So Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. I am delighted to share this proven way to do a festive holiday turkey without the headaches and fear of it being dry.
I have been cooking my stress-free turkeys using this low and slow fool-proof method for many years now.
Back then, my Canadian friend Annie Kate, over at Annie Kate’s Homeschool Reviews, shared an old-time slow turkey roasting method. I must say, since adopting her method, our kitchen has never been more relaxed for the big meals. The thing that makes this method really user-friendly is that WE can decide when we are ready to eat, not the turkey!
Shared with permission.
Here are her words:
“I used to dread cooking turkey, hoping desperately that it would be neither under-cooked nor dry and over-cooked. With this recipe it’s so stress-free to make tender and delicious turkey! Here’s what I do (and what many of my friends are now doing as well).”
You will need:
A roaster. I use an old-fashioned blue-speckled porcelain roaster (similar to this one) where the lid just sits in the groove. Anything similar will work fine.
Stress-Free Turkey Recipe
1.) Make sure the turkey is thawed.
2.) Baste (just once) the turkey well with:
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard (I use a Dijon prepared mustard)
- 1 tsp. broken rosemary
- 1 tsp. sage
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1½ tsp. sea salt salt
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup dry white wine (optional)
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub or “paint” (what I use) the mixture evenly all over the skin of the turkey breast. You will NOT need to baste it again! Pour the wine into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Important Basting Notes:
- I have also made turkeys with no pre-basting, just salt and pepper, and they have been simply wonderful, too.
- If you open the roaster for very long to look at it, you risk losing heat and moisture and your turkey may not retain enough heat to maintain the core temperature. I seldom open the roaster now that I have gained trust in this method. The initial basting is quite sufficient. If you must baste a second time, do it quickly!
- The secret is locking in juices with the searing and keeping the juices in the roaster to self-baste your bird.
- You can also substitute your own glaze an hour before serving and then pop it back in the oven to keep hot.
3.) The night before, or early in the morning, preheat the oven to 375F. Then put the (thawed), rubbed turkey into the roaster, add 1/2″ of wine or water, put on the lid, and pop it into the oven.
4.) Always Preheat.
5.) Roast at 375ºF to sear the outside and seal in the juices. Set a timer!
- a small to medium turkey (12-16 pounds), 25 minutes (then turn down to 200º)
- a large turkey (17-22 pounds), 35 minutes (then turn down to 200º)
- Note: if you have late guests and the meal has to be delayed, so a turkey of any size doesn’t get too dry, you can turn the temperature down to 180º and still have a fabulous bird!)
Note: If your bird is very large, as in more than 20 lbs and up, or even a little bit frozen in the core, be sure to start the night before so the core is thoroughly done and tender.
6.) Immediately, when the timer set for searing beeps, turn the oven down to 200F, (leave the oven door closed) keep the lid on and cook the turkey all day (and night if you put it in in the evening) at that the 200º temperature. It will cook slowly and stay tender and delicious for hours at 200F. The juices will baste the turkey for you. No basting needed until right before you serve, if you wish.
Bon Appétit!
Additional Notes (Updated November, 2016):
- Our turkeys are usually around 15-16 lbs and mostly thawed when I put them into the oven, and we cook them low and slow for 12-16 hours, depending on circumstances. At such low temperatures they never get tough. The skin gets sealed/seared at the 375º degrees initially, keeping in the juices.
- I would recommend not to slow roast past 18 hours as it may start to dry and lose that “succulent’ factor!
- The initial cooking time at 375ºF kills bacteria on the surface.
- But here’s a warning: Many newer model stoves have a feature that automatically turns the stove off after 12 hours. In order to slow-cook your turkey, be sure you disable this feature.
- I always cook the stuffing separately.
- Unless you are certain that your oven thermostat is correct, use a meat thermometer. Since the oven temperature in this method barely above the official ‘done temperature’ (185°) you must be sure that you do reach the correct temperature. Time is on your side.
This is based on a method found in ‘Let’s Cook it Right’ by Adele Davis. (That old cookbook is one of my treasures.)
This same book gets a mention on e-How:
“Slow-roasting your Thanksgiving turkey will bring more than smiles to the faces of your dinner guests. It also will bring rave reviews for many years. Roasting a turkey at a low temperature overnight will lead to a moist, tender and juicy bird that will impress even the pickiest of family members. To roast your turkey overnight, follow a proven recipe featured in the popular 1940s cookbook Let’s Cook it Right by Adelle Davis”.
