This method for roasting turkey in a roasting bag ensures a flavorful, juicy bird with minimal effort. The vegetables and seasonings infuse the turkey, and the bag locks in moisture for tender, delicious results.
Ingredients
- 1 Oven Roasting Bag (Large size, 19×23.5 inches)
- 1 Whole Turkey (8 to 24 pounds, fully thawed with giblets and neck removed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting the bag)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Roasting Bag:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour inside the roasting bag, shake to coat evenly, and place the bag in a large, 2-inch deep roasting pan. - Prepare the Vegetables:
Scatter the quartered onion, whole garlic cloves, and chopped carrots in the bottom of the roasting bag. These will create a flavorful base for the turkey to sit on. - Prepare the Turkey:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and dried thyme.
Rub the entire turkey with melted butter, then generously apply the seasoning mix, ensuring it covers all surfaces. - Roast the Turkey:
Place the seasoned turkey in the roasting bag on top of the bed of vegetables.
Make sure the opening of the bag is facing toward one end of the roasting pan (not upward). Seal the bag with cooking twine and make 4-6 small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
Roast in the preheated oven based on the weight of the turkey:
- 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg): 1.5-2 hours
- 12-16 lb (5.4-7.3 kg): 2-2.5 hours
- 16-20 lb (7.3-9.1 kg): 2.5-3 hours
- 20-24 lb (9.1-10.9 kg): 3-3.5 hours
- Rest and Carve:
Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest in the bag for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carefully remove the turkey from the bag, transfer it to a carving board, and carve.
Enjoy this perfectly roasted turkey, full of flavor and moisture, perfect for any gathering or special occasion!