey
Is it safe to smoke a turkey overnight at 200 degrees?
No. Do not roast a whole turkey at 200 degF. If the bird is just a bit too cold or a bit too big, you’ll get food poisoning. This certain to be the case especially if you’ve anything inside the cavity. You’ll be visiting the ER before the night’s done. The turkey will also not taste good.
Can you cook a turkey at 225 degrees in the oven?
For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so. Then reduce the heat further to 225°F until done, anywhere from a half hour to an hour or more.
Can you cook a roast at 200 degrees?
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Place the roast on a rack in a rimmed baking sheet.
- Cook until the roast reaches an internal temperature of 118°–120°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest.
Can you cook a Turkey at 200 degrees Fahrenheit?
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to cook a turkey at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not recommended for food safety reasons. To ensure a safe and delicious turkey, it’s best to cook it at the recommended temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch this awesome video to spice up your cooking!
Can you cook a Turkey at a low temperature?
Cooking a turkey at a low temperature like 200 degrees Fahrenheit will result in an excessively long cooking time. This can lead to the growth of bacteria and may result in an unsafe and potentially spoiled turkey. Can you cook a turkey at a lower temperature for a longer time?
Is it safe to cook a Turkey at 165 degrees?
It is safe to cook a turkey at a lower temperature, such as 165 degrees, but it will take longer. If you’re looking for a succulent, juicy turkey this holiday season, cooking it at a lower temperature may be the way to go.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey at 275 degrees?
Cooking a turkey at 275 degrees is actually a pretty quick process. Depending on the size of your turkey, you can expect it to be done in about 2-3 hours. That’s much faster than cooking a turkey at a lower temperature, like 325 degrees. Of course, the cooking time will also depend on how well done you like your turkey.
How long do you cook a 14 pound turkey?
Lower the heat to 200 degrees F. Cook the turkey for 40–50 minutes per pound (9–11 hours for a 14-pound bird), or until the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F. Once every 1 1/2 hours or so, baste the turkey with any remaining juices in the roasting pan. Can I cook a turkey at 225 in the oven?
How long can you cook a Turkey in the oven?
Cooking a turkey for 8-10 hours can tie up your oven all day long. Here are some time saving tips: Cook turkey overnight at 200°F while you sleep! Start the night before and finish in morning if needed. Increase temperature if turkey isn’t done when you need the oven. Cook side dishes in slow cooker or on stovetop to free up oven space.