Herb Roasted Turkey
This is the best roasted turkey recipe I have, cooking the turkey in the oven roasting bag makes the turkey nice and moist.
This is the best roasted turkey recipe I have, cooking the turkey in the oven roasting bag makes the turkey nice and moist.
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 each reynoldsâ® oven cooking bag turkey size
- 1 each turkey (12 to 24 lbs.) already thawed
- 2 each carrots, peeled and rinsed
- 2 each stalks celery cut in half if need be
- a few cloves garlic peeled
- 1 each medium onion peeled & cut in half
- 1 tbsp dried rubbed sage
- 1/2 tsp regular table salt (or desired amount)
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper (or desired amount)
- Carbohydrate 21.0818341225521 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 21.0082295609981 g
- Fiber 3.17999739464754 g
- Protein 1.42397506904787 g
- Saturated Fat 1.79086998765501 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (141g)
- Sodium 2330.51908206809 mg
- Sugar 17.9018367279045 g
- Trans Fat 0.358660449669031 g
- Calories 269 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray inside of oven cooking bag with a non-stick cooking spray, to reduce the turkey from sticking to the oven bag. (This step is optional.)
- Shake the tablespoon of flour in the Reynolds Oven Cooking Bag. Then place the bag in a large roasting pan which is at least 2 inches deep.
- Remove neck and giblets from turkey.
- Rinse turkey; pat dry.
- Brush turkey with the vegetable oil.
- Combine the thyme, rosemary, seasoned salt, sage, table salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle and rub the herb mixture inside the cavity of the bird, plus over the entire turkey; turning to coat evenly.
- Add the vegetables and cloves of garlic inside the bird cavity. Place turkey inside oven cooking bag. Close oven bag with nylon tie.
- Cut 6 (1/2-inch) slits in top of the cooking bag. Tuck ends of bag in pan.
- Bake: 8-12 pound turkeys 1-1/2 to 2 hours, 12-16 pound turkeys 2 to 2-1/2 hours, 16-20 pound turkeys 2-1/2 to 3 hours, 20-24 pound turkeys 3 to 3-1/2 hours.
My Secret to a Perfectly Moist Herb Roasted Turkey
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners used to fill me with a mixture of excitement and dread. The excitement of family gatherings, of course, but the dread? That was all about the turkey. Getting it perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful felt like a monumental task, one that often left me stressed and exhausted. I’ve tried countless recipes, experimented with various techniques, and let me tell you, I've had my fair share of dry, overcooked turkeys. The disappointment on everyone's faces was enough to make me want to give up on cooking the centerpiece of the holiday meal altogether. Then, I discovered a game-changer: roasting my turkey in an oven bag.
This simple trick has revolutionized my holiday cooking. Not only does it result in a consistently moist and flavorful turkey, but it also significantly simplifies the entire process. Gone are the days of constantly basting and worrying about the turkey drying out. The oven bag traps the juices, keeping the meat incredibly tender and juicy. The flavor is intensified, as the herbs and spices are able to penetrate the meat more effectively. And cleanup? A breeze! The oven bag makes cleanup incredibly easy, another significant factor for a busy mom like myself. This recipe isn’t just about a moist turkey; it’s about reclaiming my holiday spirit, about enjoying the festivities without the added stress of a potentially disastrous turkey. It’s about creating lasting memories with my family, memories that aren’t clouded by kitchen anxieties.
The magic of the oven bag isn’t just about convenience; it’s about consistency. It guarantees that you'll always get that perfectly cooked, moist turkey, no matter your level of cooking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete novice, this method delivers consistent results. The oven bag creates a sealed environment, essentially steaming the turkey as it roasts, resulting in a texture that's incredibly tender and juicy. It’s truly the secret weapon for every home cook looking for a hassle-free, delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
Beyond the oven bag, the herb blend in this recipe is another key ingredient to success. The combination of thyme, rosemary, sage, and seasoned salt creates a rich, savory aroma that permeates the entire turkey, enhancing its natural flavor. I also like to add carrots, celery, and onions inside the cavity. These vegetables not only add another layer of flavor but also help to create a delicious gravy from the pan juices afterward. The garlic, of course, adds its pungent aroma which blends so well with the herbs.
I highly recommend this recipe. Try it for your next holiday meal. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create a truly exceptional and impressive turkey. The moist, flavorful meat will be the star of your table, leaving everyone completely satisfied. It's the secret to a stress-free and enjoyable holiday celebration, the kind that centers around family and cherished memories rather than kitchen anxieties. This recipe is my go-to for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any special occasion where a delicious and impressive roasted turkey is the order of the day.
Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with the herbs and spices. Try adding other herbs or spices that you enjoy, like oregano or marjoram. You can also add some citrus zest or even a bit of maple syrup for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to have fun with it and create a dish that you and your family will love. Remember, cooking should be an enjoyable experience. With this recipe, it absolutely can be!
