Your question: Do you cook a turkey with the legs up or down?

So, instead of cooking turkey upside down, stick to roasting right-side up for the most beautiful bird.

Which side up do you cook a turkey?

The United States Department of Agriculture advises to cook a whole turkey breast side up during the entire cooking time. Turning over a large, hot bird can be dangerous and it’s very easy to tear the skin, making the finished product less attractive.

How can I keep my turkey moist?

For moist meat without the hassle of clearing fridge space to soak the bird in a vat of brining liquid, try a dry brine. Salting a turkey and letting it rest before roasting seasons it deeply and helps it retain moisture.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

Should I baste my turkey?

Do Not Baste.



Basting the skin is not necessary to flavor the meat. You’ll flavor the skin, but you’ll also let heat out of the oven each time you open it to baste. “That means the bird is going to be in there for a longer time cooking, which means it’s going to dry out more,” Brown says.

What temperature do I cook my turkey?

Begin by roasting your turkey at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes before lowering the temperature of the oven to 350°F for the rest of the cook time. Like the other method, it’s a good idea to brush the turkey every 15 to 20 minutes with butter or olive oil to help the surface brown and keep the meat moist.

How long do you cook a turkey for?

Turkey cooking times

1. allow 45 minutes per kilogram, plus 20 minutes, for a turkey under 4.5kg.
2. allow 40 minutes per kilogram for a turkey that’s between 4.5kg and 6.5kg.
3. allow 35 minutes per kilogram for a turkey of more than 6.5kg.