If you were shocked to learn that you could roast a frozen turkey, you’re in for another surprise: You can roast that turkey while you sleep, too.
At a typical roasting temperature (around 325ºF), a large turkey can take upwards of four hours to roast. Add in pulling the bird out of the fridge beforehand to take off the chill, rest time, and carving, and you’re looking at nearly six hours. If you aim to serve your turkey around lunchtime, this means starting things at 7 a.m. If you can feel your blood pressure rising just thinking about it, don’t fret, there’s an easier way: roast the turkey overnight.
The unconventional cooking method of roasting a turkey while you sleep might seem crazy on the outset, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Cooked low and slow, turkey is tender, juicy, and pretty hard to mess up.
Cooking the perfect turkey can seem daunting but have no fear – cooking your turkey low and slow at 250°F is a safe and reliable technique for moist tender results. Here’s a complete guide to safely roasting your turkey at a low temperature.
Why Cook a Turkey at 250°F?
There are several benefits to slow roasting your turkey at a lower oven temperature
-
Juicier and More Tender Meat: The collagen in the meat has time to break down, creating very moist and tender meat. The lower heat prevents the breast meat from drying out.
-
Better Heat Distribution The heat has time to gently penetrate and cook the turkey evenly from the inside out No cold or hot spots
-
Smoother Gravy: The lower heat doesn’t burn the juices or fond in the pan, allowing you to make an incredibly rich and flavorful gravy.
-
More Forgiving Method: Cooking low and slow gives you more leeway if the turkey needs a bit more time. Less risk of overcooking and drying out the meat.
So for the most foolproof, delicious and tender turkey possible, the 250°F oven method is tried and true.
Is 250°F Oven Temperature Safe?
Yes, roasting at 250°F is a safe method for cooking turkey, as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines:
-
Always use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh areas. This ensures any bacteria are killed and the meat is safe to consume.
-
Calculate the cook time accurately based on the size of your turkey. Larger birds will need more time at the lower heat. Expect approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
-
Do not stuff the turkey, as stuffing may not reach 165°F at the lower oven temp. Cook stuffing separately.
-
Let the cooked turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
As long as you monitor with a thermometer for doneness and allow plenty of time for a large turkey to come up to temp, the 250°F roasting method is completely safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting a Turkey at 250°F
Follow these simple steps for perfect results when cooking your turkey low and slow.
1. Thaw the Turkey
- If frozen, thaw turkey completely in the refrigerator 1-2 days before roasting. This prevents bacteria growth.
2. Remove Giblets & Rinse Turkey
- When ready to cook, remove bag of giblets from cavity (use for gravy or discard).
- Rinse turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Prepare Aromatics for the Cavity
- Stuff cavity with quartered onion, fresh herbs, garlic cloves, lemon wedges. Provides great flavor.
4. Prepare Roasting Pan
- Place turkey on a rack in roasting pan, breast side up. Allows air circulation.
5. Rub Turkey with Butter
- Loosen skin from breast and rub softened butter underneath to keep meat moist.
6. Truss Turkey
- Use kitchen string to truss wings and legs closed to the body for even cooking.
7. Roast Turkey at 250°F
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Place turkey in oven, tent breast loosely with foil to prevent over browning.
8. Check Temperature & Estimate Cook Time
- Turkey is done when breast is 165°F and thighs are 175°F. Calculate approximately 15-20 mins per lb.
9. Let Turkey Rest Before Carving
- Allow turkey to rest at least 20-30 mins before slicing to let juices redistribute.
10. Make Gravy from Pan Drippings
- Prepare gravy from strained pan drippings, broth and seasonings.
Turkey Roasting Tips
- Always thoroughly thaw turkey before roasting
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness
- Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound at 250°F for approximate cook time
- Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving
- Baste occasionally with pan drippings to keep moist
- Add root vegetables under turkey to roast in drippings
Is It Safe to Cook a Turkey at 250°F?
Yes, cooking your turkey low and slow at 250°F is a completely safe method when proper food safety practices are followed. The keys are using a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F internally, allowing ample time for a large bird to fully cook through, and letting it rest before serving.
