How to Cook Turkey 6 Different Ways

Let’s talk turkey, specifically how to cook turkey! When you’re making a turkey recipe for Thanksgiving or simply just because, it helps to know which ways you can make it with ease. These 7 methods for how to cook turkey take you beyond the oven and allow you to decide the most convenient way for you to cook and serve up this bird!

Top Turkey Tips

Keep in mind that the size of your turkey will impact the cooking time as well as whether or not you stuff your bird. The bigger the turkey, the more time you’ll need to get it to the proper internal temperature of 165F. It will take longer if you stuff the cavity of the turkey too.

If you’re ever unsure, simply use your meat thermometer to help you out. You should stick it in the middle of the thigh and in the breast. Don’t forget that turkey also needs to rest no matter how you cook your turkey, usually for about 20 to 30 minutes before you carve it. And it always cooks more evenly if you give it a little bit of time on the counter to come to room temperature.

How to Cook a Turkey in the Oven

Most people learn how to cook turkey in the oven first, so let’s start with this method. You’ll want to put the oven rack in the center, then preheat it to 325F. Prepare your turkey according to the recipe you’re using.

Once it’s been seasoned, tuck the wings underneath the bird and then put it on a roasting rack inside your roasting pan. Roast at 325F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound. You may want to remove it once it registers at 160F on the meat thermometer and then cover it with a tent of foil. It will arrive at 165F by resting under the foil. When you’re in the middle of the cooking time for your turkey and the skin has turned golden brown, cover it with foil to keep the skin from burning.

How to Cook a Turkey in an Oven Bag

If you have an oven bag, you can learn how to cook turkey in that. You’ll preheat your oven to 350F after moving the oven rack one down from the center slot. Prep your turkey with the seasonings according to your recipe.

Once seasoned, you can put your turkey into the oven bag and shake to combine it with seasonings. You can also add vegetables into the bag if desired, though the turkey should sit on top of any veggies. Close the bag and put it in a roasting pan, tying it off with the included oven-safe tie. Cut about 5 to 6 slits across the oven bag on top, which will let steam out.

You can then begin cooking your turkey according to its size, making sure it registers to 165F. Let it rest in the oven bag and then open it up to carve and serve.

How to Cook a Turkey in an Electric Roaster

If you have an electric roaster, you can free up your oven for your other dishes. You’ll remove the insert pan from the roaster and then preheat to the highest setting, which may be 450 or 500, depending on your model.

Season your turkey as directed by the recipe, then put the rack into the insert pan with the handles up, add the turkey and put the insert into the roasting pan. Cover it up, then roast for 30 minutes. After that, turn the temperature down to 325. For this method, it is crucial that you do not lift the lid during the cook time as it will self-baste. Using a meat thermometer that pops out will ensure you notice when it is fully cooked and ready to remove from the roaster.

How to Cook a Turkey in a Crock Pot

Do you have a Crock Pot? Then you can make a turkey in it! Add water to the bottom and your seasoned turkey, cooking for 3 to 4 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low. You can take the juices from the Crock Pot and use them to make gravy, if you wish. To get that golden brown color, you can move it to the oven and broil for 5 to 8 minutes. After that, let it rest before you carve your Crock Pot turkey.

How to Cook a Turkey in a Slow Cooker

Your slow cooker is another place where you can learn how to cook turkey. You can simply season it and put it in there, then cover with the lid. Cook on low for 8 to 8 ½ hours. That’s all you need to do to know how to cook turkey, making this method ideal for new cooks.

How to Cook a Turkey in a Smoker

Smoked turkey is a great way to learn how to cook turkey in a different way. You’ll preheat your grill to 225F, then add your wood chips. As this all warms up, you can prep your turkey with seasonings as your recipe details. When you’re ready to smoke the turkey, set it right on the grill grates, then close the lid. It will take 30 minutes per pound in this method, so it does take a while. If you have a 15-pound turkey, you’d want to plan on this taking just over 7 hours, though with smoking, it’s wise to plan to add a little more time. Start smoking your turkey very early in the morning if you want it ready for Thanksgiving dinner that night!

How to Cook a Turkey on a Grill

You can also learn how to cook turkey on a grill, which may be a great option if it’s not cold and snowy out in your area and you don’t have a smoker. Preheat the grill to around 450F, using all burners. Prepare your turkey as the instructions tell you for seasoning, then put it in a roasting pan with the breast side facing up.

Tie the legs with twine and tuck the wings underneath the bird. Add some chicken stock to your pan, then put it on the grill and switch the center burner to medium-low heat. Close the grill lid, then grill the turkey, checking every 30 minutes to baste and halfway through the cooking time, turn the roasting pan. It should take 2 ½ to 3 hours to cook fully.