Mastering the Art of Perfectly Roasted Turkey: Discover How Long to Cook a 12lb Bird for an Unforgettable Feast

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Are you tired of serving dry and tasteless turkey during the holidays? Do you want to impress your guests with a perfectly roasted bird? If yes, then mastering the art of roasting a turkey is a must. Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, but with the right techniques and knowledge, you can turn it into the highlight of your feast.One of the most important things to know when roasting a turkey is how long to cook it. Cooking a 12lb bird requires careful attention to detail, as this size can easily go from undercooked to overcooked if not cooked properly. Overcooking can result in a dry and flavorless bird that no one wants to eat, while undercooked turkey can be a source of foodborne illness.So, how long should you cook a 12lb turkey? The answer depends on various factors such as oven temperature, stuffing, and whether or not the bird is brined. In this article, we will help you discover the perfect cooking time for a 12lb turkey, ensuring that your guests have an unforgettable feast. From tips on selecting the best turkey to the final touches on presentation, read on to learn all you need to know about the art of perfectly roasted turkey.

Mastering the Art of Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

  • 1 12 lb turkey, thawed and cleaned
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Pat dry the turkey and season with salt and pepper. Rub softened butter all over the bird and under the skin.
  3. Place onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs inside the turkey cavity.
  4. Tuck the wings under the bird and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up.
  6. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 2 hours.
  7. Remove foil and continue roasting until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F. This should take about 30-45 minutes more for a 12 lb bird.
  8. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition:

Calories: 590

Total fat: 30 g

Saturated fat: 11 g

Cholesterol: 235 mg

Sodium: 384 mg

Total carbohydrates: 2 g

Dietary fiber: 0 g

Sugars: 0 g

Protein: 73 g

Perfectly With the above recipe, you can easily master the art of roasting a perfect turkey. The turkey will be juicy and flavorful on the inside while having crispy skin on the outside. Don't forget to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its own juices for even better results!

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on mastering the art of perfectly roasted turkey! We hope that the information provided has been helpful in preparing a delicious and unforgettable feast for you and your loved ones.

Remember, cooking times may vary based on individual ovens and temperatures. It is important to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

We wish you the best of luck in your culinary endeavors and hope that you enjoy a wonderful and tasty holiday season with your friends and family!


When it comes to preparing a perfect roasted turkey, there are several questions that people commonly ask. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

  1. How long does it take to cook a 12lb turkey?

    • The general rule is to cook a turkey for 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C).
    • So, a 12lb turkey should be cooked for approximately 3-4 hours.
    • However, it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

  2. What's the best way to season a turkey?

    • There are many ways to season a turkey, but one of the simplest is to rub it with a mixture of butter, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
    • Some people also like to stuff the cavity of the turkey with aromatics like onions, garlic, and citrus fruits to add flavor.

  3. Should I cover my turkey while it's roasting?

    • It's usually best to start roasting your turkey uncovered so that the skin can get crispy.
    • If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the turkey loosely with foil to prevent it from burning.
    • However, keep in mind that covering the turkey will trap steam and may result in a less crispy skin.

  4. How often should I baste my turkey?

    • Basting is not necessary to achieve a moist and flavorful turkey.
    • In fact, opening the oven door to baste the turkey can cause the temperature to drop and extend the cooking time.
    • If you want to add flavor to your turkey, you can try rubbing it with butter or oil before roasting or adding aromatics like herbs and citrus fruits to the cavity.

  5. How long should I let my turkey rest before carving?

    • After you take your turkey out of the oven, let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
    • This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender turkey.
    • Cover the turkey loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.