On Thanksgiving Day, there can be a fierce competition for oven space as people bake their own pies, reheat their favorite holiday casseroles, and brown the dinner rolls. You need a detailed plan to make the perfect feast. You need to know exactly when the stuffing will go in and the mac and cheese will come out. And then theres the true hog of the oven: the ever-important roasted turkey. Not only does it require lots of space to roast to juicy perfection, it requires plenty of time. But just how much time?.
The turkey is the most important part of a Thanksgiving meal, no matter how good the sides are or how pretty the dessert table is. What else is there to say? Turkey Day is all about the bird! That’s why it’s important to know how to thaw a turkey, season it, and cook it for the right amount of time. Use this guide and there will be no guessing games on Thanksgiving Day. To determine the cook time, start with the size of the bird and whether or not its stuffed. For people who like brined turkey, you might want to add an extra day. The Pioneer Woman does this. ).
The best thing you can do on Thanksgiving Day is plan ahead. This guide will help you make sure you have enough time to cook your turkey, whether you want to stick to the traditional roasted turkey or try something new this year, like Ree Drummonds’ fancy bacon-wrapped bird! And no matter what, do like the pros and factor in resting time for your bird. It’s best to let the turkey rest for at least an hour after cooking so that the juices can redistribute and make the meat as juicy as possible.
Cooking a large turkey like a 28 pounder for Thanksgiving or another holiday meal can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with proper planning and technique. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your extra-large turkey turns out juicy, flavorful and picture perfect.
Choosing the Right Turkey
Opting for a high quality fresh or thawed turkey is ideal for getting the best results. Look for a turkey that is labeled “Grade A” and check the packaging date to make sure it wasn’t packaged too far in advance. Some fresh turkeys are packaged within just a few days of slaughter to retain optimal freshness.
When dealing with a bird as large as 28 pounds, make sure you have ample refrigerator space to store it properly. You’ll need enough room for the turkey to lay flat without touching other foods.
Proper Thawing
For a 28 pound turkey, thawing is a multiple day process unless using a faster method like cold water thawing. Make sure to allot enough time for thawing based on your refrigerator temperature:
- At 40°F – Approximately 5 days
- At 35°F – Approximately 7 days
Keep the turkey in its original wrapping during thawing and place it on a tray or pan to catch any juices. Avoid thawing at room temperature as this can cause bacterial growth.
If short on time, you can thaw in cold water in roughly 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. For a 28 pounder, this will take about 14 hours.
Seasoning the Bird
A basic salt and pepper rub seasoned under and on top of the skin is all you need for a flavorful roast turkey. Adding aromatic herbs and spices like thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley and garlic can provide extra depth.
Make sure to generously season the inside cavity as well. Stuffing the cavity is optional but can contribute more flavors.
Let the seasoned turkey rest in the refrigerator uncovered for 24 hours before roasting so the salt has time to penetrate. This helps season the meat all the way through.
Calculating Cook Time
The general guideline for roasting an unstuffed turkey is 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For a 28 pound turkey, this equals about 7 hours total cooking time.
However, larger turkeys over 20 pounds often require adding more time. Plan for 18-20 minutes per pound, putting the estimated time at 9 to 9 1/2 hours.
Use these time ranges as a starting point, always relying on a meat thermometer to gauge doneness rather than total time.
Monitoring Temperature
Investing in a good meat thermometer is vital for roasting turkey successfully. Ovens can run hot or cold and every bird cooks differently.
Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, without touching the bone. Once both register 165°F to 170°F, your turkey is done.
Check the temperature periodically starting about 2 hours before the estimated finish time. If the breast or thigh temperature maxes out before the rest of the turkey is fully cooked, tent it with foil to prevent overcooking.
Resting and Carving
Never skip the resting time after roasting a turkey! Resting allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat for a juicier carved turkey. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Use a sharp knife and carve parallel to the bone starting with the breast. Make thin slices taking care not to shred the meat. Slice the thigh next and finally the wings.
Arrange the carved turkey on a large platter and pour the collected juices from the carving board on top. This keeps each slice moist.
Food Safety
Proper food safety is crucial when dealing with a large bird like a 28 pound turkey. Always thaw in the refrigerator, avoid room temperature thawing. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured in multiple spots with a food thermometer.
Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly later to 165°F. With proper handling, you can safely enjoy leftover turkey for 4-5 days after cooking.
Cooking Methods
Roasting in the oven is the traditional method for a whole turkey, but alternative cooking methods can also yield delicious results:
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Grill – Use a charcoal or gas grill with ample space. Indirect heat works best.
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Fry – Deep fry for a crispy, juicy bird. Use a large propane pot and lots of oil.
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Smoke – For added flavor, smoke the turkey in a smoker box or grill attachment.
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Spatchcock – Flatten the bird by removing backbone and pressing to flatten. Cooks faster.
Alternatives to Whole Turkey
If a 28 pound whole turkey is too daunting or you have a smaller gathering, opt for other turkey options:
- Cook two smaller 12-15 pound turkeys
- Roast just a turkey breast (much quicker cook time)
- Purchase a pre-cooked smoked turkey
- Make turkey breasts, legs or just white/dark meat
Key Tips for 28 Pound Turkey
To summarize, here are some key tips to ensure turkey success:
- Thaw fully in fridge 5-7 days before
- Season generously under and on skin
- Calculate 18-20 minutes per pound at 325°F
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness
- Let rest 30 minutes before carving
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
With proper technique and safety, a 28 pound turkey can be just as easy and delicious as smaller birds. Focus on temperature and adequate thawing and cooking times for the best, juiciest holiday turkey centerpiece.
How long per pound do I cook my turkey?
How long the turkey needs to roast depends on how big it is and whether it’s stuffed or not. As a general rule, roast your turkey for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. However, to make sure the bird doesn’t get too rare or too done, a thermometer reading is the best way to go. The suggested cooking times below are for a turkey thats roasted at 325 degrees.
8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hours
8 to 12 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
12 to 14 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
20 to 24 pounds 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
Do you cook a turkey longer if it is stuffed?
Yes, a stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed bird. An instant read thermometer must read at least 165 degrees in the middle of the stuffing to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. A turkey that isn’t stuffed must also reach 165 degrees, but the thermometer probe should be put into the deepest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone, so that the reading is correct.
Our advice? Cook the stuffing separately in a baking dish. This keeps things from getting dirty and is also the only way to make sure the stuffing turns golden and slightly crisp on top. Of course, the holidays are all about keeping family traditions alive, so it’s up to you if you stuff your bird or not.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How many hours do you cook a 28 lb turkey?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long to cook a 29 lb turkey at 350 degrees?
How many people will a 28 pound turkey feed?