How To Cook A Turkey In A Bag
Today it’s all about Learning How To Cook a Turkey In A Bag. Get a perfectly tender, flavorful, brown, and moist turkey every time. I’ll share with you the easiest way and a foolproof method using a Reynolds Turkey oven-safe roasting bag.
Cooking a turkey in a bag promises to deliver a succulent dinner piece for any occasion. Using an oven safe bag the flavors are locked in, and the meat always comes out tender and moist. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, Christmas bird, or any other time of the year, cooking a turkey in a bag will simplify the process and produce mouthwatering results.
After 32 years of cooking a turkey in a bag, I’ve never messed it up. This is foolproof and the best method for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey. It’s easy, and there is no babysitting or basting required.
The Thanksgiving Meal is not complete unless you have a few sides. Don’t forget the Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing, Chicken and Dressing, and Sweet Potato Casserole.
Why I Love Cooking A Turkey In A Bag
- Moist and Tender Turkey: All of the juices stay in the bag. This means you will not have a dry turkey. It will stay moist and flavorful.
- Simple Cleanup: No messy pans to clean. All of the juices and splatters stay within the bag. Yes, once you slice the plastic bag to remove the bird (use scissors), all of the juices will run into the pan. But, don’t worry, it will still be easy to clean—no cooked-on mess. I always use an aluminum turkey pan. Once the turkey has cooked, I throw away the pan. Nothing to clean!
- Flavorful: The bag does most of the work for you by keeping all of the seasonings and aromas inside.
- Even Cooking: The oven bag locks in and distributes heat. It traps in all of the goodness and delicious juices. No babysitting the turkey. Yep, you are done once you put the turkey into the oven. This frees you up to spend more time on the sides. Check out these Thanksgiving Sides.
- Versatility: This recipe is not just for Thanksgiving Day. It’s great for any occasion. I usually buy an extra turkey around the holidays every year, freeze it, and then I always have one on hand for any time of the year. Turkey sandwiches are great during the summer months.
Don’t forget the dessert! This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie is super easy to make and so creamy and delicious!
Turkey In A Bag Recipe Ingredients
All of the ingredients and the oven cooking bag can be found in grocery stores. For a complete list of ingredients and amounts, see the printable recipe card below.
Turkey– I always buy a frozen turkey to cook for Thanksgiving dinner. I cook a whole turkey, but a turkey breast would also work for this recipe. You’ll need to adjust the cooking times. See below for a couple of different ways to thaw your turkey.
Seasonings– I prefer Rosemary, seasoning salt, and black pepper. The choices are endless, so use your favorites.
Butter – Softened butter is used for rubbing on the outside and under the skin of the turkey breast. It gives the great color and flavor.
Flour – Flour is used in the bottom of the bag to keep the bag from bursting. Shake to coat the bag well before adding the turkey.
Reynolds Oven Turkey Bag – This is the only brand of bag I use for cooking my turkey. These turkey-sized oven bags come in different sizes so make sure you get one to fit your large turkey.
How to Cook a Turkey In An Oven Bag
This is an easy way to have a perfectly cooked turkey with little effort or prepping. An entire turkey cooks within a few hours resulting in the best turkey you’ve ever eaten. Cooking a turkey in a bag is a delightful and stress free way to prepare a dinner that will leave your family and guests wanting more. With the ease, fantastic taste, and simple cleanup, this is sure to become your favorite method for years to come.
Preheat the Oven.
Prepare the Bag– Add flour to the bag. This keeps the bag from bursting in the oven. This step is very important.
Prepare the Turkey for Baking– Look inside the turkey cavity. There may be a bag holding all giblets. Check the other end as well for the turkey neck. Rinse the turkey well, inside and outside, and pat dry. Do as you wish with the giblets and neck.
Place Turkey Inside of the Bag – Turn the sides of the bag down to help make it easier to place the turkey in the bag.
Season Turkey: The seasonings are entirely up to you and your taste. I keep it simple- rosemary, salt, pepper.
Seal the Bag and Vent– Use the heat-resistant nylon tie (plastic tie) that comes with the bag: seal and vent. Make sure you cut slits so steam can escape.
Bake. Make sure the bag does not touch the top or sides of the oven.
How to Prepare the Turkey Bag
Remove the bag from the box and place it inside the roasting pan. Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour inside the bag and give it a good shake to coat the bag. This step is essential and keeps the bag from bursting. Next, roll the top of the bag down slightly. This makes it easier to put the turkey into the bag.
How to Prepare the Turkey for Baking
Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity of the turkey (both ends). Rinse the turkey well (inside and outside) and pat dry.
Add the turkey to the bag, breast side up. (Turn the sides of the bag down to help make it easier to place the turkey in the bag).
Brush or Rub the outside of the turkey with 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Lift the skin above the breast and rub a little bit of butter between the skin and the breast.—season well all over with mixed seasonings.
How to Defrost a Turkey
You need to begin with a thawed turkey before cooking. Below are two methods I have used to thaw my turkey.
Refrigerator Method: Remove the turkey from the freezer at least 3 days before you plan to cook it. Then, put the turkey on a pan and place it into the refrigerator.
Cold Water Method:
- Place the turkey in the sink and fill it with cold water.
- Flip the turkey every thirty minutes to an hour and refill the sink with fresh water.
- Continue until the turkey has thawed.
Don’t forget the famous Green Bean Casserole.
