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Whether it’s your first time hosting the holidays, or you just need a quick review before this year’s feast, Betty’s got your back with all the details you need to prepare and cook a turkey to perfection.
Sure, you can deep fry, grill and even slow cook a turkey, but for the classic holiday meal we think roasting is best, so let’s dig in! Read on to delve into the delicious details.
Getting Started: Gather Your Tools
Once you have your turkey, it’s all about having the right equipment, especially if you’re just learning how to prepare and cook a turkey. We’ve got you covered with the following list:
- A roasting pan with handles for easy lifting in and out of the oven
- An ovenproof or instant-read meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil to help keep your turkey warm while it rests after roasting
- A sharp knife for carving (your best chef’s knife will do)
- A cutting board, ideally with a groove for catching all the juices
- A V-rack or other rack to lift the bird above the drippings
- A basting brush
- Cotton string for trussing
How to Prepare a Turkey
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While there are several ways of seasoning a turkey before cooking, our favorite method is wet brining—it’s the simplest way to infuse the turkey with flavor and keep the meat tender. Keep in mind, you must plan in advance to brine your turkey—get all the details in our How to Brine a Turkey article. If you don’t have time to brine, don’t fret, just rub your turkey all over with salt and pepper before cooking.
