After testing dozens of turkey recipes over 25 years of cooking, I’ve discovered that the traditional “low and slow” method isn’t actually the best way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. Through extensive testing and serving countless holiday meals, I’ve found that high-heat upside-down roasting produces consistently superior results.

If you’re looking for the best turkey recipe, keep reading! My high-heat, no basting techniques will not only save you hours in the kitchen, it will also result in the most tender and delicious turkey you’ve ever made!

Why Trust This Method

After more than two decades of homesteading and cooking from scratch for my family of six, I’ve learned that sometimes the best cooking methods go against conventional wisdom. As someone who raises her own food and cooks nearly everything from scratch, I’ve prepared dozens of turkeys over the years. This upside-down method was discovered completely by accident – and it turned out to be the best mistake I’ve ever made in the kitchen!

My Cooking Journey

Unlike professionally trained chefs, I learned to cook through real-life experience – feeding a large family, working with home-grown ingredients, and lots of trial and error. This turkey recipe is the result of years of practical, hands-on experience, and it’s been tested and perfected through many family gatherings.

Key Benefits of Upside-Down Roasting

Through years of family dinners and holiday gatherings, I’ve found these amazing benefits of cooking turkey upside down:

Time-Saving Benefits

• No basting required (it’s self-basting!)
• Cooks faster than traditional methods
• Less hands-on time during cooking

Moisture and Flavor Advantages

• Produces the juiciest turkey meat you’ll ever taste
• Works perfectly without brining (saving you time and space!)
• Results in evenly cooked white and dark meat
• Creates perfectly crispy skin when done right

Essential Temperature and Timing Guide

Turkey Thawing Times

It’s vital to completely thaw your frozen turkey. It takes some forethought to make sure you start thawing your turkey on the right day.

• 12-16 pounders need 3-4 days to thaw. (Put in fridge on Sunday or Monday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)
• 16-20 pounders need 4-5 days to thaw.  (Put in fridge on Saturday or Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)
• 20-24 pounders need 5-6 days to thaw. (Put in fridge on Friday or Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving.)

Cooking Times per Pound

• 12 pound turkey – 3/4 hours
• 16 pound turkey – 3 1/2 hours
• 20 pound turkey – 4 hours
• 24 pound turkey – 4 1/2 hours

Note: Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer, not cooking time alone.

The general rule of thumb is add about 13 minutes more for each additional pound if your turkey is over 16 pounds.

Required Equipment List

Essential Tools You’ll Need

• silicone basting brush
• kitchen twine
• silicone oven mittens
• Digital meat thermometer
• large roasting pan
• aluminum foil

Note: While you don’t absolutely need all of these tools, they make the process much easier. I’ve learned this through years of trial and error!

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Thawing Your Turkey

• Remove turkey from freezer according to weight-based timing chart above
• Place in refrigerator (40°F or below)
• Place on bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination
• Use a tray to catch any drips

Room Temperature Preparation (1 Hour Before Cooking)

• Remove from refrigerator
• Let stand for exactly 1 hour
• Food Safety Note: Never leave turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours

Turkey Preparation Steps

1. Remove giblets and neck (check both cavities)
2. Remove plastic or metal clips
3. Remove pop-up timer (unreliable)
4. Do not rinse the turkey (USDA food safety guideline)
5. Pat dry with paper towels

Preparing Your Turkey

1. Separate skin from meat gently
2. Spread room-temperature butter under the skin
3. Brush outside with melted butter
4. Season generously with:
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Your favorite poultry seasoning (optional)

High-Heat Turkey Cooking Method

Oven Preparation

1. Remove extra racks – leave one in lowest position
2. Preheat to 500°F (yes, really!)
3. Allow full 30 minutes for preheating

Cooking Process

This is where my “mistake” became a game-changer!

1. Place turkey BREAST SIDE DOWN on roasting rack
2. Tuck wing tips under (prevents burning)
3. Add cold water to roasting pan bottom
4. Initial roasting: 500°F for 30 minutes
5. Reduce to 350°F for 1½ hours
6. Flip turkey breast side up (carefully!)
7. Continue until internal temperature reaches 165°F

Turkey Seasoning

1. Gently separate skin from meat
2. Spread softened butter under skin
3. Brush outside with melted butter
4. Season generously with:
   • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
   • 2 teaspoons black pepper
   • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)

Cavity Stuffing (Optional)

Place all vegetables and apple chunks in the cavity of the turkey:

• 1 large apple, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)

Cooking Process

1. Place turkey BREAST SIDE DOWN on roasting rack
2. Tuck wing tips under
3. Add 2 cups cold water to roasting pan
4. Initial roasting: 500°F for 30 minutes
5. Reduce temperature: 350°F for 1½ hours
6. Flip turkey breast side up (wear protective mitts)
7. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F

How to Flip the Turkey

After the turkey has cooked for about 2 hours, take it out of the oven. Using silicone oven mittens, flip the bird breast side up so the breast can brown nicely. Now it’s time to insert the oven-safe remote thermometer in the thigh, without touching the bone.