It is one of the most popular, helpful, and widely praised cookbooks ever published.
Choose a marvelous and colorful side from one of these 29 Festive Pomegranate recipes.
So, if you are having turkey for the family Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, this may be just the thing to take off some of the pressure! You can add a glaze (as pictured above) in the last hour or two.
“I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharking and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy. The turkey is a much more respectable bird.” ~Benjamin Franklin
“Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love,
for His wondrous works to the children of man!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul He fills with good things.”
~Psalm 107: 8-9
Annie Kate
Wow, you dressed up my recipe so beautifully! Lovely pictures!
Annie Kate
Jacqueline
It was fun, and I had also remember older ladies (friends of my mother) say that this was a very good way to prepare turkey used many years ago, so you were confirmed. I am doing it this Christmas 🙂
Rhonda Devine
Jacque,
I’ve always wanted to do a turkey this way, but was afraid it wasn’t at a hot enough temp to keep it safe, but if you say it works, I’m going to give it a try.
To keep it less stressful, I usually cook my turkey the day before, store it cold overnight, and then just re-heat the next day and make the gravy. I hated the stress of waiting for the turkey to get done so the gravy could get made and sometimes it wouldn’t be done when it should have been–ugh!
Thanks for sharing,
Rhonda
Jacqueline
Rhonda, Just use the thermometer to allay any doubts you might have! If it over 185 degrees, it’s done! and don’t stuff the bird 🙂 I’m with you being done with stress!
Ceecee
I worry about that, too, as have heard not to? But I find that we need to eat earlier because of baby naps and so if I am making the dinner I do something that works for me. What I do is make the turkey the day before, then take all the meat off the bones and put it in a large flat casserole. I make the gravy then, too, and pour it over the meat. This ensures it stays moist while waiting, and my family enjoys how moist it gets. I just reheat the next day-Thanksgiving. Not only is this less messy that day, but it gives me time to enjoy the family, instead of being in the kitchen all day. This tastes very good reheated, too, because it gives the meat time to take up the gravy flavors. I save the bones in the freezer also for soup down the line. I do many meals for family and find preparing in advance and using the oven to reheat is helpful, but everyone have their own method that works for them.
Janel @ Hating Martha
Really? Could something that easy really work? Well, I think I need to cook a turkey just to test it! Thanks for linking up this great tip at Hating Martha!
Jacqueline
If you do, Janel, let me know what you think!! I’ve heard nothing but good reports! What made you think to call your blog ‘Hating Martha’?
Kasey
Ahhh, this was just the thing I needed to read! My family is vegetarian for various reasons, but we have family coming in next weekend who are not. I had been really thinking about cooking a turkey as I know it is something they will enjoy. Fear was holding me back from fully embracing the idea. I had heard of this method in passing, but reading it here just gave me a bit of confidence to go for it! Thank you!!
BethM
I hope that I can remember to look this back up in my bookmarks next year! I am willing to give it a try, but we already have a ham for Christmas this year.
Jacqueline
Oh, I just may have to re-post it. I am prepared to do it, so if it is as fool-proof as I’ve heard, I will do just that, God-willing!
Carol
Good Morning, Jacqueline : )
I just received your update on cooking a turkey to insure moisture. That is a challenge. I liked the idea of what you shared, but am uncertain as to
-we just purchased a separate roaster oven….would the same principal hold with that?
-I have always stuffed our turkey–my mom did, we love the flavor from the turkey, this is a favorite part for my grown bab’es…..I don’t even know how to do it separately; my mother-in-Love (both moms have passed on) did hers separate and it was always gooey (something my hubby is not fond of) and oftentimes the stuffing in restaurants is dry
So, do you have any hints from that wonderful cookbook which you mentioned?
lisa
I am definitely going to try this.
I have heard of doing it this way before, but was always afraid it would not be cooked in time. You have inspired me to give it a try! Thank you, and thank you for sharing this with us at The Creative Exchange.
lisa.
Jan Gathing
I tried this in my Nesco 18 quart electric roasterwith a 12lb turkey, it turned out wonderful. I put it in at 10 pm and I took it out for resting at 11 am. Moist and delicious turkey. I used Pat and Gina Neely’s oven roasted turkey rub. Give this a try it is really great!
