ALWAYS-TENDER ROASTED TURKEY

Always-Tender Roasted Turkey image

For years I prepared my Thanksgiving turkey only to have it turn out dry. That's when I decided to give this recipe a try. Baking the bird in an oven bag keeps it moist and tender...and there's no basting involved.-Shirley Bedzis, San Diego, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 3h30m

Yield 24 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, softened
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 turkey (22 to 24 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 turkey-size oven roasting bag
4 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
2 medium onions, sliced

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic. Pat turkey dry. Carefully loosen skin of turkey; rub butter mixture under the skin. Sprinkle salt and pepper over skin of turkey and inside cavity. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together., Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place oven bag in a roasting pan; add celery and onions. Place turkey, breast side up, over vegetables. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag; close bag with tie provided., Bake at 350° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Skim fat and thicken drippings if desired., If preparing turkey the day before, pour drippings into a measuring cup; skim fat. Arrange slices in an ungreased shallow roasting pan; pour drippings over turkey. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight., The next day, bake at 350° for 45-65 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 512 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 230mg cholesterol, Sodium 375mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 67g protein.