How to Roast a Turkey – learn easy techniques to perfectly roast a turkey. Step by step instructions from start to finish.
Roasting a juicy, perfectly browned turkey is considered the crowning achievement of any Thanksgiving chef But one key question divides turkey experts – should you cook the bird covered or uncovered? After testing both methods, the short answer is start covered, then uncover. Here’s why this combo approach helps you achieve roast turkey perfection
Why Covering is Crucial
Cooking your turkey initially covered in foil or a lid is essential to keep it moist and tender. The covering traps steam and heat, braising the turkey gently as it roasts This prevents the delicate breast meat from drying out.
Benefits of starting covered include
- Retains natural juices and moisture
- Allows meat to cook evenly
- Reduces shrinkage and dryness
- Gives you more wiggle room if overcooked
Covering the entire turkey or just the breast both work well. Focusing on the breast is smart since white meat dries out faster than dark meat. Just make sure to keep an eye on overall doneness.
Foil vs. Roasting Lid
You can cover your turkey in two main ways:
Foil – Tenting foil over your roasting pan is simple and effective. It seals in moisture yet allows air circulation for even cooking.
Roasting Lid – Cook the turkey in a covered roasting pan or enamel roaster. The tight lid provides fantastic braising action for uber-juicy meat.
Both work beautifully to prevent drying. If purchasing a roaster, make sure your turkey fits with a little room to spare.
Why Uncovering is Key
After the turkey has cooked about two-thirds of the time, uncover and let it roast until finished. This allows the skin to crisp and brown for better flavor, aroma, and presentation.
Benefits of uncovering include:
- Crispy, crunchy, browned skin
- Appealing golden turkey exterior
- Allows excess moisture to evaporate
- Provides roasting finish
If any parts brown too fast, you can loosely tent them with foil as needed near the end.
Cook Times with Cover On and Off
For approximate turkey cook times with covered and uncovered phases:
- 8-12 lb turkey: Covered 2 hours, Uncovered 1 hour
- 12-16 lb turkey: Covered 2.5 hours, Uncovered 1.5 hours
- 16-20 lb turkey: Covered 3 hours, Uncovered 1.5 hours
- 20-24 lb turkey: Covered 3.5 hours, Uncovered 1.5 hours
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Handling the Uncover Transition
When moving your turkey from covered to uncovered roasting, follow these tips:
- Carefully remove any tented foil to uncover.
- Use mitts – the pan and lid will be hot!
- Don’t let drippings spill or burn as you remove the cover.
- If breast is very brown, loosely tent with foil.
- Increase heat by 25°F to promote browning.
- Continue roasting until thermometer registers 165°F.
The turkey may need tenting again if additional browning occurs before it finishes cooking.
Moist and Delicious Results
Starting your Thanksgiving turkey covered and finishing it uncovered gives you the best of both worlds – succulent, juicy meat with golden crispy skin. The combo method requires minimal effort and helps guarantee the perfect turkey your guests will rave about.
So go ahead and cover that bird for moisture, then uncover for crunch. This simple turkey roasting technique will deliver incredible results!
Common Turkey Cooking Questions
Still have questions on the covered vs. uncovered debate? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Should you baste a covered turkey?
Basting is not necessary when cooking covered since steam inside acts as a baste. After uncovering, baste every 30 minutes with pan drippings.
What if my roaster is too small for the turkey?
Use foil instead to loosely tent the breast and upper thighs of the turkey.
Can I roast turkey uncovered the whole time?
While possible, the breast and top areas may dry out without any braising action from steam buildup.
Should I watch temperature or time when roasting?
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for doneness, not just cook times. Cook to 165°F.
Can I cook turkey in a brown paper bag?
Yes, this traps moisture similar to foil. Make sure the bag is well-secured and doesn’t touch hot oven surfaces.
What if my turkey browns too fast while uncovered?
Loosely tent areas with foil that seem to be browning too quickly before the turkey is fully cooked.
How long should a 20 lb turkey cook covered and uncovered?
Plan on about 3.5 hours covered and 1.5 hours uncovered for a 20 lb bird. Rely on thermometer.
What temperature should I use when roasting uncovered?
Crank the heat up by 25°F from your covered temp to promote nice browning once uncovered.
The Takeaway
Covering then uncovering is the best approach for juicy, flavorful roast turkey. Cook your bird covered in foil at first, then uncover for crispy skin. Follow this simple method, and your Thanksgiving turkey will be finger-licking fabulous!
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.
First, you’ll need to place the onions, celery and carrots in the bottom of a roasting rack, then place the rack on top. Place the turkey breast side up on top of the roasting rack.
Tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey, this will help stabilize the turkey when carving, plus it makes it easier to carve 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 pour a little of water in the bottom of the roasting pan, but keep in mind the turkey will release drippings as well as it cooks. However, if you’re making gravy, it’s best to add about a cup of water to the roasting pan.
Cover The Turkey And Roast
Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and cook covered for 2 hours. Remove the aluminum foil and transfer the turkey back to the oven.
Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?
FAQ
Is it better to cook turkey covered or uncovered?
The best way to ensure you wind up with a perfectly roasted turkey—juicy and flavorful no matter what part you dig into—is to both cover it and not cover it …Dec 25, 2024
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Yes! Adding water to the bottom of the pan keeps the meat extra juicy and tender as it roasts. Without that added moisture, the turkey is much more likely to dry out as it cooks.
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
Baste It Another key to a delicious, juicy turkey is to baste as it cooks. Basting is also the key to delicious pan drippings and gravy! I love the combination of melted butter, chicken broth, and a little bit of cooking sherry for this turkey. Rich and flavorful, just as Thanksgiving and the holidays should be.