Karen Stuart
If you take out the turkey at 7:00 a.m. as Adell says, how do you keep it warm until 1:00 p.m. or even 12:30 to serve. I know it would be cold by then.
The other individual said to put it in at 10:p.m. and cook all night and up to 24 hrs. Won’t it get then overcooked. I want to serve at 12:30-1:00 p.m. Does this work in a roaster oven also. I just gave my roaster oven to my church but I can borrow it back for Thanksgiving to try this.
Thanks
Karen
Jacqueline
Karen,
The turkey will be excellent for up to 24 hours (covered as in a roaster), so you can put it in the evening before and take it out ANYTIME you are ready to serve, hot and VERY juicy…if you sealed (seared) the juices in at 400. I didn’t Adele’s comment on taking it out at 7A so I can’t speak to that; that doesn’t make sense to me either 🙂
I think a roaster would work beautifully if it is working properly and can get to 400 and hold it for 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the bird. I can’t wait to enjoy Thanksgiving with family!!
Hope that helps!
Lia O
Hi Jacqueline! Thanks so much for this post! I’ve tried them twice now and they were really juicy and delicious. The meat was tasty as the salt penetrated inside very well. However, I was wondering if you have done this recipe with two turkeys at once in the oven? I bought two small 12 pounds turkeys and thought I’d ask you how long should I have them on 400 degrees at the beginning?
Jacqueline
Hmmm… Lia, at 12 lb, each, both done together at the same time, I think a full 30-35 minutes at 400 would suffice. Then turn them down and let them go…
I think it’s so freeing to know you can get them out when you need them instead of, ‘Are they done yet?’
Thanks for sharing your results!!
Kathy
Hello Jacqueline! I saw this post quite a while ago and since it was a couple of years ago, I have to ask my questions, which may or may not be much different from the ones above. This year I bought an 18 lb turkey and was considering butterflying it to roast it, but am a bit squeamish about manhandling that big, raw turkey. I’ve roasted a turkey for many, many years now and it is always with much dread.
My roaster is an old rectangular granite-ware one from my grandmother and since I’ve been using it, I have always chosen a smaller turkey than 18 lbs. I think this bigger size will fit, but there will not be much room between the turkey and the sides of the roaster. Will that make a difference? It has a high domed lid which will fit over it well.
And you roast at 400 for 35-40 minutes with the lid on? I really want to try this. We are eating at 4:30, so I’d want to take it out of the oven at 4:00. Will getting it in the oven at 6:00 a.m. be long enough or should I start it at nine or 10 the night before?
Thanks for your reassurance.
Jacqueline
Hi, Kathy!!
I am just seeing this…so sorry 🙁
Yes, it will be fine to use the enameled roaster. It is what I use, too. I leave the lid on but the oven is already preheated and will be hot! For 18 lbs. I would let it go at 400 for 40-45 minutes and then turn it down to 200. Leave the oven shut so you don’t lose the heat. I would start it at 10-11 the night before and you can take it out when ever you need it! I’ve done it around 15 times now and the turkeys are pretty near perfect every time. Enjoy a less stressful Thanksgiving!
Blessings!
Kathy
Wonderful! This is what I was thinking would be best, 40-45 minutes and putting it in the oven between 10-11:00 the night before. Thanks so much for responding.
I enjoy reading your blog when I have time, appreciate your posts. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Michelle
Has anyone brined their turkey before trying this method? Other recipes using this method recommended it and wondered if it would be worth the effort? Also, would it be ok to use chicken broth instead of water? And finally, Some recommend roasting breast side down, some say the whole time, others flip it towards end and raise temp a bit to brown it- thoughts on roasting breast side down?
Thank you.
I love your blog.
Jacqueline
Hi, Michelle! Thank you for those kind words 😀 I especially appreciate them today!
I am pretty much a lazy (I like to think practical ha!) cook and have found with this method, it isn’t necessary to brine my turkey, so I save time and the risk of getting salmonella food poisoning (which my daughter did once and it ruined her Thanksgiving week). I have done it both ways and no one even has noticed the difference, so I stopped. I have flipped the turkey to be breast down once, but didn’t care for how the breast looked afterwards. I know it shouldn’t matter because it gets carved pretty quickly once out of the oven! For me, the searing stage is the most important b/c that’s what locks in the juices. Unless you cook it for days (I suppose), at 200 degrees, it is almost impossible to dry out the turkey within the recommended time. Always use the lid of the roaster to seal moisture in while roasting..
I hope that helps!
Debbie
I do not have a roaster pan with a lid. Would aluminum foil work?
Jacqueline
Hi, Debbie! No, It will not work bc you can not keep the steam in there. It will steam cook and it is the reason it will get so tender! Also aluminum foil is terrible for our brains! Please never use it with food!
Blessings! ~J
Mary
Thank you for this recipe. I just got a granite roaster and wondered how to make the turkey in it. Will this recipe work with an upside down turkey breast and using a butter rub instead of oil? Also is there a recommended number of minutes per pound?
Jacqueline
Hi, Mary! Yes, the blue granite roaster is what I use for our big turkeys. I have a large one and love it!
You can put your turkey in either way and no, there is no set number of minutes per pound. If you re-read in the Additional Notes (update), it mentions the cook time is a minimum 12-16 hours for a 15-16 lb. turkey.
I hope that helps! Do not let the lengthy time scare you and take it out oo early! The searing will have sealed the outside and steam cooked the inside to perfection!
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Mary
Thank you Jacqueline. If it is put in breast down at the beginning will it still seal and sear in the juices or should I put It in breast up initially and then turn breast down when reducing the heat to 200? Also is it ok to use a butter rub or is it the oil that helps to seal in juices? Lastly can o make the turkey the day ahead and then reheat it next day? Thanks again
Jacqueline
Hi, Mary! I believe that no matter which way you put in the turkey (breast up or down initially), it will sear properly. If you open up the sealed roaster pan to turn it, it will lost much of that steam heat which actually steams your bird! I would not open it at all. So please do not really even peek at it in the early 6-8 hours. The bigger the bird, the more critical this is!!!
Yes, butter is an oil, and will work!
And once the turkey is fully roasted and steamed, it is cooked. Obviously, it will need to be regrigerated over night and because of the density of a bird, it will be really hard to thoroughly reheat it without hours at 170-200. If you warm it much higher temp it risks drying it out. If possible, roast the turkey overnight at 200 and serve it hot from the oven (unopened) the next day. You will save all that work!
I hope that helps!
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Jacqueline
Anna
I did a 12 lb turkey last year and it was fabulous. Simply the best. I love when it’s succulent and falling off the bone. Now I have a fresh turkey breast in the fridge. Is this method good for a breast, and how long in the oven for a 7 lb breast? I assume it would be basically the same as a small turkey, right?
Jacqueline
Hi, Anna! I would just treat it as a small turkey, but 7 # would be equivalent to a *very* small bird. This small, I would sear it, but not overdo that or it could dry it out. Since I have not done this with just a boneless breast, I cannot say with certainty how long. Good luck and God bless your family! ~J
Mary
Jacqueline,
After reviewing many recipes online I have decided to try yours this Thanksgiving. I ordered a 13 pound Fresh Butterball Turkey and have 2 questions. In your recipe it states to do the initial sear at a 375 degrees oven, but in your comments I see 400 degrees listed so please clarify which temperature I should use? Also, what meat temperature do you pull the turkey out of the oven. You said it should be done at 185 degrees but I have read that you should pull out turkey at 160 for an ending temperature in the breast at 165. Can you clarify the temperature to pull out the turkey from the oven and if I am using a meat thermometer if that is for the breast or thigh? Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.
MICHELLE HARDING
If I wanted to try this with a 25lb turkey and we were wanting to eat at 2:00pm what time would you recommend I put in the oven? And I would still start off 400 degrees for 35 minuted?
Any tips on checking temperature towards the end and not opening the oven door too much?
Jacqueline
Hi, Michelle!
I would consider putting it in the oven to sear at 4 or 5PM the day before. Yes, 400 for 35 minutes would be good. Pu that on a timer so you will remember to turn it down. Leave the lid on the pan the whole time except right near the end (noon?) (and then replace it quickly so more team can build up) so you don’t lose juiciness! Make sure the lid can seat down. With such a big bird, it might push that lid up and it will prevent it steaming, so check that out before hand. God bless your time with family! Happy Thanksgiving!
Grace and peace to you all!
Jacqueline