A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Perfect Jennie-O Turkey
As the biggest meal of the year, it’s crucial to cook your Thanksgiving turkey just right. Jennie-O turkeys are a great choice, but how exactly do you prepare one? This guide will walk you through the foolproof process of cooking a juicy, flavorful Jennie-O turkey.
Choosing Your Jennie-O Turkey
Jennie-O offers a variety of turkey options like:
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Whole fresh turkeys – Available in a range of sizes from 8 to 24 lbs.
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Whole frozen turkeys – Pre-frozen for convenience
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Oven ReadyTM turkeys – Pre-seasoned and ready to cook from frozen.
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Turkey breast roasts – Boneless and easy to prepare.
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Other cuts – Drumsticks, thighs, ground turkey, etc.
Consider the number of people you need to serve, your refrigerator space, and cooking timeline when selecting the best Jennie-O turkey for your feast.
Thawing Your Turkey
Always thaw frozen turkeys before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. For faster thawing, submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Cook turkey immediately after thawing.
If using an Oven ReadyTM turkey, you can skip thawing and place directly in the oven while frozen.
Preparing Your Turkey
Before cooking, remove the neck and giblets if applicable. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Do not wash or rinse a frozen Oven ReadyTM turkey, just cook from frozen.
For whole turkeys, leaving the plastic leg clamp on during roasting allows the legs to cook evenly with the breast.
Cooking Your Jennie-O Turkey
Roasting is the easiest and most popular cooking method. Simply follow these steps:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
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Tent turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
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Roast, removing foil after 1 hour, until the internal temperature in the thigh reaches 180°F on a meat thermometer.
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Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Approximate roasting times:
- 8-12 lbs = 3 to 4 hours
- 12-18 lbs = 4 1⁄4 to 4 3⁄4 hours
- 18-24 lbs = 4 1⁄2 to 5 1⁄4 hours
For food safety, cook any stuffing in a casserole dish separate from the turkey.
Helpful Roasting Tips
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Brush turkey with oil or melted butter before cooking for golden crispy skin.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor doneness and avoid overcooking.
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Baste turkey every hour with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
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Tent with foil if browning too quickly or crank up heat at the end to crisp the skin.
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Let turkey rest before carving so juices redistribute for moist, tender meat.
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Place stuffing inside turkey right before serving for just a short time to warm after cooking separately.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftover Jennie-O turkey offers endless possibilities for creative recipes. Try turkey tacos, pot pie, sandwiches, casseroles, soups, salads, and more! Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.
With the proper thawing, preparation, roasting, and resting, you’ll enjoy a perfectly cooked Jennie-O turkey this Thanksgiving. Adjust cooking times as needed to reach a safe internal temperature. Resting and proper carving are also key. Follow this simple process for your best turkey yet.
Cooking a Turkey Breast
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place turkey breast on a rack in shallow pan.
- Roast skin side up at 325°F, using the times in the chart below and until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.
- Juices should run clear.
- Let turkey breast rest for 15 minutes prior to carving.
Approximate oven roasting time at 325°F:
- 3-6 pounds, 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours
- 6-8 pounds, 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 hours
Previous How Tos
How to Cook a Whole Turkey
- Heat oven to 325°F. Remove neck, giblet and gravy packet, if applicable. These may be used to prepare gravy or stuffing.
- The plastic leg clamp should be left on during cooking.
- 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.
- Let turkey stand 20 minutes before carving.
- For optimal safety, cook stuffing and turkey separately. If desired, add fully cooked stuffing to cooked turkey just prior to serving.
Approximate Oven Roasting Time at 325°F.
- 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.
JENNIE-O® Turkey – How to Cook a Turkey
FAQ
What is the best way to cook a Jennie O’ turkey?
- Heat oven to 325°F. …
- The plastic leg clamp should be left on during cooking.
- Place turkey on rack in shallow pan, breast side up, and loosely cover with foil. …
- 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.
Do you cook a 12 pound turkey at 325 or 350?
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Lower temperature for moist turkey:Cooking at 325°F is considered the preferred method for a large turkey as it allows for a slower, more even cook, preventing the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
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Check internal temperature:Regardless of the temperature you choose, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption.
What is the best way to cook a turkey without drying it out?
Rub one side of your triangle with olive oil and shape the foil (oil-side-down) over the turkey breast, then remove foil; it will shield your turkey breast …Nov 4, 2024
Do you brine a Jennie o turkey?
“There are more benefits than not to brining [your] turkey,” Chef Barry Greenberg, the culinary team lead at Hormel Foods (which owns Jennie-O), told Allrecipes. “You are almost guaranteed a delicious result when a turkey is brined and roasted properly.”
How do you cook a Jennie-O turkey breast?
There are several cooking methods that all yield delicious Jennie-O turkey breast. Here are some of the most popular options: This traditional cooking method evenly roasts the breast for great flavor. Place the seasoned breast on a rack in a roasting pan and cook at 325°F, basting periodically with butter, broth or drippings.
What temperature should a Jennie-O turkey breast be cooked to?
The ideal cooking temperature and time for a Jennie-O turkey breast depend on the cooking method. When roasting in the oven, preheat to 325°F (163°C) and place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan. What is Jennie-O turkey breast?
Are Jennie-O turkeys oven ready?
Jennie-O Oven Ready Whole Turkeys are distributed by Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC. This Jennie-O oven ready whole turkey was 12 pounds in size. Cooking this turkey for Thanksgiving was a simple and satisfying experience. This Jennie-O whole turkey is provided in a cooking bag, not to be removed during the cooking process.
How do you know if a Jennie-O turkey breast is cooked?
The only foolproof way to confirm your Jennie-O turkey breast is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F. The breast is done when it registers 165°F in the thickest part without touching bone. Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to settle.
How to cook Jennie O Turkey Tenderloin in oven?
How to cook Jennie O’ turkey tenderloin in the oven? Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven, cover and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
What is Jennie-O turkey breast?
Jennie-O turkey breast is a versatile and delicious protein option that can be enjoyed for a variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for your holiday table or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, Jennie-O turkey breast has you covered.