How to Cook a Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey

Cooking a turkey can be overwhelming at first, especially if you are new to cooking. However, look no further because you have came to the right place. These instructions are so easy to follow because this recipe will be a breeze.

Whether you need help cooking your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey this recipe will help you do it. You will have everyone thinking you slaved all day cooking this bird! Here are the complete steps on how to prepare and roast your turkey using an oven.

How to Cook Your Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey

Items you will need:

• Turkey (around 8-15 pounds is best)

• Cooking Thermometer (if you don’t have one go to the Dollar Tree they are only a dollar)

• Large Aluminum Roasting Pan (again go to the Dollar Tree they are only a dollar other stores like Wal-Mart are charging $4)

• Your Preference of Seasonings (examples garlic salt/powder, onion powered, minced onions…etc)

• 1 Box of Stuffing Mix (if you want to cook a stuffed turkey)

• Any other stuffing ingredients that you prefer (optional stuffing foods include celery, onions, etc.)

Once you have purchased your turkey, decide on what day you are going to cook it. After deciding on a day, let the turkey set if your refrigerator for 2-4 days until it is completely unthawed.

-Tip: Periodically throughout the 2-4 days set the turkey out for about 30 minutes to help speed up the thawing out process but don’t forget about it. Once your turkey is completely unthawed, meaning it is no longer frozen and when you touch it is squishy feeling, open the package and preheat the oven to 325’F.

After you have opened the turkey’s package and preheated the oven, find the neck cavity and begin removing the contents inside. You should remove several things depending on what the company left in.

For example, you will probably find the neck, and a bag containing giblets (which is the turkey’s organs that some people like to eat and make gravy with). Be sure to remove everything! If don’t want the contents inside the turkey just simply throw it away.

Now rinse the turkey (inside & outside) with cold water for about 1 minute. Then place the turkey breast side up in the large aluminum roasting pan and start seasoning it. Sprinkle your seasonings all over the turkey. Start by adding seasoning in the cavity, the bottom, and the top, until it is completely covered.

You can now begin stuffing your turkey with stuffing & any other ingredients (such as celery, onions, etc.).

Now follow the instructions on your stuffing box for your stuffing mix. On the back of the box you should find instructions on how to prepare the stuffing for stuffing the bird.

Follow those instructions and once you are done place you turkey in the oven. Cook your turkey according to the chart below. Be sure you know how much your turkey weighs and cook it by the recommended time.

Note- Once your turkey is done cooking for the recommended time, use your cooking thermometer by inserting it somewhere in the breast area of the turkey. When you turkey it done the temperature should read somewhere between 170-180’F. Tip-When you turkey is done cooking, let it set for 15-20 minutes before you start slicing it.