How to Roast a Turkey – learn easy techniques to perfectly roast a turkey. Step by step instructions from start to finish.
Roasting a beautifully golden turkey with crispy skin and juicy meat is the crowning achievement of any Thanksgiving meal. But achieving turkey perfection depends on knowing the answers to key questions like Should you cover the turkey while it roasts in the oven? If so, when and for how long?
Here, we’ll walk through the best practices for covering a turkey during oven roasting to help ensure you turn out an amazing bird every time.
Why Covering is Key
Covering a turkey for part of the cooking time serves an important purpose – it prevents the turkey from drying out in the oven As the turkey roasts, moisture is released from the meat An uncovered turkey allows that moisture to fully escape from the pan.
Covering the turkey traps steam and moisture close to the bird. This keeps the meat very moist and juicy as it cooks.
So covering is highly recommended to prevent a dry turkey, but it does need to be uncovered briefly at the end to crisp up the skin.
Covering Methods
There are three main methods for covering a turkey in the oven:
- Roasting pan with foil
- Roasting pan with cheesecloth
- Roaster with lid
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each technique:
Roasting Pan with Foil
- Pros: Allows air circulation for crispy skin, traps moisture well, easy to use
- Cons: Can tear when basting, loose foil allows some moisture to escape
Tenting foil over the turkey in a roasting pan is a very common and effective method. The foil traps steam while still allowing air flow for crispy skin. It’s also inexpensive and readily available.
Make sure to tent the foil loosely and not seal it tightly, as this allows good air circulation. And take care when basting not to tear the foil.
Roasting Pan with Cheesecloth
- Pros: Traps moisture extremely well, adds flavor
- Cons: Can burn or smoke, expensive, messy to apply
Soaking cheesecloth in butter, herbs, and wine to make a “blanket” for the turkey adds incredible moisture and flavor. But it can be difficult to find cheesecloth and apply the wet blanket smoothly. There’s also a risk of burning or smoking.
Roaster with Lid
- Pros: Keeps all moisture in, easy to use, no risk of burning
- Cons: Less air circulation, hard to get crispy skin
A covered roaster braises the turkey, keeping all moisture inside. This produces an incredibly juicy bird. But the tight lid allows minimal airflow, making it harder to crisp the skin.
Tips for Covering a Turkey
Follow these tips for the best results when covering a turkey:
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Cover with foil or lid for most of cooking time
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Uncover about 30 minutes before turkey is done to crisp skin
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For foil, tent loosely to allow air circulation
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Baste periodically to prevent drying out
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Monitor temperature and continue roasting until 165°F
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Let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple process for roasting a juicy, crispy turkey using the foil covering method:
Prep the Turkey
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Thaw turkey completely if frozen
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Remove giblets and neck from cavities
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Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels
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Rub all over with olive oil, salt, and pepper
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Truss legs with twine and tuck wings under
Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Spray rack with nonstick spray.
Roast Turkey
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Place prepared turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack.
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Tent top and sides loosely with a large piece of aluminum foil.
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Roast turkey, basting with broth every 30 minutes.
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After 2 1/2 hours, remove foil tent.
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Continue roasting until 165°F in thigh, about 30 minutes more.
Finish and Serve
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Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 30 minutes.
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Make gravy from pan drippings.
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Carve turkey and serve warm. Enjoy!
FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about covering turkey while roasting:
Should you cover a turkey with foil?
Yes, tenting foil over the turkey traps in moisture and prevents drying out. Uncover the last 30 minutes for crispy skin.
What’s the best way to keep a turkey moist?
Covering with foil, cheesecloth or a roaster lid keeps moisture in. Basting, brining, and spatchcocking also help retain moisture.
How long should you roast an uncovered turkey?
Roast an uncovered turkey for about 10-15 minutes per pound. But it’s best to cover most of the time and uncover just 30 minutes before it’s done.
Can you overcook a turkey if it’s covered?
It’s unlikely but possible if cooked well beyond the recommended time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Should I tent turkey with foil at the beginning or halfway through?
Start covered with foil and uncover about 30 minutes before it reaches the target temp for the crispiest skin.
Covering your turkey while it roasts is crucial for a juicy bird with delicious crispy skin. Follow these tips to turn out the perfect Thanksgiving turkey!
Make The Herb Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon zest and juice and the teaspoon of thyme to the butter and stir. Set aside.
To start, put the carrots, onions, and celery on the bottom of a roasting rack. Then, put the rack on top of the nuts. Place the turkey breast side up on top of the roasting rack.
Putting the tips of the wings under the body of the turkey will help keep it steady while you carve it, and it will also make it easier to cut the breast. Tie the legs together with butcher twine.
Brush the turkey with the butter mixture generously over the entire turkey. Use all the butter. Next, you’ll want to season it with salt and pepper all around. Make sure to season a bit inside the cavity as well.
You can add a little water to the bottom of the roasting pan, but remember that the turkey will also give off juices as it cooks. However, if you’re making gravy, it’s best to add about a cup of water to the roasting pan.
Uncover And Finish Roasting
Continue roasting for an additional 1½ hours until the turkey turns golden brown and is fully cooked inside. You can baste it every 30 minutes if preferred. When the meat in the thighs reaches 180°F and the meat in the breast reaches 165°F, the turkey is done.