Should the Rack Go Inside the Oven Bag with the Turkey?

[chefmelody]

OK, I'm roasting a turkey this afternoon, and I'm going to be using the big roasting pan and an oven bag. My question is, should I put the rack in the bag with the turkey, or put the turkey & bag on top of the rack?

I want to be able to lift the turkey out and leave the juices in the pan, which I do by cutting the oven bag open once it's done.

 

[finley1991]

I put the turkey in the bag on the rack.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Me too. That way you can turn the turkey.

 

[chefmelody]

Me too. That way you can turn the turkey.

Turn the turkey? I've never done that, what's the advantage of it? And do you mean just turn it around, or turn it over?

 

[priscilla]

Why use the roasting bag?

Robin

 

[chefmelody]

Why use the roasting bag?

Cooks faster, no need for basting, and keeps the eye-stinging turkey smell in. Also discovered that the rack won't fit in the bag anyway, so my original question is moot!

 

[pampered1224]

Oh yes...Turning over the bird. You start the bird "upside down" so to speak. This browns the bottom of the bird and crisps up that skins so it does not absorb as much of the grease at it could.
When I did my thanksgiving bird, I brined it first. 20 pound bird, 3 gallons of water, 3 cups of salt. Let it sit 12 hours.
Place the bird "up-side" down on the rack and place in a 450 degree oven for 1 hour. Turn it over. Turn down the oven to 350 and cook for approxiamtely 2 more hours. Everyone said it was really good and my family won't lie if it ain't! That are not that way! (You could not get a compliment out of them if you put a boozka to their heads if it isn't warranted!) If you bine, there is also no need to baste. Stuff the bird with arromatics such as cerlery carrot onion, tyme and rosemary. Place more veggies on the bottom of the pan. I put the rack in first then place veggies so the rack sits in the pan properly. With that pan, clean up is still a breeze so I never need a bag.

 

[Gina M]

We always use the roasting bag too - never turn the turkey - and it always comes out delicious!

 

[finley1991]

I use the bag.. breast-side down.. no turning... digital thermometer.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Inside a bag you won't have the crispy skin, so no need to worry about turning it. The bags help to make a really moist turkey! Enjoy it!


ETA: I have brined my turkey in the past, and I do have to admit...it was even better than in the bag! (Just so you know if you want to try it sometime!) Plus you get the crispy skin too!