Heat oven to 325°F. Remove neck, giblet and gravy packet, if applicable. These may be used to prepare gravy or stuffing.
Place turkey on rack in shallow pan, breast side up, and loosely cover with foil. Remove foil after 1 hour of cooking.
Roast until timer pops up and turkey is fully-cooked, 180°F as measured by a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. ALWAYS confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Juices should run clear.
For optimal safety, cook stuffing and turkey separately. If desired, add fully cooked stuffing to cooked turkey just prior to serving.
If you’ve bought a supermarket turkey, you’ve likely noticed the odd plastic device holding the drumsticks together. This leg holder keeps the legs compact during processing and packaging.
But when it’s time to cook your turkey, should you remove this plastic piece or is it safe to roast the bird with it on? Here’s a comprehensive look at whether you can cook a turkey with the leg holder attached.
What Is the Plastic Leg Holder Called?
The plastic or metal contraption binding the turkey’s legs is known as a hock lock or leg clamps. It keeps the legs tucked neatly together rather than splayed out.
Hock locks are usually made from heat-resistant nylon that can withstand high cooking temperatures, But other materials like metal may also be used
Is It Safe to Cook the Turkey With the Hock Lock On?
Yes, you can safely cook the turkey with the plastic leg holder left on. The nylon hock locks are designed to withstand oven roasting temperatures up to 500°F.
However, if you plan to deep fry or grill the turkey, remove the hock lock first. The extremely high heat can potentially melt the plastic.
For optimal safety use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches 165°F internally regardless of whether you keep the hock lock on or not.
Can You Leave the Pop-Up Timer Inside?
The pop-up thermometer indicator found in some turkeys is also safe to roast in the oven. But again, remove it before deep frying as the high heat could damage it.
Verify the final temperature with a meat thermometer for reliability since pop-up timers can vary.
Pros and Cons of Leaving the Leg Holder On
Pros:
- Holds legs neatly together for a streamlined appearance
- Prevents legs from flopping around during roasting
Cons:
- Can hinder heat circulation between legs, leading to uneven cooking
- Harder to remove giblets and neck with legs bound
- May make stuffing the cavity challenging
Other Turkey Handling Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
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Discard meat if plastic packaging has melted into it during cooking.
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Remove giblet wrapper before cooking whether paper or plastic.
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Always cook stuffing in turkey to minimum 165°F temperature.
The Bottom Line
The plastic leg holder or hock lock does not need to be removed before roasting or oven cooking the turkey. The nylon is heat resistant and safe up to 500°F.
However, do remove it before deep frying as the extremely high oil temperature can potentially melt the plastic. Always verify final doneness with a meat thermometer for safety.
While not mandatory, removing the leg holder provides more even heat circulation and easier access for stuffing. Do what works best for your preparation and cooking preferences.
HOW MUCH TURKEY DO I NEED?ADULTSKIDS LEFTOVERS BIG EATERS
Turkey Weight & Cooking Times
- 8-12 pounds, 3-1/2 hours to 4 hours.
- 12-18 pounds, 4-1/4 hours to 4-3/4 hours.
- 18-22 pounds, 4-1/2 hours to 5 hours.
- 22-24 pounds, 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 hours.
Wash hands and all items that come into contact with uncooked turkey.
Find more whole turkey basics here. Previous How Tos
Removing Plastic Clip
FAQ
Can you bake turkey with a plastic leg holder?
Safety: The plastic insert is not meant to be cooked and may not be safe for consumption. Cooking it along with the turkey can potentially release harmful chemicals or cause the plastic to melt (1). Even cooking: Removing the plastic insert allows for more even cooking of the turkey, especially the legs.
Do you remove plastic from butterball turkey?
Thaw the roast in refrigerator for 2 days. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the roast out of plastic bag. Do not remove the netting.
Do you cook a turkey with the legs tied?
And some cooks say that leaving the legs untied helps air circulate around the legs and thighs, resulting in more areas of beautifully crispy skin. To truss or not to truss is ultimately up to you, but most cooks can agree that a trussed turkey looks better on the platter.
Can you cook Turkey with a plastic leg holder?
Yes, you can cook turkey with the plastic leg holder. The plastic leg holder is a device that helps to keep the turkey legs from falling off during cooking. It is typically made of a heat-resistant plastic and has two pieces that fit around the turkey’s legs.
What is a turkey leg holder?
The plastic leg holder is a device that helps to keep the turkey legs from falling off during cooking. It is typically made of a heat-resistant plastic and has two pieces that fit around the turkey’s legs. The plastic leg holder can be placed in the oven with the turkey and will help to keep the turkey legs from drying out.
Can you put a turkey leg holder in the oven?
The plastic leg holder is typically used to hold the turkey’s legs together during transportation and storage. However, it is not meant to be used during the cooking process. When the turkey is placed in the oven, the plastic leg holder can melt and release harmful chemicals into the meat, making it unsafe to eat.
Can you eat a turkey without a leg holder?
If they appear damaged, then the meat isn’t safe to eat. Leaving the plastic leg holder in place won’t damage the turkey as long as you roast it at a low enough temperature. Whether or not you leave it in place is a matter of personal preference. However, if you remove it, the bird may cook more evenly.
How do you use a plastic leg holder?
To use a plastic leg holder, follow these steps: 1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting pan. 2. Insert the two pieces of the plastic leg holder around the turkey’s legs. 3. Secure the plastic leg holder in place with a piece of kitchen twine. 4. Cook the turkey according to the recipe.
What happens if you leave a plastic leg holder on a Turkey?
Leaving the plastic leg holder on the turkey while cooking can have serious consequences. The plastic can melt and mix with the meat, leading to a potentially toxic combination. In addition to the health risks, cooking the turkey with the plastic leg holder can also impact the taste and texture of the meat.