After learning how to cook a turkey in a bag, a perfectly browned, juicy Thanksgiving turkey could be on your table this year—finally!
Cooking turkey in a bag sounds strange, but its benefits are legendary. A turkey roasting bag doesn’t just lock in juice and flavor—it keeps in the mess for easy cleanup. Or use the drippings to make gravy from scratch. Now that’s something to be thankful for!
Cooking turkey in a Reynolds oven bag is a game-changer for getting tender, juicy meat infused with flavor. These bags create the ideal environment for roasting turkey by sealing in moisture and allowing seasonings to thoroughly penetrate the meat. But how long should you cook a turkey in one of these bags?
The answer depends on a few factors:
Turkey Size
The weight of your turkey is the biggest determinant of oven bag cook time. A small 10 pound bird will roast faster than a 20 pounder. Reynolds provides cooking time guidelines based on weight to take the guesswork out of how long your turkey needs.
Here’s an overview of oven bag cook times by turkey weight
- 10-12 pounds: 1 1/2 – 2 hours
- 12-16 pounds: 2 – 2 1/4 hours
- 16-20 pounds: 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 hours
- 20-24 pounds: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
So if you have a 14 pound turkey, plan on around 2 to 2 1/4 hours roasting time
Stuffed vs. Unstuffed
A stuffed turkey will need more time than an unstuffed one. The stuffing must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F, so cook stuffed birds about 30 minutes longer.
Follow Reynolds’ guide:
- Unstuffed: 1 1/2 – 3 hours
- Stuffed: 2 – 3 1/2 hours
It’s best to rely on a meat thermometer over cook times for safety.
Turkey Parts
For just a breast, drumsticks, or other cuts, reduce cook time. A 2 1/2 to 5 pound boneless turkey breast takes about 1 1/4 – 2 hours. Bone-in parts may need up to 15 minutes longer.
Temperature
The oven temp you use can also affect total roasting time. Reynolds calls for 350°F for whole turkeys and 325°F for parts. Higher temps will speed things up slightly, while lower oven temperatures will increase cook time.
Elevation
Higher elevations will increase the time needed. Add 5 minutes per pound if you live 5,000 feet or more above sea level.
Final Doneness
Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying on cook times. Turkey and stuffing must reach 165°F at the thickest part. For well done with no pink, cook to 180°F.
Let the turkey rest about 20 minutes before carving for the juiciest meat.
Turkey Breast in a Bag
Many home cooks opt to roast just a turkey breast for smaller holiday gatherings. A boneless turkey breast half takes only 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 hours in an oven bag, while a bone-in breast needs closer to 2 hours.
Be sure to use Reynolds Kitchens® Large Oven Bags for good coverage over the breast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Roasting turkey in a Reynolds oven bag is simple:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.
-
Add 1 Tbsp flour to the bag and shake to coat. This prevents sticking and bursting.
-
Place seasoned turkey in the bag on a bed of aromatics like onion and celery.
-
Close bag with nylon tie. Make 5-6 half-inch slits in the top.
-
Roast according to weight, checking temperature at minimum time.
-
Let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Benefits of Cooking Turkey in a Bag
There are several advantages to oven bag roasting over traditional methods:
- Seals in moisture for tender, juicy meat
- Intensifies flavor as seasonings fully permeate the turkey
- Prevents spills and messes in the oven
- Easy clean-up – just toss out bag after use
- Shortened cook times from the bag trapping heat
You’ll get the same gorgeous, golden browning without dried out meat.
Alternatives to Reynolds Oven Bags
Reynolds Kitchens® Turkey Oven Bags are specifically designed for roasting poultry. But you can also use plain oven roasting bags. Allow a little extra time as they may be thinner than Reynolds bags.
You can also roast in parchment paper or foil. However, these won’t deliver quite the same level of moisture retention and flavor infusion as oven bags. Make sure to tent and seal well with foil, and add broth to the pan for extra moisture.
Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey in a Reynolds Bag Every Time
Reynolds oven bags take the guesswork and stress out of roasting turkey. Follow their trusted guidelines for weight and cook times based on food safety standards. Checking final temperature is a must for delicious, safely cooked turkey that stays nice and juicy.
Tips for How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Taste of Home
How do I get the turkey skin to brown?
Believe it or not, the skin will brown inside the bag. To increase browning, brush the turkey with oil or butter before cooking.
How To Cook a Turkey In A Bag (Reynolds Oven Bags) – Roast Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Reynolds oven bag?
Place stick butter on top of turkey. Close bag and tie-leave only a small amount of room between bag sides and turkey. Cut six slits into bag. Roast 2 1/2- 3hours or until turkey leg separates easily and meat falls off.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
-
Crispy skin:Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 350 degrees can help brown the skin more effectively, creating a crispier texture.
-
Moist meat:While a higher temperature might seem like it could dry out the meat, using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensuring you don’t overcook is key to keeping the turkey juicy regardless of the cooking temperature.
-
Cooking time:Cooking at 325 degrees will typically take longer than cooking at 350 degrees.
Do turkeys cook faster in a bag?
The bag traps moisture as the turkey roasts, and drips back over the bird, basting it so you don’t have to. Roasting in a bag saves time. Your turkey will cook about an hour faster in an oven bag.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to cook in a bag?
8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours; 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours; 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours; 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
How long does a Turkey take to cook in a Reynolds oven bag?
Just be sure to factor in any differences in cook times if venturing away from the trusty Reynolds oven bag! Cooking times for a turkey in a Reynolds Oven Bag depend on the size of your turkey, but you can expect a 16-20 pound turkey to take around 2 3/4 – 3 hours at 350°F oven temperature.
How long do you cook a Turkey in an oven bag?
If you prefer a well-done turkey with no pink juices, cook until 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone). A turkey roasted in an oven bag will usually cook one hour faster than traditional open roasted methods. For approximate cooking times, follow the oven bag turkey cooking times chart.
How long should a Turkey rest in a Reynolds oven bag?
Let turkey rest in bag for 15 minutes before removing and carving. Follow these estimated roasting times when cooking your turkey in a Reynolds oven bag:
How do you cook a Turkey in a Reynolds oven?
Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove giblets from turkey cavities. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Brush with vegetable oil or melted butter. Season inside cavity and outside of turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs. Add 1 Tbsp flour to Reynolds Oven Bag. Position bag in roasting pan. Place seasoned turkey inside bag breast-side up.
Can you cook a turkey breast in a Reynolds oven bag?
Cooking a turkey breast can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy if you use a Reynolds oven bag. These bags create a closed environment that locks in moisture and flavor for tender, juicy meat. Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey breast every time. Why Cook Turkey Breast in a Bag?
What temperature should a Turkey be cooked in a Reynolds bag?
Here is a breakdown of the approximate cooking times for a turkey (unstuffed) cooked in a Reynolds bag at 350°F (175°C): It’s important to note that the provided cooking times are estimates, and it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey has reached the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).