Brown Bag Baked Turkey
A moist and flavorful baked turkey cooked in a brown paper bag, resulting in tender meat with crispy skin, perfect for family dinners and holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the turkey with paper towels.
- Rub the cavity of the turkey with a small amount of salt.
- Stuff the turkey with stuffing.
- Rub the outside of the turkey with Crisco.
- Ensure no salt is used with any shortening.
- Place the turkey in a brown grocery bag.
- Check that there are no holes or tears in the bag; the printed side should be on the bottom.
- Make sure the bag does not touch the breast of the turkey.
- Fold over the end of the bag and seal with paper clips or staples.
- Put the bagged turkey on a roaster rack in an oven pan.
- Bake at 325°F.
- Bake 20 minutes per pound if the turkey is under 12 pounds; bake 25 minutes per pound if over 12 pounds.
- Do not open or peek during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a perfectly moist turkey, consider brining it the night before with a mixture of water, salt, and herbs. If you run out of Crisco, unsalted butter can be an excellent substitute for rubbing on the turkey's surface. Make sure to use a sturdy brown bag without any ink or printing on the inside to avoid any unwanted flavors during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Bag Baked Turkey pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or Hot Cabbage Wieners for a comforting meal. Consider serving it with cranberry sauce and stuffing for a traditional touch. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches, such as Puffed Turkey Sandwiches, the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked turkey slices in freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. To reheat, place turkey slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Bag Baked Turkey contains roughly 61 calories, with 7g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter or olive oil as alternatives to Crisco for rubbing on the turkey. However, keep in mind that butter may enhance the flavor more but can also result in a slightly different texture.
What if I don't have a roaster rack?
If you don't have a roaster rack, you can create a makeshift rack using vegetables like carrots and celery. Place them in the bottom of the pan to elevate the turkey, allowing for better airflow and even cooking.
How do I know when the turkey is done cooking?
The best way to check if your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read at least 165°F. If the turkey is stuffed, ensure the stuffing also reaches this temperature.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).