How do you cook a 18.5 lb turkey?

Table of Contents:

1. How do you cook a 18.5 lb turkey?
2. Do smaller turkeys taste better?
3. Do I need to flip the turkey?
4. How long should turkey rest after cooking?

How do you cook a 18.5 lb turkey?

This table from the USDA is based on a 325°F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we're talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.) If you want to cook a frozen turkey, it will take at least 50 percent longer than the recommended times. Your turkey will cook faster in a 325°F convection oven.

Do smaller turkeys taste better?

The flavor of a bird is determined by several additional factors, which may actually be more important than whether your turkey is fresh or frozen. Size is key — smaller birds tend to be more tender; if you have a lot of guests coming, think about cooking two small turkeys instead of one large one.

Do I need to flip the turkey?

Traditional turkey methods are prone to overcooking the breast meat or undercooking the dark meat. The benefits of roasting a turkey breast-side down are twofold: The dark meat cooks faster when it's closer to the heat source, and the juices trickle down for extra-moist breast meat. Talk about a turn for the better!

How long should turkey rest after cooking?

The turkey needs to rest before carving. About 45 minutes or so gives it time to reabsorb the juices; otherwise they'll dribble out when you slice, and the meat will be dry. Don't tent the turkey with foil to keep it warm while it's resting; it's unnecessary and will make the skin soggy.