Make Your Turkey the Day Before Thanksgiving for Maximum Relaxation

Cooking the turkey on Thanksgiving day can be stressful. You have to wake up early to get it in the oven so it’s done in time for dinner. Meanwhile, you’re trying to prepare side dishes appetizers set the table and more. But what if you could cook your turkey ahead of time? Making your turkey the day before Thanksgiving can help make the big day go much more smoothly.

Benefits of Cooking Your Turkey Early

There are several excellent reasons to cook your turkey early

• More relaxation on Thanksgiving day – When you make the turkey ahead of time, you free up your oven and stovetop on Thanksgiving day for side dishes and other food. You also don’t have to constantly monitor the turkey or test for doneness.

• More time with guests – You can focus on spending time with family and friends rather than running back and forth to the kitchen on Thanksgiving. Make sure to delegate any side dish assignments the day before too.

• Allows brining if desired – Brining helps keep the turkey moist. If brining, you’ll need to start 1-3 days before cooking.

• Easier to carve – Carving a piping hot turkey right out of the oven can be difficult. Letting it cool makes it easier to handle.

• Cook multiple birds – If you have a small oven, cooking two turkeys may not be possible on Thanksgiving day. Precooking one gives you double the turkey!

• Test recipes ahead of time – Trying a new turkey recipe? Making it 2 days early lets you ensure it turns out well before the big meal.

• More oven space on Thanksgiving – You can use your oven for sides and other dishes instead of the turkey taking up valuable real estate.

• Leftovers ready sooner – Pre-cooked turkey can be refrigerated and leftovers are ready right away vs having to wait for the turkey to cool down.

How to Cook a Turkey Early

Cooking your turkey 1-2 days in advance is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Cooking Method

You can use your usual turkey cooking method – roasted, smoked, fried, etc. Roast turkey parts instead of a whole bird if short on time.

If roasting, plan for 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. For example, a 16 lb turkey will take 4-5 hours to reach 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh.

2. Cook and Check Temperature

Cook using your normal timing and temperature. Use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature.

The breast should reach 165°F and thighs 180°F before removing from the oven or grill. If smoking or frying, follow recipe guidelines for doneness.

3. Let Turkey Rest and Cool

Once cooked, let the turkey rest 30-60 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.

After resting, carve the turkey into parts (breasts, wings, thighs, legs, etc). Refrigerate until completely cooled, about 2 hours.

4. Store Turkey Safely

Place carved turkey pieces into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Add a bit of broth or pan juices to keep the meat moist.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days. You can also label and freeze pieces for longer storage.

5. Reheat and Serve

On Thanksgiving day, remove turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before reheating. Preheat oven to 325°F.

Heat covered turkey for 20-30 minutes until warmed through, about 165°F internally. Check pieces with a meat thermometer to verify.

Once hot, serve your perfectly cooked, moist turkey! Enjoy your relaxed Thanksgiving with less time in the kitchen.

Turkey Cooking Tips

Here are some additional tips for ensuring your pre-cooked turkey turns out delicious on Thanksgiving:

• Dry brine – Rubbing turkey with salt and herbs 1-3 days before cooking boosts flavor and moisture. Rinse turkey before cooking.

• Cook stuffing separately – Stuffing slows turkey cooking. Cook it in oven-safe casserole dishes instead.

• Use broth when storing – Moisten turkey with chicken or turkey broth before refrigerating. Helps prevent drying out.

• Cook dark meat higher temp – Thighs and legs should reach 180°F, not just the breast at 165°F for food safety.

• Reheat thoroughly – Double check internal temperature to ensure turkey reheats fully to 165°F or higher before serving.

• Keep skin on – Leaving skin on breast pieces helps them stay moist during storage and reheating.

• Limit refrigeration – For best quality, only store turkey 1-2 days before Thanksgiving. Freeze extra pieces.

• Use remaining juices and drippings – Strain and use to make your gravy, soups or sauces with great turkey flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to cooking your turkey ahead of time, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some common FAQs:

How far in advance can I cook my turkey?

For maximum safety and quality, only cook 1-2 days before serving. 3 days in advance should be the max if properly stored.

Should I bake or smoke the turkey early?

You can pre-cook using any method – roasted, smoked, fried, etc. Roasted or smoked work well in advance.

Can I freeze my pre-cooked turkey?

You can freeze carved pieces for longer term storage. Refrigerate only 1-3 days max before Thanksgiving meal.

What’s the best way to reheat turkey?

Cover pieces in aluminum foil and reheat at 325°F until warmed through, about 165°F. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer.

How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge?

Cooked turkey will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly on Thanksgiving before eating.

Is it safe to cook a turkey from frozen?

Yes, you can cook a turkey directly from frozen. Add 50% more cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Enjoy Maximum Relaxation on Thanksgiving

As you can see, preparing your turkey 1-2 days before Thanksgiving offers lots of benefits. With your bird already cooked and carved, you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday even more. Focus on time with family and friends rather than last minute cooking on Thanksgiving day. Follow proper storage guidelines, reheat safely, and dig into perfectly cooked and moist holiday turkey!