18 Reviews of Cooking a Turkey in a Bag

From: Laurene

On Nov 23, 2004

Roasting Turkey in a Brown Paper Bag is NOT a good idea. I have just read that it may be dangerous, in fact, because toxins in the paper are released into the bird during the cooking process.

From: LtlPhyl #2

On Mar 27, 2007

Something for you to think about before proceeding with this method. Brown Paper Bag Method: Source: University of Illinois Extension http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/turkey/techniques.html#good3 This method involves placing the turkey in a large brown paper bag, the type used in grocery stores, and cooking the bird at a very low temperature. Experts agree that brown paper bags were never intended for use as cooking utensils. The glue, ink, chemicals and other materials used in recycling grocery bags are unsanitary and some bags may even contain tiny metal shavings. Make It Safe - To make this method safe, replace the brown bag with a turkey-size oven-cooking bag. Cooking turkey at temperatures below 325°F is unsafe, so increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Use a food thermometer. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. For reasons of personal preference, you may choose to cook the turkey to higher temperatures. The temperature in all parts should read 165 °F or higher.

From: Hungarian Gypsy

On Dec 27, 2000

I'm sorry, but I tried this method for my Christmas turkey and the results just do not comapare with preparing a turkey the old-fashioned way . . . basting frequently in a roasting pan in a hot oven. The turkey skin did not fully brown and the wings/legs had a distinct steamed texture. This is an easier way of cooking a turkey, but sometimes easier is not better.

From: wanda gates

On Dec 28, 2001

I used CHICKEN instead of turkey, and it was very, very, good. The skin was evenly browned,the meat was juicy, tender and flavorful. I stuffed the cavity with fresh rosemary, thyme and onions.

From: Little Bee

On Sep 14, 2003

I tried this with a whole chicken because I was curious to see how it would turn out, and whether it would brown nicely and be juicy, and was pleasantly surprised! It turned out wonderful! What a unique way to cook something!

From: Chef #5524

On Nov 23, 2005

For the last 40 years this is the ONLY way I have cooked a turkey. It comes out moist, brown and delicious everytime. As far as chemicals...please....aren't we all filled with them anyway?? Try it, it will be the easiest turkey you EVER made!

From: Fauna

On Nov 24, 2000

The Turkey was wonderful!!! My Husband thought I was crazy when he read the note I left him in the morning when he got up to put it in the oven. when I pulled it out of the oven he said it was the prettiest Turkey he had ever seen, But said lets wait to see what it taste like. when he tried it at my parents he loved it and made sure every one know he was the one who cooked it since he was the one who put it in the oven

From: - Momma Loon

On Dec 23, 2004

This process did not impress me. I cooked my 8lb bird for 3hrs at 375, cooked until the instant read thermometer read 170, let the bird sit in the bag for 20 mins to rest. I will say that the bird wasn't dried out, but it was as white as white could be..this bird had no colour whatsoever, and was really quite unattractive looking once I pulled it out of the bag. It was basically a steamed turkey. I don't know what I could possibly have done wrong to get such poor results, I followed the recipe verbatim. I was very disappointed as I was hoping for a nice brown juicy birdie for dinner.

From: KVD

On Oct 29, 2003

I made this last Thanksgiving, and am now printing it up for friends who loved it. My husband was worried it would not work (he is the cook and I am not) so he smoked a "back up turkey" to cover me. People went nuts over both! I thought it was simple, easy and delicious. I peppered my turkey with fresh group black pepper, otherwise I stuck to the recipe. This would be fabulous for someone trying their first Thanksgiving bird.

From: bellisima

On Dec 30, 2003

Made this for my very first Thanksgiving & it worked perfectly! One small tip-putting another oven rack on TOP of the turkey WILL result in fire...LOL. The skin was perfectly browned & the meat was moist & juicy. YUM!