How To Cook A Turkey In A Bag
Get a tender and flavorful turkey every time with this method for How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag. This is the easiest and foolproof method using a Reynolds Turkey oven-safe roasting bag. Plus, no basting is needed.
Have you heard the saying, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it?” Well, that holds true for this turkey-in-a-bag recipe. This recipe takes you back to the basics of cooking a turkey that will be perfect every time, especially for a Thanksgiving feast.
I’ve got you covered if you’re looking for simple and delicious side dishes to go with your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. My Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole is out of this world, Candied Sweet Potato Bake is amazing, Southern Chicken and Cornbread Dressing is a must, and you can’t forget the Ultimate Green Bean Casserole. Be sure to check out these other Thanksgiving recipes.
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💗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy Turkey: This is an easy way to cook a juicy and moist Thanksgiving turkey. The Reynolds Oven Turkey Bag locks in steam as it cooks, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey every time.
- Golden Brown Turkey: You’ll get a beautiful and golden brown turkey every time.
- Fool-Proof Method: This is the perfect method for roasting a turkey and is great for beginners.
- No Basting: No brining or basting is required. The turkey bag does all of the work.
Don’t forget the dessert! This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie with Caramel is super easy to make and so creamy and delicious!
🥘 Ingredients Needed
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 great color and flavor.
- Flour: Flour is used at the bottom of the bag to prevent it from bursting. Shake the bag well to coat it before adding the turkey.
- Reynolds Oven Turkey Bag: This is the only brand of bag I use for cooking my turkey with an oven bag. These turkey-sized oven bags come in various sizes, so be sure to select one that fits your large turkey.
The Thanksgiving Meal is not complete unless you have a few sides. Don’t forget the Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, Thanksgiving Stuffing, Thanksgiving Cornbread Dressing Recipe, and Best Sweet Potato Casserole.
🦃 How to Roast A Turkey
After 30+ 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.
Step 1: Get an Oven Bag. Grab a Reynolds Turkey Bag that fits your turkey. Place a Turkey Size Oven Bag into a roasting pan. Ensure the pan is at least 2 inches deep and larger than the turkey.
Step 2: Prepare the oven bag. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour into the bag, and shake well, coating the inside of the bag with flour. Don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Prep the turkey. 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.
Step 4: Season the turkey. Brush or rub the outside of the turkey with 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Season well with mixed seasonings.
Step 5: Prepare to Bake. Close the bag and seal it with the enclosed nylon tie. Cut 6 slits in the top of the bag. Tuck the bag into the pan. Place the turkey in the oven. See the back of the box for more information.
Step 6. Bake. Refer to the cooking chart included with the oven bag. 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.
🔪 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.
💭 Pro Tips on Roasting a Turkey in a Bag
- Use a meat thermometer: Using a thermometer ensures accuracy for doneness.
- Flour the bag: Don’t skip this step. The flour keeps the bag from bursting.
- Allow the turkey to rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This seals in the juices.
❔ Recipe FAQs
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, place the turkey in a pan and refrigerate it.
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.
This is just a guide and an easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe. Always check your turkey for doneness. Cook the turkey in a 350 degree oven for the “approximate” times.
Use the cooking chart as a reference for roasting the turkey in the oven, and refer to the turkey cooking times included with the oven bag.
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
Refrigerator: If you find yourself with leftover turkey, which most people do, you can wrap it 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 store them in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezer: Remove all leftover turkey from the bone first. Then divide portions into freezer-safe bags. Label the bags and date. Place into the freezer. The turkey will last for 4-6 months.
You should plan for at least 1 pound of turkey per person. If you like leftover turkey, plan for 2 pounds per person.
It takes 3-4 days to completely thaw a turkey in the refrigerator. Plan accordingly.
Yes. Cooking a turkey in a bag is one of the easiest methods for preparing a turkey. It’s completely beginner-friendly, and you’ll end up with a juicy and tender bird.
More Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you’ve tried this recipe for How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments. Thanks for visiting!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe
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
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- Use a meat thermometer: Using a thermometer ensures accuracy for doneness.
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- Flour the bag: Don’t skip this step. The flour keeps the bag from bursting.
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- Allow the turkey to rest: Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This seals in the juices.
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.
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 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.
Oh wow! This turkey looks amazing. I could definitely use a foolproof method. So perfect for this week.
Thank you so much! The flavors are perfect and I can’t wait to try this recipe!
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!
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
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 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!
The step by step instructions were super helpful
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!
I haven’t cooked a turkey in a bag before so this was such great information. 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.
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!