The holiday season is upon us, and the centerpiece of many festive tables is a perfectly roasted turkey. If you're on a quest for a stress-free, juicy, and flavorful turkey, I've got the solution for you - the oven bag method.
My family has used this method for years to roast our birds, both chickens and turkeys. Using an oven bags ensures tender and juicy results every time!
In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps to achieve turkey perfection with the help of an oven bag.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Using an oven bag offers a foolproof way to ensure your turkey turns out moist and delicious every time. The bag traps in moisture, allowing the bird to baste itself while cooking. This results in a golden-brown, crispy skin on the outside and tender, succulent meat on the inside.
Plus, the method significantly reduces the cooking time, making it a game-changer for busy cooks.
I've used an oven bag for many years, to cook turkeys from 12 to 20 pounds in size, and you can rest assured that this will work for you too!
Oven Bag Turkey Ingredients
**Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for detailed quantities and directions**
How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Prep the Bag
First of all, you need an oven bag, of course. The picture below is what you are looking for - typically found near the wraps and Ziplock bags area in the store. They come in different sizes; make sure you have the turkey size version.
To prep the bag, you need to add a little flour to coat the inside. This helps prevent the bag from sticking to the turkey, and also (according to the literature) prevents the bag from bursting. Ummm... what? LOL
Simply add a tablespoon or so of flour, close the top of the bag with your hand and then shake to distribute the flour throughout. Your bag will have a fine coating of flour inside.
Place the prepared bag in a pan that's at least 2 inches deep. For a smaller turkey I use a 9x13 Pyrex pan, but when they get really big I switch to a larger roasting pan.
Prep the Turkey
Now for the turkey. Rinse it well and pat it dry with paper towels.
Melt some butter and brush it all over the surface of the turkey. You'll need anywhere from a half stick of butter for a 12 pound turkey, up to a full stick for a 20 pound turkey.
Use your best judgement for this; there is really no wrong or right answer.
Mix the seasonings and sprinkle over the buttered bird. I always use salt and pepper, and this time also added Italian seasonings. Optional, but a nice additional flavor.
Also optional is the addition of celery and onion. If you decide to use them, cut them up and add them to the roasting bag. Then place the turkey inside the bag on top of the vegetables.
Secure the bag with one of the ties included in the box. Tuck that end into the pan or under the bird slightly.
Then - very important - use a knife to cut about 5 or 6 slits in the top of the bag to let steam escape while cooking. (I think this is a bigger factor in preventing bursting of the bag!)
I also like to add a temperature probe right now. It's the best way to know how quickly your turkey is cooking and when it is done.
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How long to cook a turkey in a bag
Roast the turkey at 350F. The time needed will depend upon the size of your turkey, of course. But here are the estimated times needed based upon turkey weight and also whether it is stuffed or unstuffed. In general, a stuffed bird needs about 30 additional minutes of time.
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed: Roasting Time | Stuffed: Roasting Time |
| 10-12 lbs | 1½ to 2 hours | 2 to 2½ hours |
| 12-16 lbs | 2 to 2¼ hours | 2½ to 2¾ hours |
| 16-20 lbs | 2¼ to 2½ hours | 2¾ to 3 hours |
| 20-24 lbs | 2½ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
I also monitor temperature and ensure the internal temperature is at least 165F. I have found these time estimates to be quite accurate. If anything, the bird will be done on the lower end of the time range rather than the upper, at least for me.
In all cases, remove the turkey from the oven and let the meat rest without opening the bag for 10 to 15 minutes. (you needed to bake those rolls anyway, right?)
To remove the turkey from the bag, carefully cut away the bag. Watch for escaping steam! The bag can be discarded, but I do like to collect the liquid in the bottom to make delicious turkey gravy. 😋
Your turkey is ready to slice and serve!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your oven bag roasted turkey alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, and cranberry sauce. And don't forget a Thanksgiving Jello Salad!
Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
The juices collected in the bag make a superb base for a flavorful gravy.
Turkey in a Bag Recipe Substitutions & Variations
Experiment with different herb and spice combinations for a unique flavor profile.
Consider using a flavored oil or butter for an extra layer of taste.
For a twist, you could stuff the turkey with fruits like apples or citrus slices.
Storage
To store leftovers, carve the remaining turkey meat and refrigerate in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Leftover turkey can be enjoyed for several days and is excellent for sandwiches, salads, and casseroles. Puff pastry turkey pot pie is a favorite in my house!
And don't forget to save that carcass! You can make excellent turkey bone broth in the Instant Pot with the leftover bones!
📖 Recipe
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Easy Roast Turkey in an Oven Bag
Ingredients
- 1 turkey, fully thawed 10 to 20 pounds
- ½ stick butter
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- optional: celery and onion
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Place one tablespoon of flour in the oven bag. Close and hold the end with your hand and shake the bag to disburse the flour within the bag.1 Tablespoon flour
- Place the bag in a pan at least 2 inches deep. If adding celery and onion, place them in the bag.optional: celery and onion
- Rinse the turkey, removing neck and giblets if present. Pat dry with paper towels.1 turkey, fully thawed
- If stuffing the turkey, you can either do it before placing the turkey in the bag or once it is already in the bag. I've done both with success, but a stuffed turkey can sometimes be a little more challenging to get into the bag..
- Melt the butter, then use a basting brush to brush the butter all over the surface of the turkey.½ stick butter
- Mix the seasonings and sprinkle all over the buttered turkey.1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Add the turkey to the oven bag. Close the bag, using the tie provided to seal the end. Tuck the end in the pan or under the turkey.
- Use a knife to cut 5 or 6 slits in the bag to allow steam to escape. If using a meat thermometer, place the probe in the turkey at the thickest part of the breast or thigh, making sure it is not touching bone.
- Bake the turkey until the meat thermometer reads 165F. The estimated time needed is illustrated in the chart above according to the size of the bird and whether or not it is stuffed.
- Let the turkey rest in the oven bag for 10 to 15 minutes. Collect the juices from the bag to make gravy, if desired.
- Gently tear away the bag and transfer the turkey to a serving platter. Carve and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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