Can you roast a frozen turkey? Of course you can! This recipe will save the day if you don’t have time to let the turkey thaw. You can easily roast a frozen turkey with my recipe. The skin will get crispy, and the meat will be juicy and tender. Also, learn how to make delicious Giblet gravy that your family and guests will love!.
This recipe works great for a 8- to 11-pound frozen turkey! Some people might think it’s crazy to roast a frozen turkey, but it will turn out moist, juicy, and delicious.
This is because low heat lets the turkey cook slowly, which helps the turkey keep its juices. Slowly cooked meat is always tender in texture, and that’s why you’ll love this recipe!.
As long as you use simple, tasty ingredients and follow the simple steps in this recipe, you can turn a frozen turkey roast into the star of your next holiday meal or special event. Please try my Smothered Turkey Legs, Easy Roast Chicken, and Butter Pecan Cake for dessert.
Cooking a frozen turkey in a roaster oven may seem challenging, but with some planning and care, you can absolutely roast a delicious bird straight from the freezer.
As the holidays approach, you may find yourself needing to cook a frozen turkey on short notice. Maybe you forgot to thaw it ahead of time, your fridge is too full, or you want to skip the thawing hassle altogether. Whatever the reason, cooking from frozen is very doable.
Follow this complete guide for tips, timing, and techniques to safely roast a moist, flavorful turkey from frozen using an electric or conventional roaster oven
Why Cook a Frozen Turkey in a Roaster Oven?
Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to use the roaster oven method for a frozen bird:
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You forgot to transfer the turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw in time. Thawing a 12-14 lb turkey can take 3-4 days in the fridge.
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Your refrigerator is too full to properly thaw a large turkey. So your only good option is roasting it from frozen.
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You want to skip the time and mess involved with thawing the turkey Cooking from frozen does eliminate this step
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You unexpected need an extra turkey on short notice Roasting from frozen allows you to roast a store-bought frozen turkey in no time,
While less convenient than a thawed turkey, cooking frozen in a roaster oven can still produce amazing results. The meat can come out incredibly moist, tender and flavorful using the right roasting techniques.
Tips for Roasting a Turkey from Frozen
Roasting a frozen turkey requires some special considerations to ensure it cooks thoroughly without drying out or burning on the outside. Here are some handy tips and tricks:
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Allow significantly more cooking time – Plan for at least 50% extra roasting time compared to a thawed turkey. A general rule of thumb is about 13-15 minutes per pound for a frozen bird.
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Use a lower oven temperature – Cook the turkey at a lower temp, around 250°F to 325°F, to allow it to thaw gently as it cooks. This prevents the outside from overbrowning before the inside thaws.
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Roast breast-side up – Position the bird with the breast facing up in the roaster oven. The thicker breast meat takes longer to thaw and cook than the legs and thighs.
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Tent the turkey breast with foil – Loosely cover the breast with foil during the first half of roasting to prevent drying out. Remove for the last 1-2 hours for crispy skin.
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Don’t stuff it – Stuffed turkeys take much longer to cook, so it’s best to roast frozen turkeys unstuffed. Cook the stuffing separately.
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Use a meat thermometer – Monitor the internal temp in multiple spots to ensure the turkey reaches a safe 165°F all over. The cavity should also hit 165°F.
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Let it rest before carving – Never carve a roasted turkey straight from the oven. Let it rest at least 30 minutes so the juices can absorb back into the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting a Frozen Turkey
Follow these simple steps for foolproof results:
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Prepare the Turkey – Remove giblets, rinse, pat dry, and rub the skin with oil or butter. This helps the skin brown and makes it crispy.
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Season the Turkey – Generously season under and on top of the skin with salt, pepper, herbs like thyme or sage, etc. Getting seasoning under the skin really boosts flavor.
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Place Turkey in Roaster Breast-Side Up – Put the frozen turkey on a roasting rack breast-side up. The rack elevates it for air circulation and faster thawing.
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Tent Turkey Breast with Foil – Loosely tent the breast with foil, keeping thighs and drumsticks exposed. This prevents breast meat from drying out.
