It’s turkey time, and that means it’ time to brush up on our turkey cooking skills for holiday hosting. Whether you’re a first-time cook or have been serving the family turkey for years, these turkey cooking tips and tricks from Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose will make your holiday centerpiece the most perfect it’s ever been! A juicy, golden-brown turkey is the star of the table, and these culinary techniques and cooking hacks will make sure it shines like the star that it is.
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
The number one turkey cooking mistake is not giving your bird enough time to thaw. Place it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days – or at least 24 hours for every 5 pounds – to let it to defrost completely. This ensures your turkey cooks evenly throughout.
The Secret to Crispy Skin
Pat dry turkey and remove all the moisture – the less moisture on the outside the turkey, the crispier the skin.
How to Season a Turkey
Add incredible flavor to your turkey with a flavor-packed seasoning blend. Rub three tablespoons of olive oil all over the turkey to ensure the seasoning sticks. Then season generously with your choice of turkey seasoning, or try Executive Chef David Rose’s Garlic-Herb Turkey recipe.
Protect the Turkey Wings
Cover both wings with foil to prevent the delicate turkey wings from overcooking. Then remove the foil one hour before your turkey is done. This allows the wing skin to get crispy without overcooking the tender meat.
Kickstart the Cooking Process
Kickstart the cooking process by preheating your oven to 450°F, then lower it to 350°F when you put the turkey in. This will give it a nice skin while also cooking it low and slow.
The Secret to Juicy Turkey
Just say no to dry turkey. Here’s the secret to juicy and tender turkey! Remove your turkey from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 160°F, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes. The turkey will continue to cook as it rests bringing the internal temperature up to that perfect 165°F. This ensures the turkey is cooked perfectly and every bite is juicy and luscious!
How Long to Cook Turkey
Don’t rush your turkey! Know your cook times and target temperature to retain maximum juice, moisture, and flavor. General rule of thumb is to cook a whole turkey in a 350°F oven for about 13 minutes per pound unstuffed and 15 minutes per pound stuffed. Cook times are general outlines; you want to go by cook temperature for the best results. Cook until the turkey breast reaches an internal temperature of 160° F as indicated by a food thermometer (carryover cooking will increase the internal temperature to a perfect 165°F ).
How to Baste a Turkey
Baste your whole turkey with the pan juices every half hour to infuse it with flavor and keep the skin moist.
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
Add incredible flavor to your turkey with a flavor-packed seasoning blend. Rub three tablespoons of olive oil all over the turkey to ensure the seasoning sticks. Then season generously with your choice of turkey seasoning, or try Executive Chef David Rose’s Garlic-Herb Turkey recipe.
Rest for 20 Minutes
The final step of cooking the perfect turkey takes the most patience, but it’s well worth the wait. Always rest your turkey under aluminum foil for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. This will ensure every bite is incredibly juicy and perfect.
Kickstart the Cooking Process
Kickstart the cooking process by preheating your oven to 450°F, then lower it to 350°F when you put the turkey in. This will give it a nice skin while also cooking it low and slow.
How to Cut Turkey Breast on a Bias
Pro chef tip: Slice your turkey breast at a bias for incredible presentation at your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
Turkey Recipes
Garlic-Herb Turkey With Honey-Pecan Acorn Squash
You can’t go wrong with our flavor-packed turkey recipe featuring herbaceous homemade seasoning and savory garlic-herb butter.
Get the Recipe: Garlic-Herb Turkey With Honey-Pecan Acorn Squash
Lemon-Pepper Turkey and Gravy With Dressing
Cooking a turkey, gravy, and dressing can be intimidating, but this foolproof recipe will leave everyone gathered around the table wanting seconds.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Turkey and Gravy With Dressing
Peach-Rosemary Whole Roasted Turkey
This fruity and floral peach-rosemary glaze adds exquisite sweetness to your savory turkey.
Get the Recipe: Peach-Rosemary Whole Roasted Turkey
Thanksgiving Dinner
Elevate your Thanksgiving this year by choosing the Omaha Steaks holiday centerpieces that you and your family are guaranteed to love!
Holiday Recipe Favorites
Cook a delicious and festive holiday meal with these 10 incredible holiday recipes from our Executive Chef David Rose.
How to Carve a Turkey
Use our easy-to-follow turkey carving video tutorial to expertly carve and serve a whole turkey!
Holiday Meals Delivered
With over 107 years of delivering the very best meals and gourmet food, Omaha Steaks is your go-to for a hassle-free holiday meal.