The Easiest Way to Cook a Whole Turkey in the Oven

Turkey is delicious and always welcome in this house. Luckily, this time of year is the best time to stock up to fill your freezer inexpensively. Whether you’re in charge of preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year or simply want to save money on your grocery budget this fall, this is the easiest way to cook a whole turkey in the oven for every occasion.

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[bctt tweet=”With this recipe for the easiest way to cook a whole turkey you’re free to concentrate on your friends and family over great food and better conversation.” username=”diyadulation”]

The first year I cooked a whole turkey, it wasn’t actually for Thanksgiving dinner. It was because they were on sale and a great way to save money on our grocery budget.

The great thing about it was that there wasn’t any pressure. I was out $10 if it didn’t turn out and we might have to re-heat some leftovers. That made the entire event laid back and easy. Even better, the turkey turned out great.

I’ve been using this recipe ever since, including when we did host Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing bird with a quarter of the effort when you serve this amazing turkey recipe.

 

Baked Whole Turkey in Roasting Pan

Ingredients

Note: You will also need a turkey sized oven bag.

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350º Fahrenheit.

Step 2

First, remove your turkey from the packaging and then remove the organs pouch and neck from inside of the turkey.

Note:

I don’t eat the gizzards so I toss them. If you want to prepare them, here is a recipe for you to try.

Step 3

Next, carefully free the legs of your turkey and slide your hand between the meat and the skin to separate it.

Step 4

Once your skin is separated, cut your stick of butter into slices and slide them between the skin and the meat of your turkey.

Step 5

Then, re-truss the legs of your turkey as they were before.

Step 6

Next, stuff your turkey with this super easy stuffing recipe. Don’t worry if it all doesn’t fit inside of the turkey cavity. The trussed legs form a ‘bowl’ to hold the excess.

Step 7

Lastly, cover the outside of your turkey with dried rosemary and top with a dash of salt and pepper.

Step 8

Prepare your oven bag by shaking flour inside of it (it doesn’t take much). Be sure to dump out the excess.

Step 9

Carefully, place your stuffed and seasoned turkey inside the oven bag and place in a roasting pan.

Step 10

After your turkey is in the pan, close your bag and cut a few slits in the top of the bag.

Step 11

Bake your turkey according to the weight. (You can find this on the instructions in the box of oven bags.)

Tip:

Most turkeys will take a minimum of 3 hours to cook so plan your schedule accordingly.

 

Back of Baked Whole Turkey in Roasting Pan

Step 12

Once your turkey is baked, scoop out the stuffing into a serving bowl before carving.

Step 13

All that’s left is to carve your turkey and serve!

 

Baked Whole Turkey in Roasting Pan 2

Roasted Whole Turkey with text overlay - The Easiest and Most Delicious Way to Cook a Whole Turkey

With this recipe for the easiest way to cook a whole turkey in the oven there’s no need to worry about the big meal. It leaves you free to concentrate on your friends and family over great food and even better conversation. Don’t forget to check out my crazy easy stuffing recipe and come back later this week to find out how to make your own turkey gravy out of the pan drippings. (No need to worry, it’s another super simple recipe.)

 

Easiest Way to Cook a Whole Turkey in the Oven

Easiest Way to Cook a Whole Turkey in the Oven
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • Whole Turkey (Defrosted)
  • 1 Stick of Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Rosemary
  • Dash of Salt and Pepper
  • Stuffing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350º Fahrenheit.
  2. First, remove your turkey from the packaging and then remove the organs pouch and neck from inside of the turkey.
  3. Next, carefully free the legs of your turkey and slide your hand between the meat and the skin to separate it.
  4. Once your skin is separated, cut your stick of butter into slices and slide them between the skin and the meat of your turkey.
  5. Then, re-truss the legs of your turkey as they were before.
  6. Next, stuff your turkey with this super easy stuffing recipe. Don’t worry if it all doesn’t fit inside of the turkey cavity. The trussed legs form a ‘bowl’ to hold the excess.
  7. Lastly, cover the outside of your turkey with dried rosemary and top with a dash of salt and pepper.
  8. Prepare your oven bag by shaking flour inside of it (it doesn’t take much). Be sure to dump out the excess.
  9. Carefully, place your stuffed and seasoned turkey inside the oven bag and place in a roasting pan.
  10. After your turkey is in the pan, close your bag and cut a few slits in the top of the bag.
  11. Bake your turkey according to the weight. (You can find this on the instructions in the box of oven bags.)
  12. Once your turkey is baked, scoop out the stuffing into a serving bowl before carving.

Notes

Your cook time will vary depending on the size of your turkey.

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Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

Get ready for an Asian twist on a classic dessert with these delicious baked cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls. If you are looking for an easy dessert idea that is easy to serve, you are in the right place. These hand held beauties are perfect for parties and pitch-ins and you don’t have to worry about the mess or have fancy carrying cases.

This post is sponsored by JSL Foods – All ideas photos and recipes are my own. Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Collage of Caramel Apple Egg Rolls with text overlay - Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

 

[bctt tweet=”Get ready for an Asian twist on a classic dessert with these baked cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls. They’re the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and yummy! #TwinDragon #twindragonwrappers #eggrolls” username=”diyadulation”]

Caramel apples are amazing. In fact, I always get one when we take the kids to the fair each year. Unfortunately, they’re pretty messy to eat so I usually wait to eat mine until I get home. Then I cut it into easier to eat slices with the cores removed.

When Twin Dragon reached out to have me create a new recipe using their awesome wrappers, I was immediately struck with the idea to create this decadent dessert. Everything is better when it’s easy to make and serve, plus now I can get all of that delicious flavor without the frustration.

These wrappers are so easy to use. You literally open up the package and pull a wrapper off of the stack. Easy-peasy. Even better, Twin Dragon offers a ton of options from egg roll wrappers to whole wheat won ton wrappers. You can purchase JSL Foods Twin Dragon products at your local Fred Meyer, Safeway, or Albertsons and have these delicious baked cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls by dinnertime.

 

Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers next to Apples and Caramels

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Ingredients

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit.

 

Apple Sticks next to Red Knife

Step 2

First, slice your apple and remove cores, then cut your slices into sticks.

 

Apple Sticks Topped with Cinnamon Sugar

Step 3

Next, place your apple sticks in a small glass bowl and add a tbsp. of cinnamon sugar mix to it.

 

Bowl of Apple Sticks next to Melted Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Step 4

Then toss the apples and cinnamon sugar together.

 

Egg Roll Wrapper on Cutting Board next to Knife

Step 5

Set your apple sticks to the side and pull out one egg roll wrapper.

 

Cut Pieces of Caramel on Cutting Board

Step 6

Next cut 2 caramels into 4 pieces each.

Note:

 

Apple Sticks on Egg Roll

Step 7

Add 4 cut pieces of caramel then top with a small pile of apple sticks.

 

Caramel Pieces and Apple Sticks on Egg Roll Wrapper

Step 8

Top the apple sticks with the remaining 4 cut caramel pieces.

 

Partially Rolled Caramel Apple Egg Roll

Step 9

Then begin rolling up your egg roll tightly but stop about an inch and a half from the edge of the wrapper.

Step 10

Now fold over the edges like a burrito and continue rolling. If they aren’t staying folded, add a small amount of melted butter with your finger and re-fold.

 

Butter on the Edge of Rolled Egg Roll

Step 11

Lastly, add a small amount of melted butter to the edge of your egg roll wrapper and finish rolling it. Press the seam gently to seal.

 

Sealed Edge of Caramel Apple Egg Roll

Step 12

Place the egg roll, seam down, on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

 

Caramel Apple Egg Rolls on Parchment Lined Baking Sheet

Step 13

Repeat steps 2 through 12 until you have 6 egg rolls on your baking sheet.

 

Butter Brushed on Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

Cinnamon Sugar on Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

Step 14

Next, brush melted butter over the tops of your egg rolls and sprinkle with your remaining cinnamon sugar.

Step 15

Then bake your cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 16

Cool on your baking sheet before serving.

 

Close Up of Baked Caramel Apple Egg Rolls on Floral Tray

Caramel Apple Egg Rolls on Floral Tray

Halved Caramel Apple Egg Roll next to Apple and Caramels

Close Up of Halved Caramel Apple Egg Roll

Halved Caramel Apple Egg Roll with text overlay - Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

Can you believe how super easy these baked cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls are to make? Wait until your bite into them! The crispy outside adds the perfect crunch to the sweet and decadent filling. Skip the pie this year and surprise your friends and family with this hand held deliciousness at the big Thanksgiving dinner!

Be sure to check out more awesomeness from JSL Foods online on their Website, Facebook page, and on Twitter!

 

Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apple Egg Rolls

Baked Cinnamon Caramel Apple Egg Rolls
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers
  • 1 Apple
  • 10-12 Wrapped Caramels
  • 1 tbsp Cinnamon Sugar Mix + 1/2 tsp for sprinkling
  • Tablespoon of Butter or Margarine, Melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450° Fahrenheit.
  2. First, slice your apple and remove cores, then cut your slices into sticks.
  3. Next, place your apple sticks in a small glass bowl and add a tbsp. of cinnamon sugar mix to it.
  4. Then toss the apples and cinnamon sugar together.
  5. Set your apple sticks to the side and pull out one egg roll wrapper.
  6. Next cut 2 caramels into 4 pieces each.
  7. Add 4 cut pieces of caramel then top with a small pile of apple sticks.
  8. Top the apple sticks with the remaining 4 cut caramel pieces.
  9. Then begin rolling up your egg roll tightly but stop about an inch and a half from the edge of the wrapper.
  10. Now fold over the edges like a burrito and continue rolling. If they aren't staying folded, add a small amount of melted butter with your finger and re-fold.
  11. Lastly, add a small amount of melted butter to the edge of your egg roll wrapper and finish rolling it. Press the seam gently to seal.
  12. Place the egg roll, seam down, on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  13. Repeat steps 2 through 12 until you have 6 egg rolls on your baking sheet.
  14. Next, brush melted butter over the tops of your egg rolls and sprinkle with your remaining cinnamon sugar.
  15. Then bake your cinnamon caramel apple egg rolls for 20 minutes, until golden brown.
  16. Cool on your baking sheet before serving.

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Super Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. It’s time to take the scary out of it with easy recipes starting with this super easy homemade stuffing recipe. This stuffing is so delicious that your family will ask for it again and again and easy enough to make that you won’t mind.

Affiliate links may be used in this post. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

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[bctt tweet=”Cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dishes doesn’t have to be intimidating. This super easy homemade stuffing recipe is so delicious and simple to make!” username=”diyadulation”]

For many years I wanted nothing to do with traditional stuffing. My mom always made what I can only describe as “really wet” stuffing. She used sliced bread and after all the stuff she mixed it followed by cooking it in the turkey, it was a mushy glob that just isn’t my tastes.

When I began making my own stuffing, I went the boxed route all the way. It’s easy, delicious, and super fast. That was my stuffing recipe.

Then, one night at a family dinner with my in-laws my mother-in-law made homemade stuffing with the meal. I always try to be polite so I took a small amount on my plate even though I didn’t think I’d like it. The way that she prepared it was delicious. The top of the stuffing got crunchy while the layer underneath was soft and flavorful.

Turns out, it wasn’t that I didn’t like traditional stuffing. I am simply not a fan of the kind my mom likes. Consider the game changed.

 

Stuffing Inside of Whole Turkey

Super Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

When it comes to making delicious stuffing, it turns out you don’t need complex and overly involved ingredients. This super simple recipe only uses 5 ingredients (2 of which are spices). Even better, you dump all of the ingredients in a bowl, mix them up, and stuff them in the bird. Done and done.

It also gets the mix of textures with crunchy and soft so you can have the perfect stuffing for everyone. Double score!

Easy Homemade sTuffing Ingredients

 

Bowl of Ripped Bread

Step 1

First, tear your loaf of bread into small pieces and set them in a bowl in a cooled oven for 24 hours.

Step 2

Next, finely chop your celery and onion and add them to the bowl with your bread pieces.

Step 3

Add in your seasonings and mix together until well combined. The celery and onion should be incorporated throughout.

Step 4

Lastly, stuff everything inside your turkey and bake your turkey according to it’s size.

Note:

 

Close Up of Homemade Stuffing

Step 5

After your turkey has finished cooking, spoon the stuffing out of the inside and place in a bowl to serve.

 

Close Up of Stuffing Inside Turkey

Close Up of Homemade Stuffing

Close Up of Cooked Stuffing with text overlay - Super Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Even though this super easy homemade stuffing recipe only uses a few ingredients, each bite is packed with flavor. The rosemary permeates your nose as you bring each forkful to your mouth and I totally recommend taking a bite with some delicious turkey and gravy. It’s a mouthful of Thanksgiving in every bite that way.

Come back next week to find out how to season and bake the perfect easy Thanksgiving Turkey this year. Don’t worry, it’s just as easy as this delicious recipe is.

Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Additional Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 18 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Small Loaf of Italian Bread
  • 4 Celery Stalks
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion
  • 2 Teaspoons Garlic Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of Dried Rosemary

Instructions

  1. First, tear your loaf of bread into small pieces and set them in a bowl in a cooled oven for 24 hours.
  2. Next, finely chop your celery and onion and add them to the bowl with your bread pieces.
  3. Add in your seasonings and mix together until well combined. The celery and onion should be incorporated throughout.
  4. Lastly, stuff everything inside your turkey and bake your turkey according to it’s size.
  5. After your turkey has finished cooking, spoon the stuffing out of the inside and place in a bowl to serve.

Notes

Cook time will vary depending on the size of your turkey.

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Close Up of Cooked Stuffing with text overlay - Super Easy Homemade Stuffing Recipe

 

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