While the Norman Rockwell vision of the holiday table portrays a huge, gleaming roasted turkey brought out to cries of delight, often that turkey is unevenly cooked. Unless you want to cook your turkey frozen , it's difficult to get the dark meat legs and thighs cooked through before the white meat breast overcooks. The geometry of the turkey is the problem. The breast is exposed to the heat and has less fat, so it cooks and dries out more quickly.
To some of us turkey is the savory, succulent centerpiece at Thanksgiving. But turkey—yes, even the white meat—can be great delicious even if you know how to roast a turkey properly. Whether you're a long-time turkey roaster who's feeling bogged down by the year's newest trend is it spatchcocking or dry-brining this year? We can't keep up or a Thanksgiving newbie preparing a whole turkey for the first time, you can always rely on our foolproof guiding principles. You don't need a special recipe if you just stick to these basics. You can also scroll down and get straight to the turkey cook times. The ideal place to thaw your turkey is in the fridge, which can take up to a week depending on the size of the bird.
Deselect All. One 6-pound fresh turkey breast, on the bone, patted dry. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Seasoned Advice is a question and answer site for professional and amateur chefs. It only takes a minute to sign up. I am using the spatchcock method of roasting a turkey breast. I have found cooking time per pound for a whole turkey.