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Feed8 Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
There are many things you need to keep in mind when cooking a Thanksgiving turkey. We want to make sure it is cooked thoroughly for the safety of our guests, but in doing so we run the risk of a “dry bird.” A lot of people like to experiment with different ways to cook the turkey to ensure optimal flavor for the whole family to enjoy.
Non-traditional turkey recipes are becoming more and more…well… traditional. From braised, to deep-fried, to grilled turkeys, many families are revamping this Thanksgiving staple. Experimental Thanksgiving dinner, however, can be hazardous to your taste buds and home (twelve people started kitchen fires attempting to deep-fry their turkey last year), so here are our suggestions on how to cook turkey in a variety of ways without assaulting your palate or living quarters.
All of the methods of cooking turkey start out by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity and washing the inside and outside of the turkey. Pat dry with disposable towels.
At that point the options are endless! Click through the slideshow to learn how to best prepare:
- Roast turkey, unstuffed
- Roasted turkey, stuffed
- Microwave oven turkey
- Foil covered
- Braised turkey
- Fried turkey
- Marinated turkey
- Brined turkey
Cooking time according to weight
| Unstuffed | |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3 3/4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 1/2 to 5 hours |
| Stuffed | |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 1/2 to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours |
Chart courtesy of urbanext.illinois.edu
