Roast Turkey Crown, an excellent recipe for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Juicy, melting in your mouth, and a nice crispy skin, this turkey crown is a great option if you are not cooking for a large number of people, and dont need a whole turkey. Plus, its so easy to make, and ready in about 2 hours.
Its that time of the year when we start putting together the best menus for the most awaiting holidays of the year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. And roast turkey is the centrepiece on both occasions.
If you are hosting a big party, or have a large family, then whole roast turkey is the answer. Otherwise, this crown turkey is the next best thing. Or, some moist turkey drumsticks.
Plus, less leftovers. Not that I mind leftovers, I can think of lots of leftover recipes that are absolutely fabulous, but there is really no point in buying a huge beast for just a few people.
Not to mention that the cooking time probably doubles or triples. So, less hassle, and less money spent too. Or, another option, a whole roast chicken, I have some good tips for it too.
So, how do we cook a turkey crown? Popping it in the oven and hoping for the best wont really work, so Ill tell you a few tricks how to get the best roast every single time.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Turkey crown is a popular alternative to cooking a whole turkey for smaller gatherings. Consisting of just the white breast meat it cooks faster than a whole bird and provides ample servings without too many leftovers. However to cook your turkey crown to golden, juicy perfection, it’s important to follow the right roast times. Here is a complete guide to turkey crown cooking times for a foolproof holiday centerpiece.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact how long your turkey crown will need to roast. Here are the key considerations:
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Weight – The heavier the crown, the longer the cook time. Smaller crowns under 4kg will need less time compared to larger crowns over 4kg.
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Oven temperature – Higher oven heat decreases cooking time. The times below are based on 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
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Stuffing – A stuffed crown takes more time to cook than an unstuffed one. Calculate time from the total weight including stuffing.
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Meat thermometer – This gives the most accurate read of doneness. Turkey crowns should reach 65-70C internally.
Recommended Cooking Times
Below are general guidelines for cooking times based on the weight of your turkey crown:
Under 4kg
- 20 minutes per kg
- Plus 70 additional minutes
For example, a 3kg crown:
- 3 x 20 minute per kg = 60 minutes
- Plus 70 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Over 4kg
- 20 minutes per kg
- Plus 90 additional minutes
For example, a 5kg crown:
- 5 x 20 minutes per kg = 100 minutes
- Plus 90 minutes
- Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Specific Weights
- 1.5kg – 1 hour 40 minutes plus resting
- 2kg – 1 hour 50 minutes plus resting
- 2.5kg – 2 hours plus resting
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these steps for roasting turkey crown perfection:
- Take the crown out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking. Pat dry and season all over.
- Preheat the oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
- Place the crown breast-side up on a rack in a roasting tin. Pour some water into the bottom of the tin.
- Calculate your cooking time based on the weight. Set a timer and baste regularly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness after the minimum time.
- Once 65-70C is reached, remove from oven and leave to rest for at least 20 minutes.
Handy Tips
- Always let the crown rest before carving for juicier meat.
- If stuffed, calculate time from the total stuffed weight.
- Cook at 190C/170C fan/gas 5 for best results.
- Baste every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Double wrap in foil while resting to keep warm.
Common FAQs
How long does a 5kg turkey crown need to cook?
- A 5kg turkey crown will need around 3 and a half hours in the oven – 20 minutes per kg plus 90 minutes equals 210 minutes total.
What temperature should I cook turkey crown at?
- The optimum oven temperature is 190C fan/170C fan/gas mark 5. This gives a good balance of heat for even cooking.
Should I cover turkey crown while cooking?
- It’s best not to cover the crown during roasting. This allows the skin to fully crisp up. Add foil after cooking when resting.
Can I stuff my turkey crown?
- Yes, stuffing adds delicious flavor. Just remember to calculate the cooking time based on the total weight including stuffing.
How do I know when turkey crown is cooked?
- The most reliable test is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read 65-70 ̊C when done.
Conclusion
With these handy turkey crown cooking times, you can perfectly roast this impressive yet compact holiday centerpiece. Follow the recommendations based on weight and use a meat thermometer for the best results. Then carve into succulent, golden slices that will be the star of your festive meal.
How to cook a turkey crown
Set at a temperature of 190 degrees Celsius (374 Fahrenheit), a turkey crown that has less than 4 kilos (8.8 pounds) is best cooked for 20 minutes per kg plus 70 minutes. If over 4kg, then its 20 minutes per kg plus 90 minutes. Easy, right?
My turkey crown weighted about 2.2 kg, so I cooked it for about 2 hours (20+20+70+10 more minutes, to be on the safe side). I think it would have been fine cooked only for 1 h 50 minutes, but better safe than sorry, right?
Once its seasoned, cover the turkey breast with kitchen foil and roast it for one hour, then remove the foil, baste it well, and return to the oven for 25 minutes. Baste again, then leave to roast for a further 25 minutes – by now the skin is nice and crispy, and the meat is tender.
What is a turkey crown
The first question should probably be what exactly is a turkey crown. Well, its the turkey breast still attached to the bone with the legs and wings removed. The cooked meat is white and succulent, and so delicious.