How to Cook a Turkey

Tips for preparing & cooking the perfect turkey

How to Cook a Turkey

Unsure how to prepare your turkey dinner this festive season? These simple tips will help you serve the perfect center piece.

Follow these tips to create the perfect turkey. All you have to do is pop it into a pre-heated oven to cook as you would a Roast Chicken, just for longer as the dish is larger.

  1. Thaw frozen Turkey in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking.
  2. Preheat the oven to 160oC and place the turkey breast side up in an oven pan. Do not fan bake as this will unnecessarily dry out the skin and surface meat before the deeper meat is fully cooked.
  3. Roast the turkey according to the time stated on the back of the packet or by using the following table as a guide.
  4. Let the turkey stand covered for 15 minutes before serving in order to allow the juices to redistribute through the turkey.
  5. To check that the turkey is cooked, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the meat. When the juices run clear the turkey is cooked.

Turkey Size

Cooking Time

3.0

2 hrs 35 mins

3.5

2 hrs 40 mins

4.0

2 hrs 45 mins

4.5

2 hrs 50 mins

5.0

2 hrs 55 mins

5.5

3 hrs

6.0

3 hrs 5 mins

6.5

3 hrs 10 mins