Thanksgiving is here and you want to roast a Butterball Turkey (or turkey of your choice). Okay, now you know how to roast a turkey the easy way, so every time you make a turkey, it will be juicy and golden brown. single. time. I promise it’s so much easier than you think. ANYONE can make a great turkey. Add my tutorial for making amazing Gravy and Cornbread Stuffing and Thanksgiving is served!.
Cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion can seem daunting, especially when dealing with a large bird like a 19 pounder Have no fear! With some simple preparation and the right roasting technique, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to roast a delicious 19 pound Butterball turkey.
Choosing and Thawing Your Turkey
Butterball is one of the most popular and trusted turkey brands for good reason – their birds are reliably tender and moist A fresh or frozen whole Butterball turkey is a great choice for roasting.
Be sure to allot enough time for thawing if using a frozen turkey. The recommended thawing time is 24 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey. So a 19 pounder will need at least 4 days in the refrigerator. For a quicker thaw, submerge the turkey (in its original wrapping) in a sink or large container filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This will thaw a turkey at a rate of 30 minutes per pound, so your 19 pound bird will be ready in about 9-10 hours.
Prepping the Turkey
Once thawed, pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels Remove the giblet bag and neck from the interior Rinse the turkey cavity briefly with cool water and pat dry. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen string. This helps the turkey hold its shape while roasting.
Generously season the inside cavity with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, put an onion quartered, a few garlic cloves, a bay leaf and some fresh herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme inside the cavity. Rub the outside of the turkey all over with softened butter. This helps achieve crispy golden skin. Sprinkle the outside liberally with salt and pepper or any additional desired seasonings.
Calculating Roasting Time
The best way to ensure your turkey cooks through without drying out is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Turkey is safe to eat once the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F and the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175°F.
For a 19 pound unstuffed turkey, estimate a total roasting time of about 4 1/2 to 5 hours at 325°F. Stuffed birds take a little longer, so allow 5 to 5 1/2 hours of roasting time. These time ranges account for the difference between fresh and frozen turkeys.
To get the crispiest skin, start the turkey at a high temperature – around 425°F – for the first 30 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the remainder of the roasting time. Tent the turkey with foil if the skin starts becoming too brown before the interior is cooked through.
Roasting Positions and Pan
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air circulation all around. The rack lifts the turkey up so the bottom doesn’t cook unevenly. If you don’t have a rack, try crumpling foil to make a platform. Add about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to help keep the drippings from burning.
Roast the turkey breast side up for the most even cooking. Some ovens hot spots may cause over browning, so rotate the pan halfway through if necessary.
Checking for Doneness
About 1 hour before the estimated finish time, begin checking the turkey’s temperature in several places with an instant read thermometer. Insert the probe into the deepest part of the breast, thigh and stuffing if stuffed. Once the temperatures reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs, the turkey is done.
The pop up indicator on frozen Butterball turkeys can also be used to check for completion. It will pop up when fully cooked. Allow the turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute. Then slice and serve this delicious centerpiece!
With the right prep and roasting technique, you’ll have a juicy, perfectly cooked 19 pound turkey for your next holiday meal. Let the savory aroma and beautiful presentation impress your guests. Just follow this guide for roasting success!
Turkey Roasting Tips
Here are some additional tips for roasting turkey perfectly:
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Brining or marinating the turkey in advance helps ensure juiciness. Soak in a saltwater brine 6-12 hours before roasting.
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Maintain a consistent roasting temperature. Opening the oven frequently causes temperature drops that can dry out the turkey.
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Use a leave-in meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature without opening the oven.
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Tent the turkey with foil if it browns too quickly while roasting.
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Letting the turkey rest after roasting allows juices to be reabsorbed for moister meat.
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Carve the turkey just before serving to prevent it from drying out. Keep carved meat warm in foil.
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Store leftovers in shallow containers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.
Get Plump, Juicy Turkey Results
When tackling a large bird like a 19 pound turkey, having the right roasting roadmap takes the stress out of holiday cooking. Now you can feel totally prepared to roast your Butterball turkey to golden, juicy perfection. Just allow enough time for proper thawing and roasting, season generously, use a meat thermometer, and let it rest before serving. Your beautiful, delicious turkey is sure to be the talk of the dinner table. Enjoy!
Roasted Turkey Tips and Variations
Where you place your turkey in the oven matters. Your turkey will brown quicker if its on a higher rack. If its on a lower rack, it will brown slower. If you see that your turkey has nice brown spots but isn’t cooked yet, just cover it with foil, lower it in the oven, and keep roasting it until it reaches the right temperature inside. That meat thermometer is key for roasting a juicy bird.
Do I Have to Baste my Turkey?
In my opinion, no, you absolutely do not have to baste your bird. Is it a nice thing to do and is pretty traditional as far as Thanksgiving goes. Does it help the turkey brown? Sure, but since we butter-covered the whole thing, it should stay juicy and get really crispy on the outside.
How to Roast a Turkey – Butterball
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long do you cook a 19 pound turkey and at what temperature?
Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered Butterball?
How long does it take to cook a 20lb turkey at 325 in the oven?