Yes, I have a turkey that is about the same weight as the other turkey. Cooking two turkeys of approximately the same weight does not double the roasting time. Cooking time is determined by the weight of each bird. Make sure there is enough oven space for proper heat circulation.
How do I cook two turkeys in one oven?
Two compact 13×9 roasting pans ($18, Amazon) will allow you to put two birds in the oven. If you use one of the larger pans, place the turkeys side by side, leaving an inch of space between the two, Johnson says. (Don’t simply spread the wings or assume the pan will fit.
How long do you cook 2 turkeys in the oven?
Rub the outside of each turkey with soft butter and place in a large roasting pan. Tie the ends of the turkey legs together with truss string. Transfer the turkeys to the oven and roast until a meat thermometer registers 160°F, about 2 1/2 hours.
Is it better to cook 2 small turkeys or one big one?
Two smaller birds cook faster, so they spend less time in the oven and the meat has less chance to dry out. Smaller turkeys are younger and the meat is generally more moist and tender.
How do you cook two turkeys?
When cooking two turkeys together, keep the following in mind
- Select the appropriate size turkey. You must make sure there is room for both birds in the oven.
- Make sure your oven is large enough.
- Think about timing.
- Plan to clean the food thermometer.
- Cook both turkeys thoroughly.
Can you cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time?
Roast the turkey breasts at the same time and cook them together. Cooking two turkey breasts yields about the same amount of meat as a whole turkey, but all white meat. Roasting a turkey yields a rich flavor and is the most common preparation method for this Thanksgiving favorite.
Can you cook other things in the oven with the turkey?
Make the most of it, however, as the turkey needs to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. The oven can be used to liberally bake batches of cookies or reheat oven-baked side dishes that need to be warmed before serving.
What if my turkey isn’t fully thawed?
If you don’t have time to defrost If you are pressed for time and don’t even have time left to “quickly” thaw the turkey in cold water, cook the turkey as is. It is perfectly safe to cook frozen or semi-frozen turkey meat. You just need to allow extra cooking time.
How long does it take to cook two turkey breasts?
In general, you should cook a pound of bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Can you deep fry 2 turkeys at the same time?
Reusing fry oil is fine (to a certain extent – it cannot be reused indefinitely). It is perfectly acceptable to fry two turkeys one after the other for Thanksgiving.
Does turkey get more tender the longer you cook it?
Once the contracting muscle fibers reach 180 degrees Fahrenheit, they begin to break down. The intramolecular bonds begin to break down, the proteins unravel, and the muscle becomes more tender. Of course, the longer the turkey is cooked, the more the protein denatures and the tougher the meat becomes.
What size turkey tastes the best?
In general, when serving a small turkey, it is best to aim for about one pound of turkey per person. Larger turkeys have larger bones and less edible meat, so 1.5 pounds per person is a safer bet.
Is a 20 pound turkey too big?
Choosing the Right Size Turkey If you are serving 10 people on Thanksgiving, choose a bird that weighs 15 to 20 pounds. For smaller birds weighing less than 12 pounds, calculate 2 pounds per person because of the smaller meat-to-bone ratio.
Are bigger turkeys tougher?
With larger turkeys, you begin to run into major problems. If frozen, it takes longer to thaw, and cooking takes exponentially longer. In addition, they tend not to cook evenly and leave an assortment of dry meat . These turkeys are also difficult to manipulate, flip, carry, carve, and everything else.
Can you cook two Jennie O turkey breasts at the same time?
Can I roast two turkeys at the same time? Yes, although cooking time will be longer. Always check the roasting temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 180°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Do you roast a turkey breast side up or down?
The USDA recommends cooking the turkey breast whole side up throughout the entire cooking time. Turning a large, hot bird over is dangerous and can easily tear the skin, making the finished product less attractive.
Does a turkey breast need to be on a rack?
For large turkey breasts, a full-size roasting pan is appropriate. No matter what pan you choose, you will need sides. If you plan on gravy, a metal pan is best. Rack: A pan with some sort of rack to lift the turkey meat off the pan surface is recommended, but not absolutely necessary.
Do you cover a turkey breast with foil when cooking?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces much more moist results than roasting without foil. To even out the cooking time, we recommend simply covering the breast . Others swear that roasting the turkey breast down and turning it over halfway through produces the same results as a foil-covered breast.
Does it take longer to cook 2 things in the oven?
Can I cook more than one dish at a time in the oven? Yes. Most people worry about cooking two dishes at once, but it is the oven’s job to maintain the internal temperature set at the selected temperature. If more than two cold dishes are inserted, you may have to work a little harder, but trust that it will work.
Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
If you are determined to stuff the turkey, keep it in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes per pound and cover the turkey (especially the wings and drumsticks) with a loose tent of aluminum foil. Do not allow them to dry out or burn.
Do I Cover the turkey when I put it in the oven?
Bake the turkey. Now you are ready to prepare the oven. Roast the turkey in a 325°F oven for 2 hours. (Note: If you peel the turkey at the beginning of roasting, it will burn, so keep an eye on it.)
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?
Once removed, the turkey will take several hours to thaw completely. Thawing raw meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. Is it a good idea to thaw a turkey at room temperature? No. It is a good idea to thaw the turkey at room temperature.
Can a turkey be defrosted overnight?
Keep the turkey in the refrigerator until it is completely thawed. After thawing, the turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before cooking, but the sooner you cook it, the fresher it will be and you will regain some space in your refrigerator.
How do you keep a turkey breast from drying out?
How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out? The secret to a juicy bird that doesn’t dry out is to roast it at a high temperature in a 400°F oven. Cooking at high temperatures locks in the juices and produces a crispy, browned skin.
What temperature do you cook turkey at?
Our best Turkey Tip.
- If feeding a flock, purchase two small birds (or one whole turkey and one breast).
- The Test Kitchen agrees that the best temperature to cook a turkey is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because it is neither too hot nor too cold and cooks quickly enough to ensure a juicy, flavorful bird is ready by dinner.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
Some recipes state that the turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, but the meat can be safely consumed once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking breast meat beyond 165 degrees will result in dry meat, while dark meat can be cooked up to 180 degrees.
How many turkeys can you fry before changing the oil?
Shelf life. Most oils can be stored in the refrigerator for several months or until signs of deterioration begin. According to the Texas Peanut Producers Board by The National Turkey Federation, peanut oil can usually be used three to four times to fry a turkey before signs of spoilage appear.
Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey?
Place in bottom of roasting pan. Place turkey breast side down on top of vegetables. Add about 0.5 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy.
How do you keep a turkey moist when baking?
Here’s a great tip: To protect the turkey breast and keep it juicy: fold a large square of foil into a triangle. Rub one side of the triangle with olive oil to form a foil (oil side down) over the turkey breast and remove the foil. This protects the turkey breast and keeps it from drying out.
How do you keep a turkey moist while cooking?
Classic Pan Stuffing Recipe
- Choose fresh turkey instead of frozen turkey.
- Roast two small turkeys instead of one large turkey.
- Brine the turkey.
- Rub soft butter under skin.
- Truss loosely or not at all.
- Roast the turkey upside down at first.
- Do not overcook.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving.
Are Butterball turkeys better than regular turkeys?
Butterball turkeys are top quality products and will impress your guests. Butterball is the right (and only!) choice this holiday season. Here’s why it is the choice Butterball turkeys are always tender and juicy because they take the extra step of individually pre-fighting based on size.
Should you let turkey sit out before cooking?
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator an hour before roasting, since turkeys cook more evenly and faster when started at room temperature. If you plan to stuff the turkey, wait until ready to put it in the oven before placing the stuffing on the turkey.
Should you take turkey out of fridge before cooking?
Before going into the oven, remove the turkey from the refrigerator (1 hour for the entire turkey, or 30 minutes for cutting) before cooking, as the turkey needs to be at room temperature. Keep covered in a cool place.
How many adults will a 20 lb turkey feed?
For 14 people, purchase a 20 lb. turkey.
How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?
If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast as follows 4 to 4¼ hours 350°F. 325°F 4¼ to 4 hours.
How big of a turkey should I buy for 16 adults?
If the result exceeds 15 or 20 pounds, consider getting more than one turkey for the meal. For example, plan for an appropriate amount of turkeys for 10 adult guests and 8 children. What size turkey should I buy?
| People | Turkey Size |
|---|---|
| 14 | 14-21 lbs. |
| 16 | 16-24 lbs. |
| 18 | 18-27 lbs. |
| 20 | 20-30 lbs. |
Can you cook 2 small turkeys in pan?
Two compact 13×9 roasting pans ($17, Amazon) can fit both birds in the oven. Johnson says if you want to use one large pan, place the turkey side by side and leave space between the two. (Don’t just wing it or assume the pan will fit.
How long before Thanksgiving should I buy a turkey?
A raw fresh turkey should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days. Therefore, if you want to buy fresh and keep it that way, you should buy just before Thanksgiving. Still looking for fresh local birds? Don’t wait to reserve.
