A Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Turkey in an Oven Bag

The turkey is the most important part of Thanksgiving dinner, so it has to be perfect every time, no matter how many times you’ve made it before.

Come Thanksgiving a beautifully roasted turkey is the superstar centerpiece of the holiday table. But roasting a turkey the traditional way requires constant basting and can result in a messy oven splattered with drippings. An easy solution? Roasting your turkey in an oven bag.

Oven bags provide a handy shortcut to a juicy bird with minimal mess and fuss. Here, I’ll walk through the complete process of how to roast a tasty turkey in an oven cooking bag. From selecting the right bag to prepping the bird securing it in the bag, and roasting let’s cover all the key steps for roasting success.

What is an Oven Bag?

An oven bag is a specially designed bag made of durable, BPA-free nylon that can withstand oven heat up to 400°F. It allows heat to circulate while locking in moisture. Oven bags for turkeys are available at most grocery stores and come in large sizes to accommodate birds up to 24 pounds.

Benefits of Roasting in an Oven Bag

There are some excellent advantages to roasting in an oven bag:

Moist, tender meat: The bag seals in juices instead of letting them evaporate like traditional roasting.
Speeds up cooking: Turkey roasts faster in a bag, reducing cook time by about 1 hour.
Easy cleanup: The bag contains spills and drips for a mess-free oven.
Great for gravy: Roast juices collect in the bag for making gravy.
Crispy skin isn’t feasible: The steamy environment won’t yield crispy skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey in an oven bag:

1. Thaw the Turkey

Be sure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting. Defrost frozen turkeys in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4-5 lbs.

2. Prepare the Turkey

Remove giblets and neck. Rinse turkey and pat dry. Truss legs. Apply oil, seasonings, aromatics as desired.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. This temperature prevents overcooking.

4. Add Flour to the Oven Bag

Put 1 tbsp flour in the oven bag and shake to coat interior. This prevents bursting.

5. Add Aromatics to the Bag

Place chopped onions, carrots, celery and herb stems in bag to use as a rack.

6. Place Turkey in the Bag

Put turkey breast-side up in the center of the bag. Tie bag tightly with enclosed tie.

7. Make Vent Slits

With scissors, cut 6 half-inch slits around bag top. This allows heat circulation.

8. Transfer Bag to Roasting Pan

Place in roasting pan. Ensure bag doesn’t touch oven sides.

9. Roast Turkey

Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound. For a 12 lb turkey, roast for 3 hours.

10. Check Temperature

Check temp periodically. Thigh should reach 170°F, breast 160°F.

11. Let Turkey Rest

Once done, let turkey rest in bag for 30 minutes before removing.

12. Make Gravy from Drippings

Strain drippings from bag through a mesh strainer to make gravy.

FAQs About Roasting Turkey in an Oven Bag

Here are answers to some common questions on roasting turkey in a bag:

Should I brine or stuff turkey roasted in a bag?

Brining adds great flavor. Make sure turkey is completely dry before bagging.
Avoid stuffing, as it may not reach a safe temp. Make it separately instead.

How long does it take to roast turkey in an oven bag?

Cook 15-20 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey roasts in 3 hours.

Can you get crispy skin with an oven bag?

Steamy environment prevents crispy skin. For crispness, finish uncovered on a rack.

Is it safe to roast an untrussed turkey in a bag?

Yes, trussing just helps the bird cook evenly. Untrussed is fine.

What size oven bag do I need?

Turkeys up to 12 lbs fit a large oven bag. Over 12 lbs needs a turkey-size bag.

Can I roast a turkey breast in an oven bag?

Absolutely! Roast bone-in or boneless breasts in a bag for juicy meat.

Get the Benefits without the Mess

how to roast turkey in oven bag

TURKEY OVEN BAG COOKING TIMES

Add 1 tablespoon of flour to coat the bag when preparing your turkey oven bag. Do not add any water (unless directed).

OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES Until internal temp reaches 165°F in the breast and thigh in several places, not touching the bone (If you prefer a well-done turkey with no pink juices, cook until 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone)
Turkey Weight	Cooking Time @ 350°F
Whole Turkey, unstuffed
10-12 pounds	1 1/2 to 2 hours
12-16 pounds	2 to 2 1/4 hours
16-20 pounds	2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
20-24 pounds	2 1/2 to 3 hours
Whole Turkey, stuffed (stuffing temperature should be 165°F)
10-12 pounds	2 to 2 1/2 hours
12-16 pounds	2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours
16-20 pounds	2 3/4 to 3 hours
20-24 pounds	3 to 3 1/2 hours
Turkey Breast, bone-in
8-12 pounds	1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours
Turkey Breast, boneless
8-12 pounds	2 1/2 to 3 hours
Wild Turkey
Same as whole turkey, but if skinless, add 1/4 cup water and brush with extra oil or butter.

Check out our oven bag cooking charts for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, and more to learn how to cook a turkey in an oven bag and how long to cook one in an oven bag.

COOKING A TURKEY IN AN OVEN BAG

Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag is a great way to make sure it stays juicy and tender while also getting a golden light brown color. Plus, with an oven bag, you wont even have to worry about scrubbing the roasting pan. Just follow these easy steps to roast a turkey in an oven bag for your next dinner.

Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag
One 8 to 24-pound turkey
This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of flour. Instead of flour, you can use corn starch, corn meal, matzo meal, wheat, rice, potato, nut, or gluten-free flour.
Ties that come in the oven bag package
Large oven-safe roasting pan or disposable aluminum roasting pan
Seasonings
Meat thermometer

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Place a turkey-size oven bag into a large roasting pan that is at least two inches deep. Put one tablespoon of flour into the bag and shake it around to spread it out. Instead of flour, you can use corn starch, corn meal, matzo meal, wheat, rice, potato, nut, or gluten-free flour. Then, add sliced vegetables, depending on the recipe. Several times, fold the ends of the bag down to help keep it open while you put the turkey inside.

Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. If you like to stuff your turkey, place the stuffing into the cavity. Be careful not to overstuff. Pat the skin dry, brush the turkey with oil or melted butter, and season as desired. Not sure what to use for seasoning? Try this herb-roasted turkey recipe. Place turkey in the oven bag atop your sliced vegetables.

Close the bag with the nylon tie found in the turkey oven bag carton. It’s usually folded inside the cooking chart.

Cut six half-inch holes in the top of the bag to let the turkey’s steam escape. Tuck the bag’s corners into the pan and cut off or fold down the extra bag that hangs over the tie so it doesn’t touch the oven or heating elements while it’s cooking.

Place the turkey on the lowest rack of your oven to roast. There’s no need to baste or attend to the turkey. Check the cooking chart inside the box to get an idea of how long it will take to cook a turkey in an oven bag. Look through one of the cut holes in the top of the bag to see if the turkey is done cooking. Place a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, not touching the bone.

Let the turkey stand in the bag for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, cut the top of the bag open with cooking shears or a paring knife.

The turkey can be taken out of the bag by putting serving forks in its neck and chest. Then, transfer your turkey to a serving dish for dinner. Use the juices to make flavorful gravy to pair with the moist turkey.