Everything You Need To Know About How To Roast A Thanksgiving Turkey

Turkey In Red NESCO Roaster Oven

All Your Questions About Cooking Turkey in a Roaster Oven Answered

What type of Roaster Oven is best for me?

We have three types of Roaster Ovens to choose from and the best one for you depends on what you’re cooking.

The classic 18 Qt. Roaster Oven has been a staple at holidays, parties, and gatherings for years. It can hold up to a 22 lb. turkey and even bake full pies. It can also be used for cooking and serving chili, hot dogs, or other hot foods for big get-togethers. While your 18 Qt. Roaster Oven cooks the turkey, you can use your oven for side dishes.

The smaller 6 Qt. Roaster Oven is very similar to its larger counterpart. It has the full versatility of the 18 Qt. Roaster Oven, but in a more compact size. Best suited for turkey breasts, Cornish game hens, or side dishes on Thanksgiving because of its compact size, it still features the versatile 200-400 degree temperature range. If you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving meal, this is the right Roaster Oven for you.

NESCO’s newest addition, the High Speed Roaster, is the fastest way to cook a turkey. It can cook up to an 18 lb. turkey in less than two hours and uses infrared lights to sear turkey skin to a perfect golden-brown perfection. The center heating element cooks from the inside out to ensure an even cook every time. This Roaster can also be used for other meat dishes like beef roasts or kebobs.

How long do I roast my turkey in a NESCO Roaster Oven?

In a traditional Roaster Oven, turkeys takes 15 to 20 minutes to cook per pound, and an additional 30-45 minutes if the turkey is stuffed. With the High Speed Roaster Oven, cook time is 6 minutes per pound. Just make sure to turn off the center heating element halfway through to avoid overcooking the inside of the turkey. For full instructions, you can read our Roasted Turkey recipe here.

Always make sure to cook your turkey until the meat reaches 165 degrees at the thickest part. Be patient with your turkey! You can’t rush perfection.

Do I need to thaw my turkey before roasting?

Yes, no matter what type cooking method you use, you must thaw your turkey. Plan ahead because this takes several days!

If you’re in a hurry, fill a large pot or your sink with cold water. Next, place the unwrapped turkey breast-side down in the water (make sure it’s fully submerged). Thaw for a half hour per pound, changing the water every half hour.

How can I get the skin golden-brown and crispy?

In a traditional Roaster Oven, the turkey skin doesn’t get that crispy, golden-brown look and feel that everyone loves. The secret is browning sauce. Browning sauce is made from caramelized sugars and gives your turkey that crispy texture and extra flavor.

To use browning sauce, add a teaspoon to the melted butter brushed on before cooking. Make sure to coat the turkey evenly—a little goes a long way.

With a High Speed Roaster, browning sauce isn’t necessary.

What do I do after my turkey is done?

When your turkey reaches 165 degrees all the way through, carefully remove it from the Roaster Oven. Let the bird rest for 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to distribute evenly. This is a good time to make your gravy, set the table, and finish up your sides.

How do I make gravy after cooking?

Good gravy can make or break your Thanksgiving meal. Luckily, it’s easy to make gravy after cooking your turkey. Simply take one or two cups of the turkey drippings and mix with ¼ cup all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper (more to taste), and whisk until well-blended.

 


NESCO’s 18 Qt. Roaster Oven Makes Holiday Meal Time Easier

Turkey In Red NESCO 18 Qt. Roaster Oven

Roaster oven recipes unlock the special moments that happen around food

“Thaw the turkey, wash the veggies, peel the potatoes, prep the ham, oh no we forgot the cranberries!”

Holidays are supposed to be a time of family and thanksgiving, but inevitably, they also come with a fair amount of stress, particularly when it comes to meals and time management. The NESCO 18 Qt. Roaster Oven is designed to roast, bake, cook, steam, and serve — saving you time, energy, and stress this holiday season.

Additionally, NESCO’s roaster oven recipes can provide inspiration for holiday appetizers, entrees, or even desserts, whether you’re keeping things traditional or mixing things up this holiday.

Four ways NESCO’s 18 Qt. Roaster Oven can save you time and stress this holiday

  • Eliminate complicated recipes: The 18 Qt. base features “circle of heat” heating technology which provides moist and even cooking with no fuss. Set it and forget it — let the roaster oven do the work!
  • Versatility: With temperature controls that range from 200 to 450 degrees you can cook just about anything in the roaster oven. Use NESCO’s roaster oven recipes and get creative! Cook entrees including whole turkeys, ham or brisket. “Wow” your guests with popular side dishes including potatoes, mac and cheese, chili, or even vegetarian options. Don’t have time to make an apple pie? You can do that in the roaster oven as well!
  • From cook-to-serve: Save time re-plating. NESCO roaster ovens are perfect for side table serving or buffet-style eating. Once you’re ready to eat, just open the lid and serve your guests right from the roaster!
  • Travel made easy: NESCO roaster ovens are conveniently portable. Start the cooking process ahead of time, and easily pack up and go to your holiday destination.

This holiday season, skip the stress. Take advantage of the versatility of all NESCO products for yourself or as a gift idea for others; including the 6 Qt. or 18 Qt. Roaster Oven and roaster oven recipes, the beef and venison jerky dehydrator, pressure cookers, canners, and more.

NESCO: Your Key Ingredient

At NESCO, we believe life is an occasion worth celebrating. We’re dedicated to being Your Key Ingredient in those celebrations by making cooking enjoyable again with our complete line of innovative small kitchen appliances and accessories. NESCO began as the National Enameling and Stamping Company and created the first Roaster Oven in 1931. NESCO is currently headquartered in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

To purchase NESCO products visit nesco.com or for more information call 1-800-288-4545.

tags: nesco 18 qt roaster oven, nesco 18 qt roaster oven parts, digital roaster oven