Is it better to cook 2 small turkeys or one big one?
Two smaller birds cook faster, so they spend less time in the oven and the meat has less chance to dry out. Smaller turkeys are younger and the meat is generally more moist and tender.
How often should you baste a turkey?
Most recipes call for baking the turkey every 30 minutes. However, our rule of thumb is actually every 40 minutes. The reasons for this are as follows. You don’t want to open the oven too many times, otherwise the whole bird would take longer to cook, and that is a major inconvenience.
Can you cook two turkey breasts in the oven at the same time?
Roast the turkey breasts at the same time and cook them together. Cooking two turkey breasts yields about the same amount of meat as a whole turkey, but all white meat. Roasting a turkey yields a rich flavor and is the most common preparation method for this Thanksgiving favorite.
How long does it take to cook two turkey breasts?
In general, you should cook a pound of bone-in turkey breast for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How do you cook a Jennie O oven Ready turkey?
Place the pan in the oven to allow the bag space to expand without touching the oven rack or walls. Roast the turkey for approximately 4 hours. During the last hour, check the internal temperature by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Does cooking turkey upside down make more moist?
There are two advantages to roasting the breast side of the turkey. The dark meat cooks faster as it approaches the heat source, and the juices trickle down and drip off for spectacular breast meat. Talk about a better turn!
How do you flip a turkey in the oven?
Make sure the turkey is not sticking to the roasting rack by running a spatula or table knife between the two. With hand protection in place, grasp the turkey by the neck and tail and immediately turn it over carefully. Try to keep the turkey level. Doing so should prevent any cavity juices or ingredients from spilling out.
How long does a 14 lb turkey take to cook at 325?
Assuming you are roasting the turkey in a 325°F oven, plan for 15 to 17 minutes of cooking time for every pound of unstuffed turkey. For a stuffed turkey, plan 20-22 minutes per pound. 8-12 lbs. 12-14 lbs.
What can I use if I don’t have a roasting rack for turkey?
You do not need a rack specifically designed for a roasting pan, but you will need something to lift the bird over the bottom of the pan. Aluminum foil balls work perfectly well. Upside-down Ramekins can also be used.
What can I use instead of roasting rack?
Wire Racks. Wire racks are a good alternative to roasting racks. Some easy alternative wire racks include baker’s cooling racks, toaster ovens, or microwave racks. Racks keep meat items above the roasting pan.
Do you cover a turkey breast when baking?
Begin checking after one hour of roasting and continue checking every 10 to 15 minutes until breasts are cooked. Cover the turkey to prevent excessive browning. If the skin on the flesh of the meat begins to brown too darkly toward the end of cooking, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Do Butterball turkeys have butter in them?
In fact, there is no actual butter in a butterball turkey. The fresh turkey is infused with a temporary solution made of salt water and “common household spices,” one brand representative told me. Butterballs does not share its secret busting formula ingredients.
How long should a turkey rest for?
Thanksgiving Helpline Pull out as soon as the temperature reaches 165 or slightly lower. The amount of resting time depends on the size of the bird, but should be at least 20 minutes. Larger birds can wait up to 40 minutes or more, depending on room temperature.
How do you make turkey skin crispy?
Rub the skin with fat. Once the skin is carefully dried, the next step that can be taken to ensure perfectly crispy turkey skin is to rub it with a fat such as butter or oil. Since butter is at least 20% water and oil contains no water, oil produces a crisper skin than butter.
Can I use both oven racks at the same time?
Use both racks. Of course, ovens are designed to use both racks at once. For example, baking a cake or cookies can certainly be done in two pans at once.
Can you cook other things in the oven with the turkey?
Make the most of it, however, as the turkey needs to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. The oven can be used to liberally bake batches of cookies or reheat oven-baked side dishes that need to be warmed before serving.
Should I cover my turkey with aluminum foil?
We have found that covering the turkey with foil produces more marshy results than roasting without foil. We only prefer to cover the breast to even out the cooking time.
What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?
Be Safe – The U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you want to cook your turkey at 325 or 350 degrees Fahrenheit? While “slow and slow” is a good rule for cooking a bird all the way through without burning it, there are no strict rules. All of our temperature guides assume that you are cooking at 325, but you can also cook it a little warmer in about the same or slightly less time.
Which Way Should turkey face in oven?
Flipping the turkey over may cause it to move away from the unveiling. We have found that if the turkey is cooked upside down, the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks or dents in the turkey breast. Even worse, the skin may tear when you try to flip it over. For the most beautiful birds, be sure to roast them in the correct orientation.