How To Cook A Turkey In A Bag

A cooked turkey on a platter with a red knife.

5 from 27 votes

Learn How To Cook a Turkey In A Bag. Get a perfectly tender, flavorful, moist, and brown turkey every time with a Reynolds Oven Safe Turkey Bag.

Prep Time20

Cook Time2 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 203kcal

Author: Gina Abernathy

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

This is just a guide. Always check your turkey for doneness—Cook turkey in a 350-degree oven for the "approximate" times.

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.

Recipe Tips:

- 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.

The nutrition calculations are based on a large 18-20+ pound turkey.

Nutrition