Should you cover a turkey when roasting it?

Answer 1

You don't have to cover a turkey while cooking it, but because it must be cooked for a long period of time, it will dry out.

If you want the turkey to be moist and tender, then you will need to cover it with a lid that fits the pot you are cooking it in, or cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil.

Answer 2

Some do, to keep moisture in, and some don't, in order to get a crispy skin. A popular method is to leave it uncovered until it gets the color you want, then put a tent of aluminum foil over it for the remainder of the cooking time.

Answer 3

Generally no, I don't cover the turkey when I cook it. There is a cooking technique that involves covering the breasts for a certain amount of time to keep them from overcooking while you wait for the dark meat to fully cook, but I don't do that. Dark, crisp skin on the turkey is a priority for most people.

Instead, I like to butterfly the turkey, removing the backbone, then boning the breasts (essentially you are removing the entire ribcage), and laying the turkey out flat in the pan, with the breasts on the inside and the legs on the outside. It cooks a lot faster, a LOT faster, you cut hours down on the cooking time, it cooks more evenly, you don't have to cover the white meat, its easier to handle and store, its just much more convenient.

Answer 4

Just had this argument with a relative, in my opinion YES you cover a Turkey while cooking . I’ve always covered for probably 3/4 of it’s cooking time ,, taking foil or lid off during the final portion in order to assure a browned bird , I also add maybe an inch of water to the bottom of My my roasting pan, This adda moisture during baking and ensures that i Have plenty of drippings for gravy .. I’m convinced an uncovered bird will perhaps not be ruined but certainly won’t be as moist and tender as It could have been , I’m also a huge fan of the Baking bags made For Turkeys , They decrease the baking time , seal in all the moisture and produce a perfectly browned beautiful bird .. follow directions for use which are simple , drop your bird in bag, seal it up with bag tie , put bird and bag in a pan and pop it in oven , that’s it until it’s time to take out , Absolutely the most fool proof consistently perfect method . No basting no checking progress just more time to enjoy the Day

Answer 5

no because it has to cook and even if you like it will have a special crisp to it.

Answer 6

Let the turkey cook about 2/3 of the time uncovered so it will brown nicely, then cover the top with aluminum foil to keep it from getting too brown.

Answer 7

yes