Who Roasts a Turkey in a Bag?
It’s likely that your mother or grandmother did it in this manner, but cooking a turkey in a bag is nothing new. The practice of roasting in a bag dates back to the 1970s and is perfect for anyone who may be hesitant to roast their first turkey and wants some serious assurances. (With this method, you get them. ).
Why roast a turkey in an oven bag when there is no labor-intensive prep work involved?
What Kind of Bag Are We Talking Here?
There are a few methods for cooking a turkey in a bag, including one that uses butter and a brown paper bag, but this is not one of those. Here, we provide basic instructions (and seasoning suggestions) for a turkey bag that is suitable for an oven.
Of these, Reynolds is probably the most well-known, but my kitchen has also featured PanSaver and BirdBags. Not a plastic brining bag, but a nylon bag that can be used in an oven The key lesson here is that if something doesn’t say it’s oven-safe, it probably isn’t.
If your bag is flour-coated, your turkey will brown the best. Some people claim that you can flour the bag without any adhesive, but I’ve found that cooking spray gives the bag a better coating (and browning) than flour alone.
Your turkey should be seasoned with salt at the very least, but why not up the ante with some dried herbs, garlic, and onion powder?
Transfer your seasoned turkey to the roasting bag, then secure it with the bag kit’s included ties. No issue if, for example, your mother misplaced the tie from the box of bags she used the previous year. Tie a knot in the bag to seal. Last but not least, use scissors or a knife to cut about six (one-inch) vents in the bag before roasting.
We don’t want the bag to come in contact with the oven walls or racks, so move the bagged turkey to the roasting pan and make sure to tuck the bag into the pan. The turkey should be cooked for two to two and a half hours, or until the breast temperature reaches at least 165°F. Rest the turkey in the bag before carving.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast per pound in a bag?
Cut a few slits in the top of the bag and tuck the bag’s edges under the breast before baking. Bake the turkey breast for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches 165°F.
Is it better to cook a turkey in a bag or not?
The bag is for you if you want to cook the turkey more quickly and keep the meat moist throughout. The bag is for you if you want to avoid cleaning the roasting pan. It might not be for you if you want the turkey’s skin to be evenly browned and crisped.
How long should you cook a turkey in a bag?
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Remove and discard giblets. …
- Flour the bottom of the turkey bag before adding the turkey, celery, and onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the juices run clear.
How long does it take to cook a 8 lb turkey breast in an oven bag?
Simple instructions are included with the Reynolds bags for all types of turkey. My 8-pound bone-in turkey breast took exactly 2 hours to cook at 350 degrees because it was bone-in. I calculated 13. 5 minutes per pound based on the above chart.
