Forktionary

Overnight Turkey Recipe

Unlock the secret to the most unbelievably moist and tender turkey you'll ever taste! This easy overnight recipe, passed down through generations, delivers fall-off-the-bone perfection without the fuss. Prepare your turkey the night before, let it slow-cook to juicy perfection, and wake up to a Thanksgiving or holiday masterpiece ready to carve. Impress your family and friends with this foolproof method.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 500 mins
Calories 1591.8 kcal
Protein 402g
Rating 2.2 (5 Reviews)
Overnight Turkey 11

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Overnight Turkey

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How to Make Overnight Turkey

  1. **Safety First:** Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before beginning.
  2. **Preheat & Prep:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity and rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat dry.
  3. **Flavor Infusion:** Generously season the turkey inside and out with your favorite herbs and spices (see ingredient list for suggestions).
  4. **Stuff the Cavity:** Place 1 large onion (quartered), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), and 4 bay leaves inside the turkey cavity.
  5. **Roasting Time:** Place the turkey breast-side up in a heavy-duty roasting pan with a lid (or a roasting bag designed for oven use).
  6. **Calculate Cooking Time:** Refer to the cooking chart on the turkey's packaging. Divide the recommended cooking time in half and add 30 minutes. (Example: If the chart says 4 hours, cook for 2.5 hours). Adjust cooking time based on the weight of your turkey, using the chart as a guide.
  7. **Slow Roast:** Place the covered roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for the calculated time.
  8. **Oven-Off Rest:** Once cooking time is complete, turn off the oven and leave the turkey in the oven, still covered, for at least 6 hours (or overnight).
  9. **Check for Doneness:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. (Optional: set an oven timer)
  10. **Rest & Serve:** Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. The turkey should be incredibly tender and juicy!
  11. (Optional) Inject a flavorful marinade into the turkey before cooking for extra moisture.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

26 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

111g

Carbs

1g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Very Low Carbs Main Dish Poultry American Southern United States Oven Holiday Event Easter Turkey Dietary Christmas Thanksgiving Low Sodium High Protein Low Carb High In Something Low In Something Meat Whole Turkey Equipment