Recipe: Roasting Turkey in a Roaster Oven (re: Nesco)

ROASTING A TURKEY IN AN ELECTRIC ROASTER

According to manufacturers of electric roasters, a roaster oven cooks at approximately the same temperature and in the same time as a conventional oven. For best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conventional oven roasting times may vary greatly, depending on a number of variables that affect the cooking time such as the shape of the turkey, the proportion of meat to bone, the variations in different ovens, the altitude, and if the turkey is fresh or frozen and then thawed. Adding to the confusion is that almost every source providing roasting times is different from one another.

The only true gauge for determining proper doneness is with a meat thermometer. The breast must reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F and the thigh must reach 180 degrees F.

NOTE: To crisp the skin of a turkey cooked in an electric roaster oven, remove the turkey from the roaster approximately 45 minutes before the turkey is done. Baste the turkey with melted butter and place, without a lid, in a conventional oven for the remaining cooking time. To determine doneness, use a meat thermometer. The breast must reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees F and the thigh must reach 180 degrees F.

Source: Hormel Foods

---

COOKING TURKEY IN A ROASTER OVEN

An electric roaster can serve as an extra oven for cooking a turkey. Generally the cooking time and oven temperature setting are the same as for conventional cooking. Always check the roaster's use and care manual for the manufacturer's recommended temperature settings.

Preheat the oven to at least 325 degrees. Place the turkey on the roaster oven rack or other meat rack so the turkey is raised out of the juices that collect in the bottom of the oven liner. Leave the lid on throughout cooking, removing it as little as possible to avoid slowing the cooking process.

Cooking bags can be used in the roaster oven as long as the bag does not touch the sides, bottom or lid. Follow directions given by the cooking bag manufacturer, and use a food thermometer to be sure the internal temperature in the inner thigh reaches 180 degrees.

Source: Johnson County K-State Research & Extension Office

---

TURKEY BREAST ROASTING TIMES

The National Turkey Federation recommends roasting a turkey breast in a preheated 325 degrees F oven until a meat thermometer indicates the internal temperature registers 170 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast. Pop-up timers are helpful as a preliminary step in judging the correct temperature, but a meat thermometer is the best final authority to determine doneness.

National Turkey Federation Roasting Guidelines for a Fresh or Thawed Turkey Breast Roast in a Conventional Oven

4 to 6 pounds
1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours

6 to 8 pounds
2 1/4 to 3 1/4 hours

---

Hi Dee,

I haven't tried roasting that many turkey breasts in a roaster oven but I think that you will need maybe a little more time than it would take to cook one turkey breast since they are individual pieces (I would go by the weight of the largest one). Some may cook faster than others so you may have to remove them sooner. I'm not sure how the cooking will be effected if there isn't enough room for heat circulation. And starting them ice cold will add to the time needed. There are a lot of variables so I suggest relying on your meat thermometer rather than trying to determine an exact time.

Happy Cooking!

Betsy at Recipelink.com