Let’s talk turkey! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re already thinking about what to do for dinner. I know first-hand that roasting an entire turkey can seem intimidating though. What size turkey do you need? Should you buy it fresh or frozen? If frozen, how long does it need to thaw? How long do you roast it? How do you cut it?
With their Whole Bird How-Tos, Canadian Turkey has put together all the information you need, along with helpful links and how-to videos, in one place. The Whole Bird Turkey Calculator makes it easy to find out what size you need, how long to let the turkey thaw, and how long to cook it.
A lot of families have the big traditional get-together and roasted turkey dinner with all the fixings. But this doesn’t always happen. What do you do when you’re only having a small gathering with family or friends? A whole turkey makes sense for a big family dinner, but even the biggest turkey fan might not be able to finish a whole bird with leftovers by themselves. For smaller families, roasting a half turkey is just as delicious and festive as serving a whole bird.
Most people just buy a whole turkey, either fresh or frozen, and ask the butcher to cut it in half for them. For next time, freeze the other half if you buy it fresh. If it’s already frozen, just thaw the half you need and keep the other half in the freezer.
Cooking a whole turkey can seem intimidating, but preparing just half a turkey is an easy way to enjoy this delicious bird without lots of leftovers. With the holidays coming up a roasted half turkey makes the perfect centerpiece for a smaller gathering. I’ll walk through how to choose and cook a tasty half turkey so it turns out moist flavorful and golden brown.
Selecting the Right Size Half Turkey
When choosing a half turkey allow about 1 pound per person. A 5 to 7 pound half turkey will feed 4 to 5 people. Smaller birds cook more quickly than larger ones. Look for a turkey that is plump with smooth supple skin. Avoid any with tears, bruises or discoloration.
You can buy pre-packaged half turkeys fresh or frozen Another option is to purchase a whole turkey and ask the butcher to cut it in half for you If buying fresh, freeze the other half for later. For a frozen bird, defrost just the half you’ll be cooking now.
Seasoning and Preparing the Turkey
Rinse the turkey cavity and skin under cool water and pat completely dry. Leave the turkey half breast side up on a flat surface.
Generously season the inside cavity with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. For added moisture and flavor, place half an onion, celery stalks, garlic cloves and fresh herbs inside the cavity.
Rub the outside skin with olive oil or butter then coat evenly with your favorite dried herbs and spices. Herbes de Provence, sage, rosemary, thyme and garlic powder all complement turkey wonderfully.
Tie the turkey legs together with butcher’s twine to hold its shape while roasting. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
Determining Cook Time
Figure about 15 minutes per pound for the approximate cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine when the turkey reaches the safe minimum internal temperature.
The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F and thighs 180°F before removing the turkey from the oven. Let it rest 15 minutes before carving for the juiciest results.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for roasted half turkey success:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Position a rack in the lower third.
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Place turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom to prevent drippings from burning.
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Roast turkey, basting occasionally with pan juices, until it reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in thighs, about 15 minutes per pound.
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Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to be reabsorbed.
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Make gravy from the delicious pan drippings.
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Carve turkey and serve piping hot accompanied by gravy and side dishes.
Tips for Moist, Tender and Flavorful Results
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Brining or marinating makes the meat remarkably moist and flavorful. But a simple rub adds lots of taste if short on time.
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Maintain an even 350°F oven temperature, using an oven thermometer to confirm accuracy. This prevents over or undercooking.
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Baste frequently with chicken or turkey stock for additional moisture and taste.
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Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness instead of relying solely on time.
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Loosely tenting foil over the turkey prevents over-browning but allows the skin to crisp up. Don’t wrap tightly or steam will make the skin soggy.
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Letting the turkey rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Master the Art of Cooking Half Turkey
With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook a delicious half turkey with ease. Starting with a top quality bird and following these simple steps will help you achieve fantastic results. Your holiday meal will impress when you serve this beautifully browned roast turkey straight from the oven!
Classic Roasted Half Turkey
- ½ turkey 3-4kg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium onions
- 6 large carrots
- one bunch fresh rosemary
- 3 large garlic cloves unpeeled
- ½ cup white wine optional
- ½ cup chicken broth 1 cup if omitting wine
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp ground sage
- 1/2 tbsp ground rosemary
- 1/2 tbsp ground thyme
- If your bird is frozen, put it in the fridge overnight to thaw.
- Pat the bird dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Rub both sides of the turkey with olive oil.
- Combine all spices to make a rub. Sprinkle generously onto both sides of the bird.
- Slice your onions roughly into 1-inch rounds. Peel and wash the carrots.
- Pour wine and chicken broth into your roasting pan. Put onions, whole carrots, garlic cloves that haven’t been peeled, and rosemary sprigs around the bottom. Put the bird on top of the vegetables with the cut side facing down.
- For 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until done, cook the turkey. Test for doneness with a meat thermometer. The turkey should be cooked until the breast is 170°F (77°C) and the thigh is 180°F (82°C).
- Take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting it up.
- Enjoy!
Turkey is the star of any holiday table, whether you’re having a quiet dinner for two or dinner with all of your extended family. Turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving tradition no matter what. There are so many options besides the traditional whole bird.
Wondering what to do with leftovers? Canadian Turkey has you covered there too! Check out their Recipe Page for unique turkey recipes and delicious ideas for leftovers.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. Your experience may differ.
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FAQ
Can you cook half of a turkey?
Can you cut a raw turkey in half and cook it?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
What size is half turkey?
How long does a half Turkey take to cook?
Roasting turkey halves in the oven is a truly great way to cook a turkey, especially for Thanksgiving. The turkeys cook evenly, the skins get golden brown and crisp, the halves are easy to carve, and the turkeys cook in about 2 hours. Can you buy 1/2 turkey? Publix Fresh Half Turkey, All Natural, Usda Inspected, Grade A.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How do you cook a half turkey breast?
Choose a shallow roasting pan that is just large enough to comfortably fit the half turkey breast. Place it skin-side up for a crispy and golden brown exterior. For added flavor, you can also place some aromatic vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery around the turkey breast. 6. Roast the Turkey Breast Can one have turkey and carrots?
Can I stuff a half turkey breast?
We do not recommend stuffing a half turkey breast, as it can affect the cooking time and temperature. It is safer to cook the stuffing separately and then serve it alongside the turkey breast. If you do decide to stuff the turkey breast, make sure the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
What is a half turkey breast?
A half turkey breast, also known as a split turkey breast, is one side of the breast meat of the turkey, either with or without the bone. Usually, when you buy a bone-in turkey breasts it includes both breasts.
How much does a half turkey weigh?
An average half turkey weighs 4 to 7 pounds. Allow about 1 pound per person when determining what size to buy. Smaller birds cook more quickly than larger ones. You can buy a whole turkey and ask the butcher to cut it in half, or look for packaged half turkeys. Both fresh and frozen options work well.