How to Cook a Turkey
First, determine how much turkey you need. A general rule is 1 pound of turkey per person, but that amount can vary depending on your dinner plans and guest preferences. Butterball whole turkeys are individually pre-brined for convenience and taste, but if you want even more flavor and juiciness, you can brine, marinate, or inject your turkey following our step-by-step instructions. For those who love stuffing, our How to Stuff a Turkey video is a must-watch.
Now, it’s time to cook! How long to cook a turkey depends on the cooking method. Oven-roasting and deep frying are classic turkey cooking techniques, while air frying offers a lighter option. Rotisserie roasting and cooking a turkey spatchcock style make for impressive presentations. Grilling or smoking turkey is a great way to cook turkey outdoors. Or, choose Butterball Ready to Roast Turkey for a low-prep, low-cleanup option.
No matter which way you cook a turkey, always follow food safety essentials for a safe and proper cook. We’ve got a few tips to help you correctly place a meat thermometer and how to tell if a turkey is done.
You’ve cooked a beautiful turkey. Now it’s time to carve and serve with confidence. With our easy-to-follow turkey carving instructions, we know you’ve got this!
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