Whether it’s your first go at cooking Thanksgiving dinner or you’re a seasoned pro, the turkey takes center stage on the table, so it must come out perfect!
When tackling a large 30 lb turkey for Thanksgiving or another big holiday feast using an oven cooking bag can make the process easier and more foolproof. But not all bags are created equal when it comes to fitting giant birds. Follow this guide to choose the right oven bag size and successfully cook a juicy 30 lb turkey in a bag.
Oven Bag Sizes for 30 lb Turkeys
Regular turkey oven bags found in grocery stores are often designed for turkeys up to 24 lbs. While you may be able to squeeze a 30 lb turkey into one of these bags, it will likely be a very tight fit.
For a 30 lb turkey, look for the following extra-large oven bag sizes:
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Jumbo (25-28 lb turkey) – Provides a bit more wiggle room for a 30 lb bird.
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XXL (28-34 lb turkey) – Ideal size range for a 30 lb turkey with space to spare
Popular brands like Reynolds, Camp Chef, Norpro and Winco make oven bags specifically sized for giant turkeys over 25 lbs. Buy well ahead of the holiday as they sell out quickly.
Tips for Cooking a 30 lb Turkey in an Oven Bag
Here are some top tips to ensure oven bag success with a huge 30 lb turkey:
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Thaw completely – Allow 1-2 days thawing in the fridge so the turkey can move freely in the bag
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Truss tightly – Bind the legs and wings securely to the body so the turkey fits in the bag better.
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Use a rack – Elevate the turkey off the bottom of the bag with vegetables or a rack for even cooking.
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Watch heat – Use lower heat like 325°F to prevent the plastic from melting with such a large bird inside.
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Monitor temperature – Check in a few places with a meat thermometer for doneness since it’s thicker.
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Make gravy – Strain the flavorful juices from the bag into a saucepan to make gravy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a 30 lb Turkey in an Oven Bag
Follow these simple steps for juicy turkey and easy cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 30 lb whole frozen turkey, thawed
- Oven bag for 30 lb turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Directions:
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Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat very dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Rub spice mix all over turkey skin. Truss legs and wings tightly against body.
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Place chopped onion and celery in bottom of oven bag to create a rack. Place seasoned turkey breast-side up on top of vegetables.
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Tie oven bag closed with provided nylon tie. Make 5-6 half-inch slits in top of bag for venting.
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Place turkey-filled oven bag in large roasting pan. Bake at 325°F for about 3-3 1/2 hours until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165°F.
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Carefully remove turkey from oven bag and let rest 20-30 minutes before carving.
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Meanwhile, pour juices from oven bag into fat separator. Pour into saucepan, whisk in flour then broth to make gravy.
And just like that, you’ll have a mouthwatering 30 lb turkey with very little mess or fuss!
FAQs About 30 lb Turkeys and Oven Bags
What if my turkey is slightly larger than 30 lbs?
For turkeys up to 34 lbs, the XXL size oven bags will still work well. Just allow a little extra roasting time.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Nope! The oven bag locks in moisture so basting is not necessary. Juices collect in bottom of bag.
Can I stuff a 30 lb turkey in an oven bag?
Yes, though stuffing may take longer than turkey to reach safe temperature. Cook stuffing in oven after removing turkey.
How long does a 30 lb turkey take to cook?
Around 3 to 3 1/2 hours at 325°F. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not just time.
Should I brine a turkey this large before roasting?
Brining is highly recommended to keep the meat juicy and seasoned. Brine 24 hours in refrigerator.
What if my oven bag melts?
Use a lower temp like 325°F for a big turkey. Monitor bag during cooking. If a hole appears, cover turkey with foil.
Can I still make gravy if the bag leaks?
Yes! Carefully pour juices into saucepan, let fat separate. Proceed with your usual gravy recipe.
What sides go well with a 30 lb turkey?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, biscuits, gravy, and pie are perfect pairings.
Get Your Oven Bag Ready
Cooking a giant 30 lb bird for a holiday feast is always impressive. With an extra-large oven bag, you can simplify the process and put your focus on side dishes and entertaining guests. Just be sure to plan ahead and have the right bag size on hand before thawing the massive turkey!
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TURKEY OVEN BAG COOKING TIMES
Add 1 tablespoon of flour to coat the bag when preparing your turkey oven bag. Do not add any water (unless directed).
| OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES Until internal temp reaches 165°F in the breast and thigh in several places, not touching the bone (If you prefer a well-done turkey with no pink juices, cook until 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone) | |
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time @ 350°F |
| Whole Turkey, unstuffed | |
| 10-12 pounds | 1 1/2 to 2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 to 2 1/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Whole Turkey, stuffed (stuffing temperature should be 165°F) | |
| 10-12 pounds | 2 to 2 1/2 hours |
| 12-16 pounds | 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 20-24 pounds | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| Turkey Breast, bone-in | |
| 8-12 pounds | 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours |
| Turkey Breast, boneless | |
| 8-12 pounds | 2 1/2 to 3 hours |
| Wild Turkey | |
| Same as whole turkey, but if skinless, add 1/4 cup water and brush with extra oil or butter. | |
If you want all the juicy details about how to cook a turkey in an oven bag, and our oven bag cooking times, peek at our oven bag cooking charts for turkey, chicken, beef, pork, and more!
COOKING A TURKEY IN AN OVEN BAG
Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in a Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag is a fantastic way to ensure that your turkey stays moist and succulent while also turning out a golden light brown. Plus, with an oven bag, you wont even have to worry about scrubbing the roasting pan. Just follow these easy steps to roast a turkey in an oven bag for your next dinner.
- Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bag
- One 8 to 24-pound turkey
- 1 tablespoon flour (wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal can be used as a substitute for flour)
- Ties that come in the oven bag package
- Large oven-safe roasting pan or disposable aluminum roasting pan
- Seasonings
- Meat thermometer
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place a turkey-size oven bag into a large roasting pan that is at least two inches deep. Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour into the bag and shake to distribute (you may use wheat, rice, potato, nut or gluten-free flour, corn starch, corn meal, or matzo meal instead of flour). Then, add sliced vegetables, depending on the recipe. Turn down the ends of the bag several times to help hold it open while you place the turkey inside.
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. If you like to stuff your turkey, place the stuffing into the cavity. Be careful not to overstuff. Pat the skin dry, brush the turkey with oil or melted butter, and season as desired. Not sure what to use for seasoning? Try this herb-roasted turkey recipe. Place turkey in the oven bag atop your sliced vegetables.
Close the bag with the nylon tie found in the turkey oven bag carton. It’s usually folded inside the cooking chart.
Make 6 half-inch slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape as the turkey cooks. Tuck the corners of the bag in the pan and trim or fold down the extra bag beyond the tie to ensure it doesn’t touch the oven or heating elements when cooking.
Place the turkey on the lowest rack of your oven to roast. There’s no need to baste or attend to the turkey. Look at the cooking chart included in the carton for the estimated time for cooking a turkey in an oven bag. To check if the turkey is done cooking, measure the temperature through one of the cut slits on the top of the bag. Place a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, not touching the bone.
Let the turkey stand in the bag for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, cut the top of the bag open with cooking shears or a paring knife.
To remove the turkey from the bag, insert serving forks in the neck and chest cavities of the turkey. Then, transfer your turkey to a serving dish for dinner. Use the juices to make flavorful gravy to pair with the moist turkey.