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Roast at 250-325°F – Roast frozen turkey at 250-325°F, calculating about 13-15 minutes per pound. Monitor internal temp in breast and thighs.
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Remove Foil, Increase Heat – Remove foil tent once breast hits 110°F. Increase heat to 350°F and rub breast with oil or butter for crisp skin.
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Check Internal Temp – Turkey is done once breast, thighs, legs and cavity all reach 165°F. The cavity takes longest to cook.
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Let Turkey Rest – Let roast rest at least 30 minutes before carving so juices can absorb back into the meat.
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Carve and Serve – Carve with a sharp knife and serve warm with your favorite holiday sides and fixings. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about roasting frozen turkeys in a roaster oven? Here are answers to some common queries:
Is it safe to cook a frozen turkey in a roaster oven?
Yes, it is completely safe provided the turkey reaches an internal temp of 165°F as measured in multiple places by a food thermometer. Good food safety practices should always be followed.
How long does it take to roast a 12-14 lb frozen turkey?
About 4 1/2 – 5 hours total at 325°F. Calculate 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Can I roast a partially frozen turkey in a roaster oven?
You can, but the timing will be harder to estimate. Check temperature frequently and adjust roasting time as needed. Fully frozen is easier.
Should I brine or marinate a frozen turkey?
It’s best not to brine or marinate a fully frozen turkey, as it must be at least partially thawed first. Simply rub with oil, butter and seasoning before roasting instead.
What temperature should I roast the frozen turkey at?
Cook at 250-325°F for most of the time, increasing to 350-375°F for the last hour if you want crispy skin. Higher initial heat risks burning the outside.
How should I position the turkey in the roaster oven?
Roast breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. The breast thaws and cooks slower than the dark meat. Elevating it helps air circulate to speed thawing.
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely! Strain the drippings, skim off excess fat, and use the delicious pan drippings to make flavorful roaster oven turkey gravy.
Can I prep the turkey the night before roasting?
You can rub herbs, oil, salt, pepper, etc on the frozen turkey and refrigerate overnight. But do not thaw before cooking or you risk spoilage.
The Takeaway
Cooking a delicious frozen turkey dinner in a roaster oven is entirely doable with some simple guidance. Allow ample time, use a roasting rack and pan, tent the breast, baste with butter, and monitor temperature.
With these handy tips for roasting turkeys from frozen, you’ll enjoy a perfectly cooked, moist and tender holiday bird using the convenient roaster oven method.
For the Butter and Spice Mix
When it comes to butter, unsalted butter is best. It will make the turkey taste better and add more richness as it cooks in the oven.
Spice mix: For the spice mix, we’ll need some salt. Black pepper. It will add a subtle kick and depth of flavor to the turkey. Oregano will infuse the turkey with a fragrant and earthy flavor, complementing the other spices.
Celery sticks: They will add a subtle, refreshing taste to the gravy and enhance its overall flavor.
Onion and garlic: We will also require onion and garlic for the gravy. They will give the gravy a sweet and savory base, adding depth and complexity to its flavor.
Butter: It will create richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
Paprika: For some smoky flavor.
Flour: To thicken the gravy and create a smooth and velvety texture.
Turkey giblets: They will add depth and a meaty taste to the sauce.
The Turkey Giblet Gravy
Step 1
In a large pan, Add the oil and butter. Add the giblets and fry until light brown.
Step 2
Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3
Pour the hot water and let the giblets cook. It will take from one hour and a half to two hours. Strain the stock and keep it aside. Finely mince the giblets and keep them aside.
Step 4
Pour the Turkey drippings into a bowl. Wait for a few minutes for the oil and drippings to separate. Remove the fat from the drippings using a ladle. Do not discard it.
Step 5
In a pan, add three tablespoons from the dripping fat, and then add the flour. Cook on medium heat for two minutes.
Step 6
Add the giblet stock and turkey drippings slowly while whisking. Be careful not to add the fat from the drippings. Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7
Add the minced giblets and cook on medium heat for a minute or two. Serve with mashed potatoes and slices of Turkey.