How Long to Cook A Turkey
This is just a guide. Always check your turkey for doneness—Cook turkey in a 350-degree oven for the “approximate” times.
Use the cooking chart as a reference for the the perfect turkey.
- 8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours;
- 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours;
- 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours;
- 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees cooking time. I always stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the turkey. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Let turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Variations:
- These variations are just suggestions. Feel free to get creative and use what you like and customize the flavors to suit your taste.
- Place herbs inside the cavity of the bird before cooking. Slices of lemon will add freshness as the turkey cooks.
- Add herbs to the softened butter before rubbing it over the turkey and under the skin.
How to Store Leftover Turkey
If you find yourself with leftover turkey, which most people do, you can wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. Remove the meat from the bone, divide the leftovers into zip-top bags, and refrigerate. It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can you Freeze Leftover Cooked Turkey?
Yes. Remove all leftover turkey from the bone first. Then divide portions into freezer-safe bags. Label the bags with contents and the date. Place into the freezer. The turkey will last for 4-6 months.
Tools Needed for a Roasted Turkey
Turkey Size Oven Bag
Aluminum Pan or Roasting Pan
Recipe FAQs
Looking For More Thanksgiving Dishes?
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Other Dishes I Should Try:
How To Cook A Turkey In A Bag
Ingredients
- 1 Turkey
- 1 teaspoon each Rosemary, Seasoning Salt, Black Pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, seasoned salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Place a Turkey Size Oven Bag into a roasting pan. Ensure the pan is at least 2 inches deep and larger than the turkey.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour into the bag, and shake well, coating the inside of the bag with flour.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey's cavities (both ends). Rinse the turkey well (inside and outside) and pat dry.
- Add the turkey to the bag, breast side up. (Turn the sides of the bag down to help make it easier to place the turkey in the bag).
- Brush or Rub the outside of the turkey with 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Season well with mixed seasonings.
- Close the bag and seal it with the enclosed nylon tie.
- To allow steam to escape, cut 6 slits in the top of the bag.
- Tuck the bag into the pan. If the bag is large, you may need to fold the top, close to the nylon tie to keep it from touching the element in the oven.
- Place the turkey in the oven. I usually place my turkey on the second rack from the bottom. That's it. Let it cook.
- Refer to the cooking chart in the notes or the one enclosed with the baking bag. Also, check the temperature by placing a thermometer in the thickest part of the turkey thigh. When the internal temperature reaches 165, it's done.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Slit the bag open and carefully remove the turkey to a serving platter.
Notes
- 8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours;
- 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours;
- 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours;
- 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
This Turkey in a bag is juicy and easy to make. Love it
I’m going to try this method to cook the turkey in a bag. I hate dried turkey and I’m always trying to just bake it. Thanks for this tip!
This looks incredible and moist! I can’t wait to try this for Thanksgiving!
Can’t wait to try this simple Turkey recipe. It looks perfectly seasoned and moist. Saving for Thanksgiving
Cannot wait to try this for Thanksgiving this year! Very helpful tips and tricks. Love a foolproof method.
This is such a great tip to have on hand for Thanksgiving! Thank you!
This is incredible! Thanks, Gina for sharing this!
Oh wow this is such a useful idea! Can’t wait to give it a go
Oh wow, I’m definitely trying this method this year. The turkey looks so moist, tender and delicious.
I’m starting to plan for Thanksgiving and came across this recipe. I can’t wait to try it as the step by step process is so helpful!
I’ve always struggled cooking turkey, so it’s great to find this – no more burnt turkey for me!
I haven’t tried making turkey like this before, and can’t wait to try it!
I’ve never tried this before but I’m using this recipe this year. I can’t be putting up with all of the mess from normal roasting.
My mother made her Turkeys in a bag. Comes out perfectly moist and delicious!
Such a helpful recipe on cooking a turkey in a bag. I’ve never used a bag before, but I’m totally sold on the idea of no mess and no babysitting the turkey. Saving this recipe for this Thanksgiving!
What a simple and delicious recipe to cook a turkey in a bag! I guess I can use it to cook chicken in a bag too. Thanks so much for sharing!
What a good idea to cook a turkey in a bag! Such an easy cleanup, too. Thank you so much for sharing your tips.
I haven’t cooked a turkey in a bag before so this was such great information. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow! This is an awesome recipe. I have a turkey in the deep freezer that I had no idea how to cook. Now, thanks to you, I have the perfect way. Thank you for posting this recipe!
The step by step instructions were super helpful
I have had turkey in a bag and loved how juicy it is. Thank you for sharing your recipe as I had no idea how to prepare it, and now I do. I cannot wait to make this!
Great tips on how to cook a turkey this way. I’m always looking for new ways to cook a perfect and delicious turkey!
I have always wanted to try cooking a Turkey in the bag. I’ve heard the meat turns out very moist and flavorful. Saving this for Thanksgiving
This was such a great way to cook a turkey! Turned out perfectly tender, juicy and packed with flavor; definitely going to be making this again for Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much! The flavors are perfect and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Oh wow! This turkey looks amazing. I could definitely use a foolproof method. So perfect for this week.
I love this recipe. No using a whole roll of tin foil, the bag seals in all the juices and it’s a lot less clean up.
I’m so excited to use this method to make turkey this year! I’ve heard rave reviews so I know it will turn out great.
I have a friend who cooked a turkey in a bag last year, and it was amazing. I can’t wait to try your recipe.