Skip to content 
Roasting a turkey is a classic dish served at festive occasions, where family and friends gather together. This recipe goes a step further by using a plastic bag to retain the turkey’s natural juices, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful turkey.
While traditional roasting methods have been around for ages, this technique offers a modern twist that ensures a delicious and tender turkey.
First, we must ask ourselves: Why roast a turkey in a plastic bag versus other methods?
Roasting a turkey in a plastic bag for the oven offers several advantages over other methods:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole, fully thawed turkey (12-24 pounds)
- 1 large oven-safe plastic bag
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, sage)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 white onion, roughly chopped
- 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon flour
Pro tip: To fully thaw a turkey, allow one day in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack one level below center.
Combine butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Remove neck and giblets, then tuck wings under or tie back.
Brush turkey with butter mixture.
Brush the inside of a baking bag with 1 tablespoon flour, then add the onion, carrots, celery, and turkey.
Close the bag, make small slits to allow steam to escape, and place in the roasting pan.
Cook, depending on the size of the turkey (12-15 lbs: 2-2.5 hours, 15-20 lbs: 2.5-3 hours, 20-24 lbs: 3-3.5 hours) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let rest for 20 minutes. Then carefully remove the bag. Transfer the turkey to a plate. Serve!
Enjoy a delicious roasted turkey, made even more special by this unique roasting method in a plastic bag.
May your table be filled with joy and your taste buds delight with this delicious holiday centerpiece.