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Turkey in an Oven Bag

Turkey in an oven bag roasts with onion, celery, and carrot for tender meat and an easy-to-check 165°F finish. The bag keeps the turkey moist while the vegetables add flavor to the drippings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Resting time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 yellow onion medium, quartered
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 carrot medium, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 12 lb whole turkey 12- to 14-pound, fully thawed, neck and giblets removed, patted dry
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp poultry seasoning

Equipment

  • 1 large turkey-size oven bag
  • 1 16x13-inch roasting pan at least 2 inches deep

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the lower third.
  2. Sprinkle the flour into a large turkey-size oven bag, shake to coat the inside, and set the bag in a 16x13-inch roasting pan at least 2 inches deep.
  3. Put the onion, celery, and carrot in the bag, then place the turkey breast side up on top of the vegetables.
  4. Rub the butter over the turkey and under the breast skin; season the cavity and exterior with the salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
  5. Close the bag with its tie, cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top, and make sure the bag does not touch the oven walls or heating elements.
  6. Roast for 2 to 2 1/4 hours, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh, without touching bone, reads at least 165°F.
  7. Let the turkey rest in the bag for 15 minutes, then carefully cut the bag open away from your face and transfer the turkey to a carving board.

Notes

For reliable doneness, check both the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh without touching bone. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freezer storage is suitable. For a dairy-free variation, use a plant-based butter substitute.