How To Cook A Turkey In A Roasting Bag

Ingredients

1 oven-safe roasting bag, 19 × 23 ½ inches

1 whole turkey (8–24 pounds), thawed, giblets and neck removed, rinsed and patted dry

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 large onion, quartered

4–6 garlic cloves, peeled

3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating the roasting bag)

1 tablespoon coarse salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Seasoning Blend

In a medium bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and dried thyme.

Stir well and set aside.

3. Prep the Roasting Bag

Shake 1 tablespoon of flour inside the roasting bag to prevent sticking and help the turkey brown.

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Place the bag inside a large roasting pan that’s at least 2 inches deep.

4. Add Aromatics to the Bag

Spread the onion wedges, peeled garlic cloves, and carrot pieces across the bottom of the roasting bag.

These will act as an aromatic bed for the turkey.

5. Season the Turkey

Brush the entire turkey with the melted butter.

Rub the prepared seasoning blend evenly over the skin and inside any crevices.

6. Place the Turkey in the Bag

Set the seasoned turkey inside the roasting bag, positioning it on top of the onions and carrots.

Make sure the opening of the roasting bag faces one end of the pan (not upward).

7. Seal and Vent the Bag

Use cooking twine or the provided tie to close the bag securely.

Cut 4–6 small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape during roasting.

8. Roast the Turkey

Transfer the roasting pan to the oven.

Bake according to the weight of your turkey (see times below) until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180°F (82°C).

9. Rest the Turkey

Once fully cooked, remove the roasting pan from the oven.

Let the turkey rest inside the bag for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

10. Carve and Serve

Carefully lift the turkey from the bag using a carving fork and transfer it to a carving board.

Carve and enjoy!

Turkey Cooking Times

8–12 lb turkey: 1.5–2 hours
12–16 lb turkey: 2–2.5 hours

16–20 lb turkey: 2.5–3 hours
20–24 lb turkey: 3–3.5 hours