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 have you covered if you’re looking for more simple and delicious side dishes to go with your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. My Sweet Potato Casserole is out of this world, Candied Sweet Potatoes are amazing, Chicken Dressing is a must, and you can’t forget the Green Bean Casserole. Be sure to check out these other Thanksgiving recipes.
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
This is an easy way to cook a juicy and moist turkey; no brining or basting is required. The turkey bag locks in steam as it cooks, and you’ll always have a moist and flavorful turkey. All of the juices stay in the oven bag, so the roasting pan is easy to clean with no mess.
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.
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.
Best Way To Cook 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 and Step 2:
- Gather your ingredients for coating and cooking the turkey. I like to have everything ready because your hands will get messy.
- Prepare your turkey. 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.
- Pull out your turkey bag and place it in the roasting pan. I like to use an aluminum turkey pan for easy clean up.
Step 3: Prepare the bag for the turkey. Add flour to the bag. This keeps the bag from bursting in the oven. This step is very important.
Step 4: Fold the bag back and place the turkey in the bag. Butter and season well.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: Bake as directed. 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 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. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Let turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
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. You might also try this Chicken Pot Pie using leftover turkey.
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.
Recipe FAQs
Looking For More Thanksgiving Side 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.
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!