Five Fast Turkey Tips For A Perfect Thanksgiving Feast.

Turkey Tip 1: Size matters.

A general rule of thumb is to plan on about one to one-and-a-half pounds per person. You may even want to go up to two pounds per person for smaller gatherings. If that seems like a lot, remember that bones and other parts factor into the weight that doesn’t get eaten. Plus, you don’t want to skimp on leftovers! Our fresh turkeys are available in two-pound increments from 10 to 24 pounds.

Turkey Tip 2: Let it rest.

Remove the neck and bag of giblets from the body cavity of the fully thawed turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, let it rest on the counter for 30-50 minutes before roasting. Allowing the bird to gradually get to room temperature (or close to it) will help the turkey to cook more evenly.

Turkey Tip 3: Don’t stuff it.

We know it may not be precisely how Grandma used to make it, but at Hagberg’s we strongly recommend preparing your stuffing outside of the bird. This helps ensure the turkey and stuffing are cooked evenly and at a proper and safe temperature.

Turkey Tip 4: Trust your meat thermometer.

Plan on about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. Remember, oven temps and times will vary, and you’ll likely be sharing that oven with other holiday eats. The turkey breast should reach 165° F and the thighs 170° F. Invest in a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperatures. Watch the temperatures and pull when reached to ensure a juicy, flavorful turkey.

Turkey Tip 5: DO NOT DISTURB!

This is the tough one. When your turkey has finished cooking to the recommended temperature, remove it from the oven, tent a piece of tin foil over it, and let it rest on the counter for 30-40 minutes. It’s been filling the air with delicious aromas all day, and you’ll be tempted to dig in, but trust us. Resting allows the natural juices released during cooking to be absorbed back into the meat.