Roast Turkey From Frozen is perfect if you forgot to thaw your turkey! It takes more time, but you can roast frozen turkey to crispy and tender meat.
This turkey recipe comes out just as tender and flavorful as a classic Roast Turkey. So don’t worry! If it’s the morning of Thanksgiving and you still have a frozen turkey, you can still make the Ultimate Holiday Dinner.
ROAST TURKEY FROM FROZEN
Lot’s of us prep Thanksgiving Dinner well in advance. Whether you’re picking out the recipes, brining the turkey, or pre-baking Holiday Dessert Recipes, it’s always nice to be on top of things. But sometimes the time just gets away from you. So, if you find yourself up against Thanksgiving and your turkey is still frozen solid, then this recipe is the solution. Even if you’ve just bought a frozen turkey the morning of, there’s no need to panic!
That’s right, you can make a delicious roast turkey without defrosting the bird ahead of time. Just pop the turkey in the oven for 2 hours while it’s still frozen and the oven will speed up the thaw time. Once it’s been defrosted you can clean out the giblets and season the turkey, then just roast it as usual.
You’ll be amazed just how great it turns out. The skin is golden brown and crisp and the inside is tender and juicy. It’s the perfect main dish for any holiday! Serve it up with your favorite Thanksgiving sides like Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, and Green Bean Casserole.
MORE TURKEY RECIPES
Overnight Turkey Recipe
Deep-Fried Turkey
Cajun Roasted Turkey
No-Baste Roast Turkey
HOW TO ROAST TURKEY FROM FROZEN
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Unwrap the turkey and put it on a roasting rack while it’s still frozen solid.
- Roast: Pop the frozen turkey in the oven while still frozen and roast it for 2 hours.
- Season: After roasting the turkey it will be thawed so you can remove the giblets. Then season the turkey with salt and pepper, and rub it down with unsalted butter.
- Roast: Put the turkey back into the oven and roast it for 2 to 2:30 hours. Keep an eye on the turkey. If it starts to brown too quickly, then tent it with foil while it is cooking. To make sure the turkey is cooked properly put a thermometer in the thick part of the thigh and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees.
- Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven, and tent it with foil while it rests for 20 minutes. Carve and serve.
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VARIATIONS ON ROAST TURKEY FROM FROZEN
- Herbs and Seasonings: For some delicious flavorings try adding some seasonings and herbs at the same time you rub the butter over the turkey. Flat-leaf parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, or cajun seasoning will all taste great.
- Brown Sugar: For some sweet taste in your holiday main dish try adding some brown sugar at the same time you put butter over the turkey as a dry rub. You can mix it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
- Turkey Cavity: Try putting some different ingredients in the turkey cavity. Celery, onions, carrots, sliced oranges, apples, or cinnamon sticks will add some nice flavor to the turkey.
MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES
Leftover Turkey Casserole
Bourbon Glazed Ham
Pumpkin Biscuits
Herb Crusted Pork Rib Roast
HOW TO STORE ROAST TURKEY RECIPE
- Serve: After taking the Roast Turkey out of the oven and serving, don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Store: Carve up any leftover turkey and store the pieces in a ziplock bag or other airtight container. It will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: You can also refreeze the turkey. Seal it in an airtight container and it will keep well for 2-3 months. To reheat the frozen turkey let it thaw in the fridge, then pop it in the microwave or reheat it in the oven.
Roast Turkey From Frozen
Ingredients
- 12-14 pound turkey
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Remove turkey wrapping and place the solid frozen turkey on a roasting rack.
Roast for 2 hours.
- Remove the giblets and season with salt and pepper.
- Rub with unsalted butter.
Put back in the oven and roast for 2 to 2:30 hours until the thickest part of the thigh reads at 165 degrees.
- If the turkey browns too quickly, tent with foil while it continues to cook.
Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before serving.
What happened to washing the turkey inside and out? I always wash all of my meat; think of the processing plants and the handling. I know there has been info regarding not washing poultry, but I cannot omit washing meat and poultry.
You should wash your hands but washing the bird isn’t going to get rid of any bacteria or anything. In fact, sometimes in the process you can actually be splashing it around your sink and kitchen.
I put mine frozen in a cooking bag..works great and stays moist..
Thanks for the feedback.
This is a Fabulous Recipes !! Nice Blog to Follow !! I’ll Definitely Try it !! Thank You so Much for the Recipe !!
Thanks so much!