Is it better to cook a large turkey or two smaller ones?

Choose a small, fresh turkey in the 14-pound-and-under category. Large turkeys take longer to cook, making the outer meat likely to overcook and dry out before the interior meat is cooked. If you’re feeding more than 12 people, buy two small turkeys rather than one big one.

Can you cook 2 turkeys in the same oven?

Yes. Cooking two turkeys of about the same weight does not double the roasting time. Cooking time is determined by the weight of one bird. Just make sure there is sufficient oven space for proper heat circulation.

How long does it take to cook 2 12 pound turkeys?

So if you have two 12-pound turkeys, you’ll roast the required time as if you only had one, which is 2¾ to 3 hours at 325°F. And don’t forget your thermometer ($15, Target)! Your turkey is done when it registers 175°F in the thigh and 165°F in the breast.

Are bigger turkeys better?

But really, the problem is a larger bird means more time in the oven and that can dry out a bird, especially if you decide to cook stuffing inside. It’s tough to cook a big turkey evenly. … A small bird, however, can spend less time in the oven so the breast meat stands a better chance at being less dry.

Is it better to cook turkey breast up or down?

Cook the turkey breast-side down.

While the turkey roasts, the juices fall down towards the breast, resulting in the most succulent meat. The breast is also more protected from the heat, which helps keep it from getting too dried out. Use a meat thermometer to take out any guess work of when the turkey is done.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

If your turkey weighs 8 to 12 pounds, roast it at: 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.
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10. Calculate Turkey Cooking Time and Temperature

1. 425°F for 2¼ to 2½ hours.
2. 400°F for 2½ to 2¾ hours.
3. 350°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.
4. 325°F for 3 to 3¾ hours.

10 нояб. 2020 г.

Does it take longer to smoke two turkeys?

Re: Egg on my face for our smoked 2 Turkey dinner party.

two turkeys would add considerably more time than the extra 2 hours you alloted. always plan on it taking longer than you planned.

How do I keep my turkey moist?

Classic Bread Stuffing Recipe

1. Choose a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one. …
2. Roast two small turkeys rather than one large one. …
3. Brine the turkey. …
4. Rub soft butter under the skin. …
5. Truss loosely, or not at all. …
6. Roast the turkey upside down at first. …
7. Don’t overcook it. …
8. Let the turkey rest before carving.

How long does it take to roast a 10 pound turkey?

All cook times are based on placing a whole unstuffed turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and into a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven.
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How Long to Cook a Turkey.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

This table from the USDA is based on a 325°F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we’re talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.)

How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?

While 1 pound per person could feel like too little, and 1 1/2 pounds for each guest might be over-doing it, 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per mouth is the perfect balance. At that rate, feeding a large party of fifteen or more people will require 20+ pounds of turkey.

What size turkey is too big?

Choosing the Right Size Turkey

When choosing a turkey to serve on Thanksgiving, figure 1 1/2 pounds per person. If you are serving 10 people on Thanksgiving, choose a bird that is 15 to 20 pounds. Smaller birds that weigh less than 12 pounds have a smaller meat-to-bone ratio, so figure two pounds per person.

How large a turkey should I buy?

For turkeys smaller than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1½ pounds per person whatever the turkey’s size. For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey.

How do I keep my turkey from drying out?

Basting. Use a spoon or turkey baster to baste the buttery juices over the top of the bird every 30 minutes during cooking. This ensures the breast does not dry out. Always do it quickly to avoid letting the oven or turkey cool down, as this could alter the cooking time.

Why is my turkey always dry?

Of course, turkey isn’t a red meat, and it’s a relatively lean bird. But another, and perhaps more important, reason turkey is so dry is that it doesn’t stimulate our salivary glands. … If they drool before they eat, the meat will be juicier. The second reason turkey is dry is because it is almost never salty enough.

Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Always cook your turkey until the skin is a light golden color. Cover your roasting pan with a lid or foil and cook covered for 2 hours (depending on size of your bird) and uncovered for the remaining time. Baste your turkey every half hour or so.