Using a Meat Thermometer

I spent years struggling with those unreliable pop-up timers before switching to a good meat thermometer. Trust me – this is one kitchen tool worth investing in! Here’s how I use mine:

• Insert into thickest parts without touching bone
• Check multiple spots for accuracy
• Keep thermometer clean between tests

Resting and Serving

Finally, when the turkey is fully cooked, remove from oven. Loosely tent with foil and let turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This is very important!! Don’t slice it on the cutting board for at least a half an hour.

1. Remove from oven once fully cooked, internal temperature of 165°F
2. Tent loosely with foil
3. Rest for minimum 30 minutes (up to 45 minutes)
4. Carve against the grain
5. Serve immediately

While the turkey is resting, use the pan drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan and make a delicious turkey gravy. Homemade gravy is actually really easy. Here’s all you need:

• 4 tablespoons meat drippings
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 cups stock, use a high quality stock – homemade is best
• Salt and pepper to taste

Get the full recipe + troubleshooting tips: How to Make Gravy

Would you like a free printable Thanksgiving Planner?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this year, let my printable Thanksgiving planner help you simplify Thanksgiving Day! Including checklists, menus, timelines and more, this free printable will help you organize for the most successful Thanksgiving Dinner ever!

Storage and Leftovers

Safe Storage Guidelines

From someone who never wastes food:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours
• Use within 3-4 days
• Store in airtight containers

Freezing Instructions

I always save the bones for homemade stock and also freeze leftover turkey for quick meals.

1. Remove meat from bones
2. Wrap in freezer paper
3. Place in freezer bags (I love reusable Stasher bags!)
4. Remove all air
5. Label with date
6. Use within 6 months

Common Problems and Solutions

After cooking dozens of turkeys (and making plenty of mistakes!), here are the issues I’ve encountered and how to fix them:

Browning Issues

Too Dark:

• Tent loosely with foil
• Don’t worry if parts are darker than others – it’ll still taste great!

Not Brown Enough:

• Increase temperature to 375°F for last 30 minutes
• Make sure to pat turkey completely dry before buttering

Temperature Challenges

Taking Too Long to Cook:

• Check if oven is properly calibrated
• Ensure turkey was fully thawed
• Keep oven door closed (I know it’s tempting to peek!)

Cooking Too Quickly:

• Reduce temperature slightly
• Use foil tent
• Trust your thermometer, not the time

Moisture Concerns

If you’re worried about dry meat, remember:

• Let it rest after cooking (this is crucial!)
• The upside-down method is self-basting
• NO NEED to brine (I promise!)

What other Side Dishes to Serve for a Delicious Turkey Dinner?

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to Make Ahead & Freeze

How to Make Perfect Turkey Gravy

Sourdough Stuffing Recipe with Roasted Red Onion, Kale, and Sausage

Delicious Sourdough Dinner Rolls Made with Sourdough Discard

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Waste Not, Want Not – Recipes that Use Left-Over Turkey

In our opinion, turkey leftovers are one of the best parts of a holiday meal. Here are a few ways to make the most of your leftovers!

How to Make Turkey Pot Pie from Scratch

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Turkey & Mushroom Cream Sauce

Make Homemade Turkey Stock

Where to Buy a Local Whole Turkey

Now that you know how to cook the turkey, you need to get that turkey! If you’re wondering where to buy a turkey, why not consider ordering a local turkey from an independent family farm?

Here are a few places to find a turkey from an independent family farm:

1. 99 Counties – locally sourced, regeneratively farmed meat delivered to your door! Available in Chicagoland and anyone within 100 miles of Keystone, Iowa
2. ChopLocal – support local farms and small butcher shops by buying meat grown and processed in the US
3. Butcher Box – offers seasonal turkeys that are raised and processed in the US too.

Should I Cook Turkey in a Bag?

No, you should not cook a turkey in a plastic bag. Besides the fact that we think bags are unnecessary and toxic, they are also another type of single-use plastic you just don’t need. Proponents of cooking turkeys in bags think it’s the best way to cook faster and get moister meat, but this upside down, no-baste turkey recipe proves you don’t need one.

How Do You Tuck Turkey Wings?

If you’re wondering how to tuck the turkey wings, don’t worry! It’s easy. Tuck the wings underneath the turkey back after you flip your turkey over. Just hold the back up a bit so you can get the wings underneath it.

How to Freeze Turkey Leftovers

It’s easy to freeze leftover turkey meat. Wrap turkey slices tightly in freezer paper, then put it all in an airtight container. We love reusable Stasher bags! Use a straw to get all the air out to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag and freeze for up to 6 months.

Best Way to Cook a Turkey Printable Directions