How to Cook a Turkey Bag

Cooking a turkey is a well-established tradition, not only for Thanksgiving but for many meaningful family gatherings. As pleasant as the tradition and gathering may be, however, the preparation can sometimes be less than pleasant. Luckily, a turkey can be cooked without a great deal of fuss, or even significant culinary skill: you can simply cook it in a bag.

Things You'll Need

• Whole turkey
• Heat-tempered oven bag
• Cooking pan
• 1-2 tablespoons of flour
• Meat thermometer
• Seasonings, herbs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Remove the turkey's neck and giblets. Wash out the turkey with cold water, and drain it.

3. Sprinkle one or two tablespoons of flour into the bottom of your turkey-size oven bag with flour. Place your turkey and various other ingredients (paprika, onions, etc.) into the bag.

4. Seal the bag - poke or slit the bag several times to allow steam to escape. Place your bag into your pan, and ensure that the pan is big enough so that the bag isn't hanging over the sides.

5. Bake your turkey. With a meat thermometer, monitor the internal temperature of the innermost thigh and breast meat. Turkey must be cooked to at least 165 degrees F in the center, 175 in the breast, and 185 F in the thigh - or hotter, as per your preference.

6. When complete (after approximately three hours, depending on size), remove your turkey, and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Serve hot.

Tips & Warnings

• After preparation, the turkey's juices can be used to make the gravy.

• Stuffing should be prepared separately: it can insulate potential bacteria from the heat, increasing the chances of foodborne illness.

• Provide ample room in your oven for a fully-inflated bag. If the bag touches the sides or roof of the oven, the bag may melt.