Can you roast a frozen turkey? Of course you can! This recipe will save the day if you don’t have time to let the turkey thaw. You can easily roast a frozen turkey with my recipe. The skin will get crispy, and the meat will be juicy and tender. Also, learn how to make delicious Giblet gravy that your family and guests will love!.
This recipe works great for a 8- to 11-pound frozen turkey! Some people might think it’s crazy to roast a frozen turkey, but it will turn out moist, juicy, and delicious.
This is because low heat lets the turkey cook slowly, which helps the turkey keep its juices. Slowly cooked meat is always tender in texture, and that’s why you’ll love this recipe!.
As long as you use simple, tasty ingredients and follow the simple steps in this recipe, you can turn a frozen turkey roast into the star of your next holiday meal or special event. Please try my Smothered Turkey Legs, Easy Roast Chicken, and Butter Pecan Cake for dessert.
The holidays are fast approaching, and you may find yourself needing to cook a frozen turkey on short notice Is it possible to roast a frozen bird and still end up with a delicious, juicy turkey dinner? Absolutely! With some planning and care, you can absolutely cook a frozen turkey in a roaster oven and enjoy perfect results
In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to roast a tasty frozen turkey in an electric roaster oven You’ll learn how to thaw, prep, season, and roast the turkey straight from the freezer for moist, flavorful meat without overcooking
Why Cook a Frozen Turkey in a Roaster Oven?
Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to roast a frozen turkey:
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You forgot to thaw the turkey in the fridge ahead of time. A 12-14 lb turkey can take 3-4 days to thaw.
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Your refrigerator is too full to thaw the large bird.
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You want to skip the thawing hassle altogether. Cooking from frozen does eliminate this step.
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You picked up an extra turkey at the last minute and need to cook it ASAP.
While less convenient, cooking a completely frozen turkey in an electric roaster oven is absolutely doable with some easy tips for preventing dry, overcooked meat.
Tips for Cooking a Juicy Frozen Turkey
Follow these handy tips for roasting a moist, delicious frozen turkey in a roaster oven:
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Allow extra time – Plan for 50% longer cook time compared to a thawed turkey. Calculate about 15 minutes per pound for a frozen bird.
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Use a low temperature – Cook at 250°F-325°F to gently thaw and roast the turkey. High heat risks burning the outside.
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Place breast-side up – Put the bird breast up on a rack in the roaster so the thicker breast thaws slower.
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Tent with foil – Cover the breast with foil for half of the roasting time to prevent overcooking.
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Baste frequently – Baste every 30 minutes with broth, butter, or oil to prevent drying out.
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Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
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Let rest before carving – Never carve right after roasting. Let the turkey rest at least 30 minutes so juices can absorb back into the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting a Frozen Turkey
Follow these simple steps for roasting a moist, delicious frozen turkey in an electric roaster oven:
1. Prepare the Turkey
Remove giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry. Rub olive oil or butter all over the skin and under the skin to help prevent drying out. Generously season inside and out with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, and other desired seasonings.
2. Place Turkey in Roaster Breast-Side Up
Put the seasoned frozen turkey directly in the roaster breast up on a V-rack. The rack allows air flow underneath to promote even cooking and thawing.
3. Tent Breast with Foil
Loosely cover the breast with foil, leaving drumsticks and thighs exposed. The breast thaws slower so this prevents overcooking.
4. Roast at 250°F-325°F
Roast at 250°F-325°F, calculating about 15 minutes per pound. For a 14 lb turkey, roast about 3.5-4 hours. Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer.
5. Remove Foil, Baste, Increase Heat
Once breast meat reaches 100°F, remove foil. Baste turkey with broth or oil. Increase heat to 350°F-375°F.
6. Roast Until 165°F
Continue roasting until 165°F in the thickest part of breast and thighs. Baste every 30 minutes to prevent drying out.
7. Let Turkey Rest before Carving
Allow the turkey to rest 30-60 minutes before slicing to let juices reabsorb for moist meat.
8. Carve and Serve
Carve the rested turkey and serve immediately. Enjoy with gravy and your favorite holiday sides!
Turkey Roasting FAQs
Is it safe to roast a frozen turkey?
Yes, cooking a frozen turkey is safe when roasted to an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to use a food thermometer to verify doneness.
How long does it take to roast a 12-14 lb frozen turkey?
Around 4 1/2 – 5 hours total at 325°F, calculating 15 minutes per pound. The exact time depends on the specific oven.
What’s the best roasting temperature for a frozen turkey?
Cook at 250°F-325°F for most of the time, increasing to 350°F-375°F for the last hour. High heat risks burning the exterior before fully thawing.
Should I brine or stuff a frozen turkey?
Skip brining, as the turkey must be thawed first. Do not stuff to allow even cooking. Cook stuffing separately.
Can I roast a partially frozen turkey?
Yes, but cooking time is harder to predict. Check temperature frequently with a meat thermometer and adjust roasting time as needed.
How do I prevent a frozen turkey from drying out?
Baste frequently, tent the breast with foil, roast at low heat, rub butter/oil under the skin, and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
The Takeaway
With proper technique, you can absolutely cook a delicious frozen turkey in an electric roaster oven. The key is frequent basting, low roasting temperatures, tenting the breast, and using a meat thermometer. With a little patience, your roaster oven can turn out a perfectly cooked holiday bird straight from the freezer.
For the Butter and Spice Mix
When it comes to butter, unsalted butter is best. It will make the turkey taste better and add more richness as it cooks in the oven.
Spice mix: For the spice mix, we’ll need some salt. Black pepper. It will add a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the turkey. Oregano will infuse the turkey with a fragrant and earthy flavor, complementing the other spices.
Celery sticks: They will add a subtle, refreshing taste to the gravy and enhance its overall flavor.
Onion and garlic: We will also require onion and garlic for the gravy. They will give the gravy a sweet and savory base, adding depth and complexity to its flavor.
Butter: It will create richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
Paprika: For some smoky flavor.
Flour: To thicken the gravy and create a smooth and velvety texture.
Turkey giblets: They will add depth and a meaty taste to the sauce.
The Turkey Giblet Gravy
Step 1
In a large pan, Add the oil and butter. Add the giblets and fry until light brown.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3
Pour the hot water and let the giblets cook. It will take from one hour and a half to two hours. Strain the stock and keep it aside. Finely mince the giblets and keep them aside.
Step 4
Pour the Turkey drippings into a bowl. Wait for a few minutes for the oil and drippings to separate. Remove the fat from the drippings using a ladle. Do not discard it.
Step 5
In a pan, add three tablespoons from the dripping fat, and then add the flour. Cook on medium heat for two minutes.
Step 6
Add the giblet stock and turkey drippings slowly while whisking. Be careful not to add the fat from the drippings. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7
Add the minced giblets and cook on medium heat for a minute or two. Serve with mashed potatoes and slices of Turkey.
