Last Updated on 2020-11-09 by Linda
The art of discovery and learning how to cook a turkey is not a complicated task. It requires a few simple steps and an attention to detail during the day. Need to know what temperature to cook a turkey? How long to cook a turkey? I have got you covered.The key to a perfect Turkey dinner, it’s not just the brine, nor the stuffing but how you actually cook your bird.
Kent has perfected the perfect dinner and it includes the best turkey you can imagine. I may set an awesome table but he sets the tone and creates the perfect holiday with his dinner.
Disclosure I added links to my favourite tools below, the syringe and the baster are must haves
How to Cook a Turkey
The key is to cook a turkey for one half hour at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn down the oven to 350 and then baste every hour until complete. Kent also started injecting the juice back into the bird after he finishes basting. The combination of the brine and the stuffing all help but the 450 for a half hour seals all the juicy goodness inside.
(extra tip: when you boil your potatoes do not throw out the water, use it for your gravy, it’s perfect)
[click_to_tweet tweet=”and hey did you catch my secret gravy trick save your potato water, it creates perfect gravy” quote=”Hot Tip #1, the secret to perfect Gravy is in the Potato Water”]
Temperature to cook a Turkey
Did ya catch the quick tip? Start with the over at 450 degrees for one half hour. Then lower the temperature to 350 degrees. repeat 450 and 350, easy peasy right? Plus ever half hour, BASTE
Basting
more syringe
more basting
and more basting
[click_to_tweet tweet=”Hot Tip for how long to roast your Turkey, about 15 minutes per pound #roastingaturkey #howtocookaturkey #turkey” quote=”Hot Tip for estimating how long to roast your turkey, estimate about 15 minutes per pound at a standard 350 degrees. “]
What to Serve with Turkey:
There is no end to the side dishes that can make this a complete meal. While I am normally a carrot and squash gal, lately Brussel Sprouts have caught my attention. And then Stuffing, Gravy and Cranberries make the meal complete.
Recipe for Cooking a Turkey
Cooking a Turkey
the secrets to a perfect turkey for your holiday dinner. You do not need to be the best chef in the world to cook the best turkey.
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Servings: 8
Calories: 189kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Turkey
Instructions
- stuff the turkey (don't forget to remove the giblets inside
- The key is to cook the turkey for one half hour at 450.
- Turn down the oven to 350 and then baste every hour until complete.
- Kent also started injecting the juice back into the bird after he finishes basting.
Nutrition Facts
Cooking a Turkey
Amount Per Serving (8 Servings)
Calories 189
% Daily Value*
Saturated Fat 2.2g14%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 109mg36%
Sodium 103mg4%
Protein 29g58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Video
Notes
The combination of the brine and the stuffing all help but the 450 for a half hour then helps seal all the juicy goodness inside.
Nutrition
Serving: 8Servings | Calories: 189kcal | Protein: 29g | Saturated Fat: 2.2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 103mg
Have you tried this recipe? I would love to see the resultsMention @alabouroflife or tag #alabouroffood!
My Tools for Roasting the Perfect Turkey
I have included my most favourite tools, OK actually they are Kent’s fav tools as he is the Cook in our home. I bake, he cooks. I could not find my exact roaster but I have included two comparable ones for you. The syringe and baster are the exact ones I have in my kitchen.
Melanie Walsh says
I’m a vegetarian, and for years have escaped turkey duty. But I think my time is up. I think I may be able to handle this without ruining Thanksgiving! You’re a life saver.
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise. So did you make the turkey, did it turn out ok for you?
Wendy Polisi says
This was actually really helpful. I have been considering frying mine this year though.
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
let me know if you tired Kent’s tips. May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Christa says
I love that we’re close enough to Thanksgiving that I’m starting to see turkey posts! This is a very informative post.
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
Thanks, I am sad that it’s all over but I need to stop eating so many yummy left overs now. May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Bianca D says
The turkey is definitely the center of the Thanksgiving feast. Thanks so much for the tips for how to make it so very delicious.
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
It always is so very tasty when cooked this way May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Becca Wilson says
I am not normally the one that is in charge of the bird but this is some really great advice on how to have it come out perfect. I need to pass it along!
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
it really does work I promise. May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Farrah Less says
Almost Turkey time I can’t wait for this fun holidays. Where family gathers together , sharing a good meal and having fun at the same time. I am sharing this recipe to my family and friends.
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise. I love Turkey time, sad that ours is over but the US one is coming up as is Christmas so yea for more turkey
shanelle says
This is such a tease, knowing that I still have 2 months to wait until Turkey Day! Your food looks DELISH!
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise. Our turkey was so very good. Hope you pinned this for November and December
Elizabeth Gilbert says
I love this!! Every year we dry out the turkey so this definitely will help us!!
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
It really works. Also try the brine too, makes it even better. May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Kathryn at QuestFor47.com says
It’s that time, isn’t it? I’m so lucky that I don’t have to worry about cooking turkeys, but I know this recipe is going to help a LOT of people! Thanks for sharing!
lindaandkent1@gmail.com says
feel free to share with those who do the Turkey roasting though. Ours was delicious May I offer apologies that I am so slack in commenting lately. Sometimes something has to give and lately its been commenting so I can at least keep visiting your blog. I will get better I promise
Heather says
It’s hard to believe it’s even time to think about Thanksgiving, but it’s closer than I think! I’ve never been brave enough to try making the turkey, but maybe I’ll give it a go one of these years!
Tara Pittman says
It is almost turkey time. My husband is in charge of cooking the bird bird every year.