Learn How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag for tender and flavorful turkey every time. This fool proof way to cook turkey is the easiest Thanksgiving turkey.
I have been hosting the holidays at my house for over 15 years and we always make this turkey in a bag recipe. This is the best and easiest way to cook a turkey. You will get delicious meat every single time that is loaded with the best flavor.
Cooking a turkey in an oven bag is a great way to keep the meat moist and flavorful But how long should you cook a turkey in a bag? The cooking time depends on the size of your bird, Follow this guide for perfect turkey results every time
What Is An Oven Cooking Bag?
An oven cooking bag is a nylon bag designed to withstand oven temperatures up to 400°F The bags come in large and turkey sizes. Using a bag while roasting keeps your turkey neat and prevents splatters The bag also locks in moisture, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Oven bags are available at most grocery stores. Be sure to use bags specifically made for oven use, not just any plastic bag.
Benefits Of Cooking A Turkey In A Bag
There are several advantages to roasting your turkey in an oven bag:
- Moist and flavorful meat
- Minimal cleanup
- No splatters or mess
- Turkey cooks faster
- Easy gravy from juices
The bag traps moisture and juices inside, keeping the meat succulent and tender. Clean up is much easier too – just discard the bag after cooking.
How Long To Cook An Unstuffed Turkey In A Bag
Cooking time depends on the size of your turkey. Here are general guidelines:
- 8 to 12 pounds: 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds: 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds: 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 to 3 1⁄2 hours
For the most accurate doneness, always use a meat thermometer. Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170°F to 180°F.
Let the cooked turkey rest in the sealed bag for 30 minutes before removing from the oven. Then carefully cut open the bag before carving.
Can You Cook A Stuffed Turkey In A Bag?
You can cook a stuffed turkey in an oven bag, but it requires some caution. Stuffing must reach 165°F for food safety.
Since the bag speeds up cooking, the stuffing may not get hot enough before the turkey is done. To be safe, take the temperature of the stuffing before serving.
An alternative is to cook the stuffing in a casserole dish, not inside the bird. This “dressing” can bake alongside the turkey.
Get Crispy Turkey Skin When Cooking In A Bag
For crispier skin, remove the turkey from the bag for the last 15 minutes of roasting time. Carefully lift out of the bag, letting excess moisture drip back in.
Place on a rack in a roasting pan, uncovered. The exposure to dry oven air will crisp up the skin.
Can You Make Gravy From Juices In The Bag?
Absolutely! After removing the cooked turkey, pour juices from the oven bag into a saucepan. Strain through a sieve to remove any vegetables or herb stems.
Use the flavorful turkey juices as the base for your gravy. Add chicken or turkey stock as needed to reach the desired consistency.
Turkey Bag Cooking Tips
- Completely thaw turkey before cooking
- Season bird as desired before placing in bag
- Add 1 tbsp flour to bag before putting in turkey
- Pour juices into pan for gravy after cooking
- Let turkey rest 30 minutes before removing bag
Get Moist, Tender Turkey With Oven Bags
Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in an oven bag helps seal in flavorful juices. Follow the size guidelines to ensure your turkey cooks through fully and safely.
The trapped moisture gives you tender, succulent meat without the mess. Crisp up the skin at the end for the best of both worlds – juicy meat and crisp skin. Enjoy your holiday bird with no fuss!
How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
- Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and move the oven rack 1 level lower than the center of the oven. This should give you plenty of room for the turkey.
- Step 2 – In a small mixing bowl and combine the butter, garlic, salt and pepper together.
- Step 3 – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and tuck the wings under the turkey. If you prefer, you can tie back the wings of the turkey.
- Step 4 – Take the butter mixture and rub all over the skin of the turkey breast. Make sure to get it all over including top of the turkey. We also get under the skin and which helps crisp up the skin.
- Step 5 – Add the tablespoon of flour into the oven bag and shake it to coat the inside of the bag with the flour.
- Step 6 – Add the onion, carrots and celery into the oven bag. Then finally add the turkey into the oven bag on top of the vegetables.
- Step 7 – Close the oven bag with the nylon tie, at the ends of the bag, that comes with the bag. Once it is closed, put the bag with all of the ingredients in a roasting pan. I like to spray the roasting pan with a little cooking spray so the bag doesn’t stick.
- Step 8 – Cut slits in the top of the bag to allow the steam to escape. It is important not to forget this step. Bake turkey based on the size of your turkey.
- Step 9 – Once finished cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. Then carefully cut the oven bag off the turkey and remove the turkey and place on a platter. It is ready to serve and enjoy.
- You can use a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. Just adjust the cooking time.
- To thaw a turkey properly, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in a refrigerator.
- Make sure to cut 1 inch slits in the oven bag so the steam can escape.
- When coating the turkey with the butter mixture, get all around. Don’t miss any spots because this gives the turkey amazing flavor.
- You can order turkey size oven bags. So handy and the best way to cook a turkey.
Best Way to Cook a Turkey
I have tried many different ways to cook a turkey. Cooking it in the bag is really the best way to cook a turkey.
- I love the way it keeps the turkey so moist.
- The skin gets the perfect golden brown without much effort on my part.
- In my opinion, I just feel better that all the ingredients go in the bag. Putting the ingredients in the bag just makes it more flavorful.
- But my favorite part, is easy cleanup. I make sure I dump all the juices in a pan so that I can make the gravy.
I prefer to use a bag and cook a turkey this way. It really is fool proof and hard to mess up. This method is perfect for a beginner and the turkey comes out flavorful every time.
For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom for the recipe card.
- Seasoning Turkey – Feel free to change the seasoning in the butter rub mixture. You can easily add in fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.
- Stuffing – You can easily add a stuffing mixture into turkey’s cavity if you prefer.
How To Cook A Turkey EASY | OVEN BAG Turkey Recipe | Simply Mamá Cooks
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey?
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Turkey Weight
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Servings
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Cooking Time
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15 to 18 lb
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10 to 12
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3 1/4 to 4 hours
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18 to 20 lb
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12 to 14
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4 to 4 1/4 hours
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20 to 22 lb
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14 to 16
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4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
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23 to 24 lb
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16 to 20
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5 to 5 1/4 hours
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How long to let a turkey rest after cooking in a bag?
How long do you cook a 15 pound stuffed turkey?
Should you bake a turkey in a bag or foil?