Can You Use Turkey Bags in a Crockpot?

Turkey bags, also known as oven cooking bags are a popular way to roast meats and poultry in the oven. Their non-stick surface and tight seal help foods cook up moist and tender. But can you also use turkey bags as liners in a slow cooker or crockpot?

The short answer is yes, you can use turkey bags in a crockpot with some precautions While not their intended use, turkey bags can serve as an alternative slow cooker liner to simplify cleanup Let’s look at the pros and cons of using oven bags in crockpots compared to specialty liner bags.

The Benefits of Turkey Bags in Crockpots

There are a few advantages to using turkey oven bags in a slow cooker:

• Easy cleanup – Like slow cooker liners, turkey bags lift out food debris easily. No need to scrub the crock.

• Moist results – Turkey bags seal in moisture and steam to keep foods tender.

• Accessibility – Turkey bags are sold in most grocery stores, unlike crockpot liners.

• Low cost – A box of turkey bags can be less expensive than a package of specialty slow cooker liners.

• ** Sturdy material** – Turkey bags don’t tear or rip as easily as thin plastic slow cooker liners.

For campers or RV owners with limited storage space, turkey bags pull double duty for oven and slow cooker cooking. The improved moisture retention can benefit drier cuts of meat cooked low and slow.

Potential Drawbacks of Turkey Bags

However, there are some potential issues to keep in mind:

• Improper fit – Turkey bags may not conform perfectly to the oval or round crock pot shape. Some gapping could occur.

• High temperatures – Turkey bags are rated for lower oven temps than specialty slow cooker liners.

• Melting risk – Excess contact with the heating element can cause turkey bags to melt with extended cooking times.

• Chemical concerns – Some worry about chemical odors or tastes leaching from the thicker plastic.

To prevent potential issues, take a few extra precautions when using turkey bags in a crockpot:

• Add 1 cup water to the crockpot base to shield the liner from direct heat.

• Fold and press the bag into contours of the stoneware to minimize air gaps.

• Keep slow cooker temperatures on low settings and avoid excessive high heat.

• Vent the bag or use foil to prevent direct contact with the lid heating element.

• Turn or stir food contents periodically to redistribute moisture.

Tips for Cooking with Turkey Bags in a Crockpot

Here are some top tips for success when using oven roasting bags as slow cooker liners:

• Select low-setting recipes like stews, chilies, roasts, meatloaf, and chicken dishes to keep temps gentle. Avoid boiling or searing settings.

• Pre-heat the crock on low for 10-15 minutes before adding bagged ingredients to avoid shocking the cold plastic.

• Spray inside of bag with oil or coat with butter to optimize browning reactions.

• Add 1 cup broth, water, or sauce to the crockpot base before inserting the bag to protect it.

• Use foil strips to shield the bag from lid heating element if needed.

• Poke a few vent holes in the bag to allow steam to escape and moisture to collect in broth below.

• Check food and rotate cooker periodically to redistribute juices and prevent the bag from pressing on the heating elements.

Best Practices When Using Turkey Bags in a Crockpot

Follow these best practices when using oven roasting bags as liners in your slow cooker:

• Double check oven bag is BPA-free and food safe. Avoid old, damaged bags.

• Wash hands before handling raw meat and prevent cross-contamination.

• Use USDA recommended safe food handling and cooking temperatures.

• Discard turkey bag after one use. Do not reuse.

• Refrigerate and reheat leftovers in microwave, not crockpot liner.

Cooking with Specialty Slow Cooker Liners

For the best fit and highest heat tolerance, specialty slow cooker liners designed for crockpots may be preferable. Benefits include:

• Thinner plastic conforms precisely to crockpot shape

• Larger size covers interior edges without gaps

• High heat resistance for searing, boiling, and prolonged cooking

• BPA-free and FDA approved materials

However, they are more expensive and not always easy to find in local stores. Turkey bags can provide a handy substitute in a pinch!

The Verdict on Turkey Bags in Slow Cookers

While turkey oven bags aren’t intended for slow cookers, with a bit of care they can serve as a versatile liner alternative. For large roasts and all-day dishes kept at low temps, turkey bags do allow easy cleanup and moisture retention. Just take precautions not to overheat the plastic. For maximum performance, specialty slow cooker liners engineered specifically for high prolonged heat may be the best solution.