A Guide to The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

Ready, set, roast! Cook the perfect turkey this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is practically synonymous with turkey, but let’s be honest, cooking that bird can be intimidating! Fear not this year, and try this foolproof method for a juicy, golden-brown result.

Start with a CO-OP GOLD Grade A turkey. A properly thawed turkey is key! Give a frozen turkey 1-2 days in the fridge before beginning. Unwrap it the day before cooking for extra crispy skin.

Pat dry, remove the giblets, and season with salt and pepper before stuffing with aromatics− thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion. Tuck in the wings and secure the legs together before covering with aluminum foil, and roasting it in the oven at 350°F.

The magic number? 180° F (82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Defrosted turkeys cook for 20 min/lb

Fresh turkeys cook for 10-15 min/lb

Remove the aluminum foil 45 minutes before the turkey is done cooking and insert a thermometer to the thickest part of the thigh to test it.

(Optional) Baste it regularly with herb butter (butter, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, etc.) to add flavour and keep it moist!

Once the turkey is removed from the oven, tent it with foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Let it rest before carving and you’ve just conquered Thanksgiving!