Recipes

[newname0]

How long does it take to brown a turkey.  I have to tell someone who doesn't know.

[cherry]

It can vary with the size of the bird and the oven temp. It also needs, to be uncovered, for at least part of the cooking time ,to brown properly

It just depends on how brown they want it. I don't have a pat answer for you

[sunshine45]

there are many variables involved so it is a difficult question to answer. i would recommend telling her to contact butterball via their hotline OR online.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Our Butterball experts are available to answer your questions by phone, online chat and email. Let’s talk turkey! 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372)

[gardenman]

Getting it too brown is typically the problem. Just leave it uncovered until it's as brown as you want then use a foil tent to keep it from getting too brown.

[Scooby Doo]

I use the Reynolds Oven Bags, turkey size, to cook my turkey and it browns as it cooks.  Turns out just right.

[BirdieGal]

I used to use those oven bags as well. Several years ago I tried the 2 hour turkey recipe that Safeway introduced. So easy, so fast and so good. It never fails. Turkey is lovely brown and crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. If your oven runs hot, adjust time in oven. 

It it only works for a smaller turkey, up to 14 lbs. I think.

I was going to do that this year but there will only be three of us for  Thanksgiving so I will do a turkey breast and a ham cap (my men like to have both) and it will still leave a lot of leftovers.  

[PINKdogWOOD]

@newname0  You can easily brown your bird in a hot oven (425) when you first put it in. Brown for really as long as you want for as brown then turn oven down to typical 325, cover with foil. Follow typical finishing directions.

[Toppers3]

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@gardenman wrote:

Getting it too brown is typically the problem. Just leave it uncovered until it's as brown as you want then use a foil tent to keep it from getting too brown.

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This is what I would do, and is what I would advise, too. 

I roast it until it starts to become a nice, golden brown color on top of the turkey breast area, especially. The breast always cooks first, and the fastest.

Then I cover it with foil, and let it finish roasting until it's done. 

I follow the directions from the Butterball turkey website. 

[candys mine]

As stated, it's variable.  Aside from size of the bird, oven temp and length of cook time, consider the extras on the bird.  If there is a butter slather or any sugars involved like maple syrup the sugars will brown the skin while roasting too.