Cooking Guide
Cooking Times (approximate, ovens may vary)
Cooking times for whole birds and crowns
- 4kg – 2 hrs
- 5kg – 2-2 ½ hrs
- 6kg – 2 ¼ – 2 ½ hrs
- 7kg 2 ½ – 2 3/4 hrs
- 8kg 2 3/4 – 3 hrs
- 9kg 3 – 3 ¼ hrs
For larger birds check every 15 minutes after 3 hrs.
- Remove all packaging as soon as possible after collecting your turkey and store in a cool place, preferably at the bottom of your fridge. Remove and keep the giblets separately in a cool place.
- Remove the turkey from the fridge 2 hours before cooking, to allow to reach room temperature. If your turkey is trussed, it is best to remove the string before cooking.
- Avoid stuffing the main cavity as this stop the turkey cooking properly. Instead you may like to place an apple or peeled onion in the cavity.
- Place the giblets around the bird (this helps achieve the tastiest gravy!) season and place the bird breast side down in the roasting tin. For Crowns keep the breast up.
- Preheat your oven to 180ºc (160º fan) Gas 4/5. For an Aga, use closest to these temperatures.
- After an hour of cooking turn the bird carefully on to its back to further cook and brown the breast.
- To avoid disappointment do not overcook your turkey. This can be avoided by either using a ‘pop up’ timer or meat thermometer – you are looking to achieve a temperature of around 68 degrees. Failing that test with a fork on the inside of the thigh when the juices run clear the bird is ready.
- After removing the turkey from the oven and before carving it, allow it to rest for 30-60 minutes. Do not cover.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.