Another Turkey Question

dixiedog_2007

17 years ago

Please tell me the good and bad about cooking a turkey the day before.

I have read about it and am considering it this year due to another event that is going to make it difficult for me to be home to "babysit" the turkey before everyone arrives at my home. It will be approx. a 24 lb. turkey.

I would cook and slice it all down and then store in shallow dishes in the frig. The next day heat back up at say 325-350 with some juice from the turkey from the day before. Would that work? Would it be dry? I've read to reheat approx. 15 mins. per every 5 lbs. I would use gravy on it but not everyone in the clan likes gravy on their turkey (unheard of to me but what can I say).

I've never thought of doing this before so it's just running through my mind. Otherwise, I will cook the same day as I have always done for many years.

Another advantage would be having the gravy done ahead of time:)

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Comments (8)

pkramer60
17 years ago
If you wrap it up good and tight and re-het it gently, I cannot think of one good reason you can't cook it ahead of time. Think of the clean kitchen on Thursday.

Re-heat it with a bit of chicken or turkey stock instead of the gravy for the heathens.
lindac
17 years ago
It'll work....
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dixiedog_2007
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you both. I really think I am going to give this a try. I can't imagine either how it would be bad - what is bad is my way of thinking that it is not fresh out of the oven and carving at the table. But, with this other event, I am just not going to be able to get out of so I think this will work.

Thank you again.
deborah_ps
17 years ago
If you've not tried the turkey cooking bags you might want to try that...no babysitting, juicy as can be, lots of gravy drippings, always a beautiful bronze color and it cooks quicker.
cynic
17 years ago
Not wanting gravy on turkey = certifiably insane. Are you sure you'd want them attending? Are you sure you'd feel safe?? Gravy, the nectar of life, being shunned? I'd question their patriotism, sanity and otherwise.

I've always found turkey reheats well as long as it's not cooked dry in the first place. One thought: You could cut it up and cook the white and dark meat separately to get the optimal temperature (which will give maximum moisture) for each type of meat. Then they could reheat together easily and stay more moist. In theory anyway.

I'm a "white" guy myself so I make a turkey breast when I cook turkey. Use the Nesco and it's almost too moist. Pass the gravy please.
gardengrl
17 years ago
I can't remember where I read it (Cuisine at Home?), but I read steaming leftover roasted turkey (chicken too) for reheating purposes guarantees that it won't be dry. Although it probably wouldn't be all that great for the crispy skin.
User
17 years ago
Dixie, I like leftover turkey. Especially as hot turkey sandwiches smothered in gravy. But I also love a fresh roasted turkey. Any turkey cooked the day before is going to be good, but it will taste like leftover turkey. Regardless of how you reheat it. My advice, is if you really want to cook the turkey ahead of time, than cook it earlier the same day . Timing it to come out of the oven just a couple of hours max prior to when you want it. While it rests you can get the rest of your meal prepared. The turkey will be easy to slice after resting and if need be you can slice it, cover it and put it back in the oven just to warm up before serving.

Ann
dixiedog_2007
Original Author
17 years ago
Ann I agree with you. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE leftover turkey but for the special day and all family coming, I want it fresh out of the oven. I have debated over this way too much! LOL! So on that note, I have decided to cook the turkey the day of and my husband is going to stay home and then I will be able to have about an hour from the time I get home to pull all the other stuff together before everyone arrives.

Thank you all for your help and I am going to try the other method one of these days.

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