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High-Heat Roast Turkey

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By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Jul 19, 2021
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For a tender, mouthwatering bird, you have to try our high-heat turkey recipe that's perfect for Thanksgiving. This method helps improve browning while never losing the juicy flavor profile you know and love. Cooking turkey at high heat can also help achieve crispy, savory skin. Don't let our high-heat turkey recipe intimidate you; we walk you through every step to ensure that your end result is unmatched. Once you've let your turkey rest, now all that's left to do is carve, serve and enjoy!

High-Heat Roast Turkey

  • Prep Time 10 min
  • Total 3 hr 40 min
  • Servings 25
  • Ingredients 3
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Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (20 lb), thawed if frozen*
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Move oven rack to lowest position; heat oven to 450°F. Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching. Rub both cavities lightly with salt and pepper. Tuck legs under band of skin at tail, or tie together with heavy string, then tie to tail.
  • Step 
    2
    On rack in shallow roasting pan, place turkey breast side up. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone. (Do not add water or cover turkey.) If possible, place turkey in oven with legs to the back of the oven so they are in the hottest part of oven.
  • Step 
    3
    Roast uncovered 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, watching carefully. After roasting about 1 hour 30 minutes, wearing oven mitts that cover hands and wrists, place tent of foil loosely over turkey when it begins to turn golden.
  • Step 
    4
    Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted. If meat thermometer is not used, begin testing for doneness after about 2 hours 15 minutes. When turkey is done, place on warm platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Let stand about 15 minutes for easiest carving.

Nutrition

370 Calories
15g Total Fat
58g Protein
0g Total Carbohydrate
0g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
370
Calories from Fat
130
Total Fat
15g
23%
Saturated Fat
4g
21%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
180mg
60%
Sodium
270mg
11%
Potassium
490mg
14%
Total Carbohydrate
0g
0%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
0g
Protein
58g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
2%
2%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
15%
15%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 8 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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