#TURKEY REST TIME HOW TO#
#TURKEY REST TIME SKIN#

Instead of packing your bird with bread cubes that inevitably turn soggy, the Test Kitchen prefers stuffing recipes baked outside of the bird, in a deep casserole dish, as the safest (and tastiest!) option. All you really need to dry brine a turkey is salt just rub salt all over the raw turkey, place the turkey into a large plastic bag (you may need 2) and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days before cooking.

#TURKEY REST TIME SKIN#

Dry brining is the best way to ensure the turkey is seasoned all the way through (not just on the surface), the skin gets extra crispy, and the turkey retains its moisture. Thanksgiving turkey is something we wait all year to eat, but it often comes out dry and flavorless, merely a vehicle for gravy. So, how long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator? You want to allow 1 day in the fridge for every 4 pounds of turkey, so refrigerate a 12-pound bird for 3 days, a 20-pound bird for 5 days, and so on. This is also our Test Kitchen’s preferred method because it’s the most hands-off and results in an evenly defrosted bird that’s ready to roast. Plan for the long thawĪccording to the USDA, the safest way to thaw turkey is in the refrigerator. These generous estimates will likely leave you with delicious Thanksgiving leftovers to enjoy when all that hard work is over. Feeding an army? Rather than buying the biggest bird you can find (which can be tricky to cook evenly while retaining moisture), get two smaller turkeys or one whole turkey and one breast. For a boneless turkey breast, get ½ pound per person. If you’re buying a whole turkey, plan on 1 pound (uncooked) per person.

#TURKEY REST TIME HOW TO#

So we rounded up our best turkey cooking tips, including how to season a turkey, what mistakes to avoid and how to cook a turkey without drying it out (yes, it’s possible!), to ensure that the star of your dinner can truly shine. But there’s one dish that we’re always getting questions about, especially as the big day approaches: The all-important, yet ever-intimidating, Thanksgiving turkey.

You’ve got your go-to green bean casserole and you could practically make mashed potatoes in your sleep. Most of the recipes we cook annually for Thanksgiving dinner aren’t all that complicated.

Turkey rest time