How to Roast a Frozen Turkey |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 330 Minutes |
Ready In: 330 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Because the breast is so much thicker than the legs and thighs, it thaws more slowly, so the breast and lower quarters will reach their (different) done temperatures at the same time. This is an ideal approach for people who have forgotten to thaw the turkey,or who have small refrigerators; it does fill up the oven a lot longer, though. Since there are no juices from the defrosted turkey, there will be no risk of cross-contamination (just be sure to wash your hands well). For a larger (19-20 lb) bird, add 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Ingredients:
1 (12 -14 lb) turkey, frozen solid |
prepared stuffing (optional) |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F about 6 hours before you want to serve. Line a rimmed cookie sheet (NOT a roasting pan) with foil and place a rack on it. Unwrap the turkey and place it on the rack. (Don't worry about the bag of giblets; you'll remove it later.).
2. Place the turkey into the oven for 2 1/2 hours. By this time, the thighs should be about 100°F, but the breast should still be icy, around 25°F If you have an insert-and-leave-it type of thermometer (dial, or digital probe), insert it into the thickest part of the breast at this time. If not, start checking the temperature of the breast every 30-45 minutes.
3. By 3 1/2 hours, the thighs should be around 150°F and the breast around 50°F Remove the giblets bag at this time (and make stock from it, if desired). If you wish to stuff the turkey, do so at this point; use silicone gloves to protect your hands, as the bottom of the bird will be hot, and preheat the stuffing if possible before spooning it into the cavity. Do not overpack.
4. Between 4 1/2 and 5 hours, the thighs should be done at 175-180°F, the breast should be done (but still moist) at 160-165°F and the skin should be nicely browned. If the bird was stuffed, the temperature in the center of the stuffing must reach 165° for safety.
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