Question: Which way up should a turkey be cooked?

Should turkey be breast up or down?

It’s personal preference whether you choose to cook a turkey breast-side up or breast-side down. The United States Department of Agriculture advises to cook a whole turkey breast side up during the entire cooking time.

Does it matter which way you put a turkey in the oven?

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.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast in a 325° or 350° (depending on size of bird; see below) oven until thermometer registers 160°. If turkey is unstuffed, tip slightly to drain juices from body cavity into pan. Transfer turkey to a platter. Let stand in a warm place, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes, then carve.

Do you cook the turkey covered or uncovered?

To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.

What temperature do you cook turkey to?

To kill all bacteria, a turkey must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

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If your turkey weighs 18 to 20 pounds, roast it at:

1. 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours.
2. 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours.
3. 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.
4. 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

Should you put water in turkey roasting pan?

Add about a half-inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist, and the turkey juicy. This aromatic liquid can be used to baste the turkey while it cooks (there is a debate whether basting does anything, but it’s part of the tradition).

Is it better to roast or bake a turkey?

All three types of ovens can be used to roast a delicious, moist turkey as long as the temperature of the turkey is carefully monitored. So, although a convection oven will cook faster, even a bake oven will work if the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.