Easy Turkey in a Paper Bag
Transform your holiday feast with this incredibly simple and delicious recipe for Easy Turkey in a Paper Bag. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and stuffed with fresh herbs, lemon, and hearty vegetables, this 12-pound turkey emerges from its unique paper bag roasting method juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. The butter-coated paper bag locks in moisture and creates a beautifully golden, evenly cooked bird without basting or fuss. With just 30 minutes of prep time and an impressive yet effortless presentation, this foolproof turkey recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and get ready to wow your guests! Keywords: easy roast turkey, turkey in paper bag, moist Thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 lbs Whole turkey
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 unit Lemon, halved
- 2 units Carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 units Celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 unit Yellow onion, quartered
- 1 unit Plain brown paper bag (grocery size, food-safe)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your oven is free of loose paper towels or items to minimize fire hazards.
Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove giblets and neck from the cavity, if included.
Rub the turkey inside and out with the softened butter, ensuring even coverage.
Season the turkey generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, making sure to season under the skin where possible.
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the rosemary, thyme, lemon halves, chopped carrots, celery, and onion.
Lay a plain brown paper bag on a clean countertop. Rub a thin layer of butter on the inside of the bag to prevent sticking.
Place the turkey breast-side up into the prepared paper bag. Roll the edge of the bag closed and staple or fold it securely to hold in the steam.
Place the bagged turkey onto a large roasting pan. Ensure the bag does not touch the walls or top of the oven.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Allow approximately 15 minutes per pound, so for a 12-pound turkey, roast for about 3 hours.
After cooking, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest in the bag for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carefully tear open the paper bag (be cautious of steam). Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and carve as desired. Discard the paper bag and used herbs and vegetables.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful turkey!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 383.8 g | 492% | |
| Saturated Fat | 176.2 g | 881% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 4327 mg | 1442% | |
| Sodium | 17605 mg | 765% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.4 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.5 g | ||
| Protein | 1314.1 g | 2628% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 825 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 63.8 mg | 354% | |
| Potassium | 14087 mg | 300% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
