Are you dreaming of a juicy, flavorful turkey dinner without the hours of prep and cleanup? Then look no further! This Brown Paper Bag Turkey recipe is a game-changer. It’s incredibly easy, surprisingly delicious, and delivers perfectly moist, tender turkey every time. Forget complicated basting and endless monitoring – this method lets your oven do the work, leaving you free to enjoy your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or those special occasions when you want a delicious, healthy meal without the fuss. It's a true example of homemade cooking at its finest. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- One (12-14 pound) whole turkey, thawed completely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large brown paper bag (unbleached, heavy-duty)
Instructions:
Preparing the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Cooking the Turkey:
- Place the quartered onion, carrots, and celery inside the turkey cavity.
- Carefully place the seasoned turkey inside the brown paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over twice to create a sealed packet. Don't worry about it being perfectly sealed, a little air is okay.
- Place the bag on a roasting pan.
- Roast for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the bag (be cautious of steam!). Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips for Success:
- Thaw completely: Ensure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. A partially frozen turkey will not cook evenly.
- Dry is key: Thoroughly drying the turkey before seasoning is essential for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it.
- Resting is important: Allowing the turkey to rest prevents the juices from escaping when carving.
Variations:
- Add citrus: Include lemon or orange slices inside the bag for extra flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or other spices to the herb mixture for a kick.
- Stuffing alternative: Instead of traditional stuffing, try adding some chopped apples and cranberries to the cavity.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the number of servings. However, a general estimate for a serving of roasted turkey breast is approximately:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-10g
This Brown Paper Bag Turkey recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal option. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, it offers a convenient alternative to traditional roasting methods. Enjoy this easy recipe and elevate your holiday meals or create a memorable weeknight dinner for your family. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Happy cooking!