How to cook a turkey: the easiest method for the classic Christmas or Thanksgiving bird
Where for Christmas day, Thanksgiving, or any time of year, it's probably time to brush up on how to cook a turkey. As Christmas and Thanksgiving are really the only two times of year that many of us will attempt to cook a roast turkey, it's hardly surprising that the task is a little daunting for some. It's like cooking a large roast chicken but there are some differences to take note of. We are here to help make it easy, so follow our guide to cooking times and our simple but effective top tips and we'll teach you how to cook the perfect turkey. Perhaps the hardest part is making room in the oven so preparation is key to make sure the roast potatoes have room too.
As for the leftovers, we have all the best Boxing Day recipes to use them up but really, you can't beat a turkey sandwich. If a whole turkey is a bit more than you were bargaining for, we have a recipe for a smaller turkey crown instead.
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How long to cook a turkey
| How long to cook a turkey: by weight | Roasting time | Resting time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3kg (6lb) | 1¾ - 2 hours | Up to 60 mins | 4-6 |
| 4kg (8lb) | 2 - 2¼ hours, | Up to 60 mins | 6 |
| 5kg (10lb) | 2¼ - 2½ hours | Up to 60 mins | 8 |
| 6kg (12lb) | 2½ - 2¾ hours | Up to 60 min | 8 |
| 7kg (14lb) | 2¾ -3 hours | Up to 60 min | 8-10 |
| 9kg (18lb) | 3½ - 4 hours | Up to 60 min | 10-14 |
| 11kg (22lb) | 4½ hours | Up to 60 min | 12-16 |
Top tips for cooking a turkey
- Stuffing the turkey increases cooking time, which dries out the bird. Instead, place two lemon halves, a few fresh bay leaves and a small onion into the cavity. Roll the stuffing into walnut-sized balls and roast them for 20 minutes while the turkey is resting.
- To check when the turkey is cooked, insert a skewer into the flesh of the thigh and hold a spoon underneath to catch the juices. If they are clear, rather than pink, it's cooked.
- Resting the turkey is crucial. Rest it breast-side down as the juices then flow into the breast meat. The skin isn't as crisp, but the flavour and texture is fantastic. A roasted turkey will sit in a warm place for up to 1 hour and still be steaming hot. This resting time is good for the bird, but also good for you as you can then do all the extra bits, such as roast the stuffing balls, the vegetables and the sauces.
- The juices from the roasting tray make a great, simple sauce, and are also good for pouring over the carved meat to keep it moist when serving. Remember to skim off any excess fat with a spoon.
And here are a few side suggestions:
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