It was my turn to make the Turkey this year. Here is how I did it and it came out great!
24 pound thawed Turkey
8 stalks Celery
4 medium Onions
2 Apples
4 cloves Garlic
2 tablespoons Butter
Salt and Pepper
2 teaspoons Paprika
2 teaspoons Garlic powder
2 teaspoons Onion powder
2 teaspoons Thyme
2 tablespoons Flour
Oven bag
Non-stick spray, optional
Remove turkey from bag and remove turkey parts that are being stored inside turkey cavity. Set aside to use for gravy or stock
Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water
Add flour to bag and shake to coat the inside well
Place the turkey in the oven bag, breast side up
Put the cut up celery, onions, garlic and apples inside the turkey cavity. If you have extra, let them fall round the turkey inside the bag
Rub the outside of the turkey with butter
You can also spray the top of the oven bag with nonstick spray to keep it from sticking to the turkey
Measure the dry spices into a small bowl and mix together
I poured the spice mix into my hand and sprinkled on the turkey while it was inside the bag
Using the twist tie that came with the oven bag and secure the open end of the bag
Make 6 slits in the bag to vent during baking
Place turkey in a preheated 350 degree oven. Cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey
Our 24 pound turkey took approximately 3.5 hours to get to an internal temperature of 180 degrees
I prepared our turkey the night before. It was nice to have it all ready to put in the oven the next morning
After the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 180 degrees, remove from oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before cutting
You will probably have a lot of flavorful juice in the bag. Drain off any grease/fat and use it to make the gravy.
The meat was so moist and the turkey had such a wonderful roasted color when we took it out of the bag.
A frozen turkey will take 3-4 days to thaw in the refrigerator. If you need it to thaw faster, place the still wrapped turkey in a cooler of cold water. Change the cold water often, every 30 minutes or so
Thawing in cold water will take approximately 30-45 minutes per pound. Be sure and wash the cooler with hot soapy water after you have thawed the turkey