When roasted properly, a 250° turkey yields incredibly juicy, tender meat with rich drippings for gravy. If you’ve never tried this technique, make this the year you ditch dried out turkeys for good! Your holiday table will thank you.
How to Cook a Turkey Overnight
- When you’re starting to think about going to bed, preheat your oven to somewhere between 170-180ºF. If your oven temperature does not go this low, set it to its coolest setting; anything up to 200ºF is fine. Pull the turkey out of the refrigerator, season it with salt and aromatics, and rub the outside with butter. Set a rack in a roasting pan, fill the pan with about a quart of water, arrange the turkey breast-side up on the rack, and wrap the pan tightly in aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey while you sleep and get ready in the morning (as long as 9-11 hours). Don’t worry about basting; the low temperature and moisture from the water will cook it gently.
- Remove the foil and take the turkey’s temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Your end goal: a temperature of 160ºF in the breast and 170-175ºF in the thigh. Keep roasting at a low temperature until it is getting close to these numbers, around 155ºF. Remove the pan from the oven and turn up the heat to 475ºF. Once preheated, roast the turkey until the skin has browned and it is 160ºF in the breast and 170-175ºF in the thigh, about 15-30 minutes.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Carve and serve!
We tested this with a 14-pound turkey, and it took 10-1/2 hours for it to come to 155ºF, and another 15 minutes for the skin to brown and the temperature to read 160ºF. Do note that smaller birds may dry out a bit if cooked for this long, and don’t take very long to roast to at a conventional temperature, eliminating the problem this overnight method solves. This technique might make sense, however, if you’re roasting a turkey in the neighborhood of 16-20 pounds. For the most freshly-cooked bird possible, plan to tuck in to your Thanksgiving meal around lunchtime.
How to cook a TURKEY at 250 degrees
FAQ
Can I cook a turkey at 250 degrees?
Cooking a turkey overnight at 250 degrees is safe if you follow essential guidelines and prioritize food safety.
What is the lowest temperature you can safely cook a turkey at?
Roasting Your Turkey
Set your oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Place your turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. For optimum safety, stuffing a turkey is not recommended. For more even cooking, it is recommended you cook your stuffing outside the bird in a casserole.
Is it safe to cook a roast at 250 degrees?
This helps redistribute juices and can continue cooking the meat slightly, improving safety and flavor. In summary, cooking meat at 250°F can be safe and delicious if you monitor the cooking time and ensure that the meat reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 250 or 350?
Oven-Roasted Turkey
We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.
Can you cook a 15 pound turkey at 275 degrees?
Yes, you can cook a turkey at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to roast a 15-pound turkey or 10 minutes per pound. At lower temperatures, the meat stays in the Danger Zone. What is the safest way to defrost a turkey? The USDA says the safest way to defrost a turkey is in the refrigerator.
Is it safe to cook a turkey overnight?
This method is dangerous and involves cooking the turkey at 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit overnight for 12 to 13 hours. A low oven temperature means the turkey will take longer to heat, increasing the risk of harmful bacteria growth and the production of poisons that may not be destroyed with further cooking.
What temperature should a Turkey be cooked at?
When cooking a turkey at 250 you are using a much lower temperature than normal. Cooking at this low temperature increases the cooking time and slowly cooks the turkey or turkey breast. PRO TIP: When cooking a turkey, it is best to cook it at a high temperature. This will ensure that the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.
Is it safe to cook a Turkey at 250 degrees?
Yes, it is safe to cook a turkey at 250 degrees as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills any bacteria that may be present. 2. How long does it take to cook a turkey at 250 degrees? Cooking time varies depending on the size of the turkey.
Is 225 a good temperature to cook a Turkey?
Many experts agree that cooking a turkey at 225 degrees is safe and helps ensure that the bird reaches its peak flavor and nutrition. Is it OK to smoke a turkey at 200 degrees?
Can you cook a Turkey at 400 degrees Fahrenheit?
Yes, you can cook a turkey at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a higher temperature than the standard cooking temperature for turkey, which is typically around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking a turkey at 400 degrees will result in a crispier skin and faster cooking time.