Seasoned Roast Turkey

Seasoned Roast Turkey Tips

How can you use roast turkey leftovers?

Think beyond the sandwich! Roast turkey leftovers can be used in a variety of ways, from a tasty salad to a delicious pasta dish with vegetables to a comforting casserole!

How long do you cook a turkey for, based on its size?

Size is always the important factor to consider in terms of roasting time for your turkey. For this recipe, we suggest roasting your 13 to 15 pound turkey for a little over 3 hours at most. If you are scaling up or scaling down on your turkey size, we have come up with the perfect turkey-roasting chart to provide you with the correct roasting time for your bird, as well as other helpful tips.

How can you tell when a seasoned roast turkey is done?

Your roast turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the bird (usually the thighs) registers at 170º and 175ºF (165ºF for a turkey breast). Make sure the thermometer is not touching bone, which can give an inaccurate reading. If you do not have a meat thermometer, pierce the skin of the mid-thigh with a fork and pay attention to the juices. If the juices run clear, your turkey is done.

How do you keep a roast turkey from drying out?

The key to perfectly moist and juicy turkey is to “give it a rest”. When you have removed the turkey from the oven, let it rest on the cutting board for at least 30 minutes to incorporate any juices back into the meat after being in the oven. Resist the temptation to baste your turkey, as every time you open the oven door, you are letting heat escape and thus increasing the time you need to cook the turkey completely, which leads to drier meat. Leftover turkey can dry out easily, as well. Try our tips for reheating leftover turkey.

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant