Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

I have a 22 1/2 lb bird. It says it should cook for 5 -51/2 hours. Does that sound right to you?

Re: Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

I always go a little longer. I usually get the one that has the popper in the breast, and always go a longer.
I have taken it out before and it was still raw.

Message edited 11/20/2005 12:53:46 PM.

Re: Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

I always go by the popper as well, I also use the cooking bag which shortens the time a little bit...i go on this site all the time i love it...its helpful good luck! http://allrecipes.com/

Re: Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

My brother is a chef. I asked him last year about this and he told me to use the time they give you one the bag as a guide. However, use a meat thermometer and as it gets close to the time that it should be done, put the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (not near a bone) and when it hits the correct temperature for turkey (I think it is 165 to 170 degrees) take it out of the oven.

He recommended not waiting for the popper to pop, because they are not always accurate and the turkey will continue to cook a little more when you take it out of the oven - he said in previous years, his turkey had popped a few minutes after he took it out. If the popper isn't working correctly, you may leave it in too long and the bird will be dry.

Message edited 11/20/2005 7:03:09 PM.

Re: Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

thanks for the info! I'm trying to figure out what time to put the bird into the oven. The bag says 5-5 1/2 hrs. but other sites say 7 - 7 1/2 hrs!

I don't want to serve dinner at 9 PM!!

Re: Xpost - are the cooking times on the turkey wrapper accurate?

Remember too - every time you open the oven door, you let out a lot of heat and it extends the cooking time, so only start checking as it gets closer to the time it should take to be done.

And, it will cook faster if you roast it unstuffed.

Message edited 11/21/2005 9:38:56 AM.