Why You Should Put A Piece Of Bread Under The Turkey Before Cooking It


We could all use a little help with cooking from time to time and that is especially true during this time of the year. When the family is getting ready to get together for Thanksgiving, it is the one time that many of us are going to be preparing a literal banquet. If you are somebody that enjoys making a turkey on Thanksgiving or at any other time, there is a secret method that you should be aware of.

This method involves a loaf of bread. I know it sounds a little strange, but let’s face it, nobody likes a dry turkey and this tip is one that will help you to keep it moist and keep your guests happy. Thomas Joseph is the cook for Kitchen Area Conundrums and he talks about why a strategy known as ‘upside down roasted turkey’ is the best thing since sliced bread.

There is a lot of work that goes into preparing the food for a Thanksgiving meal. You want everything to turn out perfectly, including the sides and any treats that are served after the meal. When one of those dishes is perfect, it really makes the meal go well.

You don’t need much to create this meal for yourself. In fact, there are only a few ingredients on the short list.

1 unsliced loaf of bread
1 stick of saltless butter
2 tbsps salt
2 tsp black pepper
seasoning mix (optional)

You might also need some butcher’s twine for the roasting pan.

Preheat the oven to 425° to get started.

Make the bread for the bottom of the pan by trimming the top and cutting it lengthwise. Don’t cut completely through it but keep it connected at the center joint. This will line the base of your roasting pan, which is preferable because a steel rack can damage the bird.

Open the bread and place it inside of the frying pan with the inside facing up. Butter both sides in the pan.

Sprinkle a combination of salt and pepper on the inside and outside of the turkey and if desired, use a seasoning blend listed below.

Fold the neck skin under the body and put the wings under the breasts. Use the butcher’s twine to tie the legs together.

Put the turkey and the bread in the pan but flip it upside down so the top is facing down. Put additional seasoning over the turkey if desired.

Now you can prepare the turkey, put it in the oven and cook it for 45 minutes and then remove the frying pan.

Drop the oven temperature to 350° and flip the turkey to the belly side up. Use a spatula or long spoon to help if needed and a hand towel can go a long way in helping as well.

The turkey will now be breast side up and you can put it back in the oven, cooking it for another 90 minutes. Baste the turkey every 15-20 minutes during this time.

When the timer goes off, the turkey should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°. You can then pull it from the oven and let it sit for 30 minutes before you carve it.


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