Making Turkey the Day Before: A Stress-Free Guide

Cooking a turkey and all the sides for a big holiday meal can be extremely stressful With so many dishes to prepare, timing everything perfectly is nearly impossible. That’s why many home cooks have started preparing their turkeys the day before the big feast.

Making the turkey ahead of time frees up valuable oven space and allows you to focus on sides appetizers and desserts on the big day. You get to enjoy more time with family and friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

While the idea sounds great in theory, many worry that preparing the bird in advance will cause it to dry out or lose flavor But with the proper techniques, you can make turkey ahead of time and still have it come out juicy and delicious.

Why Make Turkey Ahead of Time?

There are several excellent reasons to prepare your holiday turkey the day before or even earlier:

• Frees up oven space – With the turkey already handled, your oven is open to cook side dishes, rolls, pies and more on the holiday without timing and coordination issues.

• Allows more prep time – Having the turkey ready to go gives you more time to focus on appetizers, side dishes, desserts and other items on your holiday menu.

• Reduces stress – You get to spend more quality time with guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen on the big day.

• Makes carving easier – Carving a piping hot turkey can be difficult. Doing it ahead of time means you can take your time and get perfect slices.

• Leftovers ready faster – Pre-cut turkey makes it easier to quickly assemble leftover sandwiches and casseroles.

How Far in Advance Can You Cook a Turkey?

Most experts agree you can safely roast a turkey 1-2 days before the meal. Some brave cooks have even been known to cook turkeys up to 5 days in advance with proper refrigeration. However, the quality does start to decline after 3-4 days.

For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to roast the turkey 1-2 days before serving. This gives you plenty of time to get it ready without compromising too much on freshness.

Tips for Delicious Make-Ahead Turkey

With the right techniques, your pre-roasted turkey can taste just as amazing as one cooked the same day. Here are some tips:

• Dry brine the turkey – Rubbing the turkey all over with salt, herbs and citrus zest a day or two before roasting helps ensure a flavorful, moist bird. The salt penetrates deep into the meat.

• Cook thoroughly – Make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs and drumsticks. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

• Let it rest – Letting the cooked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving allows juices to redistribute for better moisture. Tenting with foil helps keep it warm.

• Carve carefully – Take your time slicing the turkey to get clean, thin cuts. Keep sliced white and dark meat separate for even reheating.

• Save drippings – Strain pan drippings to use for gravy, stuffing and other dishes. This boosts turkey flavor.

• Store properly – Keep turkey tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. Use shallow containers so meat reheats quickly. Store at 40°F or below.

• Reheat gently – Warm turkey slowly in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Check internal temperature. Add broth or reserved drippings to keep moist.

Delicious Make-Ahead Turkey Recipes

Here are some fantastic make-ahead turkey recipes from top celebrity chefs and cooking experts:

• Ina Garten’s Make Ahead Roast Turkey – The Barefoot Contessa slathers her turkey in lemon-thyme butter before roasting. She slices the breast and warms it in homemade gravy for serving.

• Thomas Keller’s Two-Day Turkey – The famous chef behind The French Laundry dry brines his bird for two days before roasting for incredible flavor.

• Martha Stewart’s Roast and Reheat Turkey – Martha’s recipe includes a simple herb rub and gravy made from pan drippings for serving. She recommends roasting turkey 4 days in advance.

• Monica Matheny’s Make-Ahead Turkey – This helpful tutorial features step-by-step photos for roasting, carving and reheating turkey so it stays moist.

• Cook’s Illustrated Make-Ahead Turkey and Gravy – Their method involves roasting the turkey parts separately for optimal results. Turkey is rewarmed in its own juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep turkey moist when cooking it ahead of time?

• Dry brining, proper resting, careful slicing, and slow reheating all help retain moisture. Storing slices tightly wrapped and in turkey juices also prevents drying out.

What’s the best way to reheat pre-cooked turkey?

• Slowly warming the turkey in a 325°F oven with reserved juices or broth poured over it works well. Flash reheating at 450°F is faster but can dry out the meat.

Should you make turkey gravy ahead too?

• Yes, gravy can also be made 1-2 days in advance. Prepare it after roasting the turkey using the pan drippings. Let it cool fully before refrigerating. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I cook a turkey, slice it and freeze it to use later?

• It’s not recommended. Frozen pre-cooked turkey tends to become dry and stringy when thawed and reheated. For best quality, only refrigerate turkey for 1-3 days max before serving.

The Takeaway

With proper roasting, storage and reheating techniques, preparing your holiday turkey the day before can help make the big meal much less stressful. You get all the great flavor and moisture of a fresh cooked turkey without the huge time commitment on the big day. Give it a try this year for a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday feast.