Roast Turkey in a Brown Paper Bag

Step 1

Preparing the Turkey

Step 2

DEFROST the turkey in the fridge, keeping it in the plastic bag it came wrapped in. (Plan on 1 day for every 4 pounds of turkey so a 16 pounder will take 4 days to defrost)

Step 3

REMOVE the packaged neck and giblets from the neck cavity and body cavity. ADD the celery, carrot, and onion to the cavity (you don’t need to peel).

Step 4

TIE the wings and legs to body of turkey with some string (dental floss works in a pinch). If you don’t tie up the bird, the legs/wings will cook faster than the rest of the turkey and turn out dry. If you don’t know how to do this, check out the YouTube video at the end of the post.

Step 5

“Massage” the turkey skin with lots mayonnaise, about 1 cup or so. (Use inexpensive mayo but NOT low fat). You can use vegetable oil for this too, but mayo seems to help the turkey brown better. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, pepper.

Step 6

Preparing the Bag

Step 7

CHECK bag for holes (do not want steam to escape)

Step 8

OIL the brown paper bag completely. Rub any type of vegetable oil i.e., peanut, canola, corn but NOT olive oil (it burns at a lower temp) into every pore of the bag to prevent it from burning.

Step 9

Roasting the Turkey

Step 10

PLACE the turkey in a brown paper bag from the grocery store, keeping the SEAM side UP.

Step 11

FOLD the opening over a couple of times and STAPLE the bag shut or fasten with paper clips (stapling works best).

Step 12

Very carefully, PLACE the bagged turkey inside a roaster or lasagna-style 9 x 13 pan (if the turkey isn’t too big). Once again, be sure the SEAM of the bag is UP otherwise it will come apart during roasting.

Step 13

PLACE the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven.

Step 14

Once you have placed the turkey in the oven there is no need to open the oven door or peek into the bag until the turkey is completely roasted.

Step 15

ROAST the turkey at 325 degrees, about 12 to 15 minutes per pound. (Less time if you have a smaller turkey). To check for doneness, use an instant read thermometer, sticking it right through the bag near the leg, trying not to hit bone. This is a little tricky. It should register 180 degrees in thigh and 170 degrees in breast. If it doesn't, keep roasting, checking every 7 minutes.

Step 16

When done, REMOVE from roasting pan oven, let rest for 15 or so minutes, and carefully CUT away the bag. Step a little ways away from the turkey so you won't get burned by the steam.

Step 17

Keep the drippings for gravy.