Hamdi Saidani Cooking a turkey overnight can be a convenient option for busy cooks or those who want to free up oven space during the day. However, many people are unsure about how to do it safely and effectively.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of cooking a turkey overnight, including the recommended temperature, cooking time, and safety considerations.
Is It Safe to Cook A Turkey Overnight?
Cooking a turkey overnight can be safe if proper food safety precautions are taken. To avoid the risk of foodborne illness, it’s crucial to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This can be achieved by cooking the turkey at a minimum temperature of 200-250°F, whether cooked overnight or during the day.
What Temperature Do I Cook A Turkey Overnight
To cook a turkey overnight, it’s recommended to set the temperature to 200-250°F and cook for 8-10 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure that the turkey is baked safely and thoroughly. This method can help free up oven space and be a convenient option for busy cooks.
Overnight Cooked Turkey vs. Classic Cooked Turkey
Overnight roasted turkey is cooked at a low temperature of 200-250°F for 6-12 hours, while the classic roasted turkey is cooked at 325°F for 3-4 hours.
Both methods can produce delicious and flavorful results, but overnight-cooked turkey has some additional benefits over the classic method.
The Benefits of Overnight Cooked Turkey
One major benefit of overnight roasted turkey is that it is cooked at a low temperature for a longer period of time, which allows the turkey to cook slowly and retain more moisture. This results in a tender and juicy turkey that is less likely to dry out.
Another benefit of overnight roasted turkey is that it frees up oven space and allows you to prepare other dishes at the same time. Since the turkey is cooking at a low temperature for a long period of time, it can be left unattended for the most part, freeing you up to focus on other dishes or spend time with your loved ones.
How Long to Cook a Turkey Overnight at Different Recommended Temperatures
The cooking time depends on the recommended temperature used, and here’s a general guide to help you plan accordingly:
- 200°F: To cook a turkey overnight at this temperature, allow approximately 10-12 hours.
- 225°F: At this slightly higher temperature, you can expect to cook a turkey overnight for approximately 8-10 hours.
- 250°F: For a faster cooking time, you can increase the temperature to 250°F and cook a turkey overnight for approximately 6-8 hours.
Note: It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F, to ensure that the turkey is cooked safely and thoroughly.
Cooking Time for Different Sizes of Turkeys
The cooking time for overnight cooked turkey depends on the recommended temperature used. Here’s a general guide to help you plan accordingly:
Cooking at 200°F:
- For a 12-14 pound turkey, allow approximately 10-12 hours.
- For a 14-18 pound turkey, allow approximately 12-14 hours.
- For an 18-20 pound turkey, allow approximately 14-16 hours.
Cooking at 225°F:
- For a 12-14 pound turkey, allow approximately 8-10 hours.
- For a 14-18 pound turkey, allow approximately 10-12 hours.
- For an 18-20 pound turkey, allow approximately 12-14 hours.
Cooking at 250°F:
- For a 12-14 pound turkey, allow approximately 6-8 hours.
- For a 14-18 pound turkey, allow approximately 8-10 hours.
- For an 18-20 pound turkey, allow approximately 10-12 hours.
How to Cook A Turkey Overnight
Cooking a turkey overnight can be a convenient option for busy cooks or those who want to free up oven space during the day. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey overnight:
1. Prepare The Turkey:
Thaw the turkey completely and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
2. Stuff Turkey (optional):
If desired, stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing recipe. Be sure to pack the stuffing loosely to allow for even cooking.
3. Place Turkey in a Roasting Pan or Slow Cooker:
Place the turkey breast side up in the roasting pan or slow cooker. If using a roasting pan, add a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the turkey from sticking.
4. Set The Temperature:
Set the oven temperature to 200-250°F or set the slow cooker to the lowest setting.
5. Cook The Turkey:
Cook the turkey for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey, avoiding contact with the bone.
6. Keep The Turkey Warm:
After cooking, wrap the turkey in foil and place it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve. You can also keep the turkey warm by placing it in a slow cooker or warming tray.
7. Carve and Serve:
When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to carve the turkey into slices and arrange them on a platter. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a stress-free holiday meal with your loved ones.
How To Cook A Turkey In An Electric Roaster Overnight
To cook a turkey in an electric roaster overnight, follow these steps:
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and rinse it with cold water.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs and spices.
- Place the turkey breast side up in the electric roaster and add some liquid to the bottom of the roaster, such as broth or water.
- Set the roaster to a temperature of 200-250°F and cook the turkey for 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, avoiding contact with the bone.
- Once done, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific electric roaster.
How To Know When It’s Done
To know when your turkey is done cooking, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the bird, avoiding contact with the bone. This ensures that the turkey is cooked safely and thoroughly. It’s important to check the temperature at a few different places in the turkey to make sure it’s evenly cooked.
How To Keep Overnight Cooked Turkey Moist?
To keep an overnight cooked turkey moist, try covering it with foil or plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator with some of the juices from the roasting pan. When reheating, add some liquid such as broth or gravy, and use a slow cooker to keep it moist and tender.
How Do I Keep The Turkey Warm After Cooking It Overnight?
After cooking, wrap the turkey in foil and place it in a warm oven (around 200°F) until you’re ready to serve. You can also keep the turkey warm by placing it in a slow cooker or warming tray.
How long Store Leftovers Overnight Turkey
- Fridge Storage: After letting the turkey cool down to room temperature and carving it, tightly cover the leftover turkey and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey for up to 3-4 months. Be sure to wrap it in freezer paper or foil, and store it in plastic freezer bags or airtight containers.
How To Reheat Leftovers Overnight Turkey
There are three recommended ways to reheat leftover overnight turkey:
- Oven: Place the turkey in a baking dish with some broth or gravy, cover it with foil, and bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method will help to retain the moisture and flavor of the turkey.
- Microwave: Place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish, add some broth or gravy, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes per serving, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Place the turkey in a saucepan with some broth or gravy, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines and heat the leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
FAQs
How Long Will It Take To Cook A 25 Lb Turkey At 250 Degrees?
Cooking a 25 lb turkey at 250°F will take approximately 12-15 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I stuff the turkey if I cook it overnight?
Yes, you can stuff the turkey if you cook it overnight. However, it’s important to ensure that the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent the risk of foodborne illness. It’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of both the turkey and the stuffing.
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out overnight?
To prevent the turkey from drying out, be sure to cook it in an oven bag or covered with foil to trap in moisture. You can also baste the turkey with melted butter or oil every few hours to keep it moist.
Do I need to thaw the turkey before cooking it overnight?
Yes, it’s essential to thaw the turkey completely before cooking it overnight. This can be done by placing the turkey in the refrigerator for several days or using the cold-water method.
More Times and Temperature Guidelines:
- How Long To Cook Scalloped Potatoes At 350
- How Long To Cook Brussel Sprouts At 350
- How Long To Cook Garlic Bread At 350
Overnight Cooked 20lb Turkey At 250°F
Description
This slow-roasted overnight turkey recipe is perfect for a 20-pound bird, cooked at 250°F for 8-10 hours. The turkey is seasoned with a delicious blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. Cooking the turkey overnight frees up oven space and makes holiday meal prep easier. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and stress-free holiday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and in the cavity.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Cover the turkey with a lid or a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly.
- Roast the turkey for 8-10 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
- Remove the foil or lid during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- Once done, let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
