Slow-roasted turkey is marvelously tender, with meat that literally falls off the bone and golden, rich, golden-brown skin. Its an easy, hands-off way to prepare turkey and yields consistently excellent results.
When it comes to cooking the star of your Thanksgiving meal – the turkey – low and slow is the way to go. Slow roasting your bird at a low 225°F imparts unbelievable moisture, richness, and old-fashioned flavor that your guests will rave about.
In this guide, I’ll explain the benefits of low and slow turkey roasting, share tips on technique, provide a timeline, and give you a foolproof recipe to create the juiciest, most delicious holiday turkey you’ve ever tasted. Let’s get started!
Why Low and Slow Turkey Roasting Rocks
Cooking your turkey low and slow, at around 225°F, provides several advantages over the standard 325°F high-heat roast:
- Meat stays incredibly moist and tender due to gentle heat
- Skin crisps up beautifully and browns gradually
- Natural juices have time to redistribute throughout
- Intensifies savory turkey flavor over longer cook
- Less risk of drying out the breast or overcooking
- More forgiveness if oven temp varies slightly
The lower heat essentially steam-roasts the turkey from the inside-out. This retains moisture while still allowing the exterior to crisp up.
Keys to Mastering the Method
Executing the perfect low and slow turkey does require some technique:
- Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer to hit 165°F.
- Baste frequently with pan juices to prevent drying.
- Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove foil toward end to crisp the skin.
- Let rest 20 minutes before slicing for juiciest meat.
It’s all about controlling heat exposure to balance moistness with crispy browned skin.
Helpful Roasting Timeline at 225°F
To properly time your 225°F turkey roast follow this general timeline
- 12-15 lb turkey: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
- 16-18 lb turkey: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
- 20-22 lb turkey: Approximately 8 hours
- 24-26 lb turkey: Approximately 9 to 10 hours
The total time can vary based on the exact size, shape, and temperature of your oven Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to determine doneness, not just roasting time
Step-by-Step Recipe for Roast Turkey Perfection
Follow this straightforward method for the juiciest, most flavorful 225°F slow roasted turkey:
Ingredients:
- 12-15 lb whole turkey, giblets removed
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 225°F. Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities. Pat dry all over with paper towels.
-
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub or brush the mixture all over turkey.
-
Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Tuck wings under.
-
Roast turkey at 225°F, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. Add water to pan if drying out.
-
Once thigh temp reaches 160°F, tent foil over turkey if skin browning too fast.
-
Remove foil at 165°F thigh temp and increase heat to 275°F to crisp skin.
-
Roast until thigh temp hits 175°F, about 10-15 more minutes.
-
Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
The end result is a perfectly cooked masterpiece of a turkey with succulent meat, crisp golden brown skin, and incredible depth of flavor. Enjoy your new go-to method for holiday turkey magic!
Why roast a turkey overnight?
To slow roast a turkey, you put it in a very slow oven and cook it for a few hours, at least eight to twelve hours, depending on the size of the bird. This long, slow process makes the meat so tender that it falls off the bone. It also gives the meat a deep, golden flavor and crisp brown skin.
Even better, you don’t have to do much, so you have more time to spend with family and friends. Of course, you’ll have plenty of time to make sides, finish dessert, and set the table.
Slow-roasting is a simple, easy process that requires little active time in the kitchen. The turkey does take a long time to cook through, though, so you’ll need to plan when you put it in the oven the first time.
Allow about 6 hours total for a medium-sized bird. If you want to feed your big bird early in the day, you might have to get up very early to get it ready. Or, if you plan to serve it in the evening, youll start the bird by noon.
The recommended temperature for roasting turkey is 325 F; however, slow-roasting poultry was once common practice. And it was a popular way to cook turkey until recently. Many earlier generations grew up roasting their turkeys overnight in the oven.
Most bacteria on your bird will rest on its surface areas, not deep in the meat. Remember the “danger zone” for food-borne illness is 41 to 130 F. In about 4 hours, the turkey should reach 135 F, and it should reach 165 F before you serve it. In 2008, researchers found that slow-roasted birds were safe to eat (1).
To ensure your bird stays safely within those temperature windows, choosing small to medium birds works best. I recommend using a higher temperature and different techniques for very large birds. This maple-brined turkey recipe works well.
Roast Turkey | Easy Step-by-Step Recipe to make the BEST Slow Roast Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey at 250 degrees?
Is it safe to cook a turkey low and slow?
Can you cook a turkey at a lower temp for a longer time?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 250 or 350?
How do you cook a Turkey slow and low?
A: There are a few different ways to cook a turkey slow and low, but the most common method is to roast it in a covered oven at a low temperature (275-325 degrees Fahrenheit). This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and that the meat remains moist. Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey slow and low?
How long do you cook a Turkey at a low temperature?
Keep roasting at a low temperature until it is getting close to these numbers, around 155ºF. Remove the pan from the oven and turn up the heat to 475ºF. Once preheated, roast the turkey until the skin has browned and it is 160ºF in the breast and 170-175ºF in the thigh, about 15-30 minutes. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes.
How long do you cook a Turkey in a slow cooker?
Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, cayenne pepper, cloves, and nutmeg to the slow cooker. 7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * What steps do you need to take to brine a turkey? 1.
Can You Slow Roast a turkey overnight?
No upping the air-con because the turkey is about to go in the oven. Seriously this recipe is a scream it from the roof tops winner!!!!! You can slow roast a turkey overnight and it will be the juiciest and most tender turkey you have ever eaten! Cooking a turkey low and slow allows the meat to cook thoroughly without driving off moisture.
Is slow roasted turkey good?
Slow-roasted turkey is marvelously tender, with meat that literally falls off the bone and golden, rich, golden-brown skin. It’s an easy, hands-off way to prepare turkey and yields consistently excellent results. Jump to Recipe | Why Cook a Turkey Overnight? | Timing | Safety | Tips | Variations Why roast a turkey overnight?
Should you rest a Turkey after cooking a slow and low?
After cooking a turkey slow and low, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird. What are the benefits of resting a turkey after cooking it slow and low?