One of the biggest cooking worries on Thanksgiving is a dry turkey. However, you can make a juicy turkey every time by avoiding over-cooking.
Ocean Spray has created a special section of their website featuring fabulous tips for planning your Thanksgiving dinner. They have entertaining ideas, menu plans, recipes, crafts, family activities and much more. Follow their advice for cooking a delicious juicy turkey and you won’t be disappointed.
Use a meat thermometer
Calculate the approximate cooking time based on the size of your bird (see chart below). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the proper internal temperature. Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of the inner thigh (do not let thermometer touch bone) and roast until thermometer reaches 180 degrees F. Remove turkey from oven and let stand at least 20 minutes to let juices settle in the meat before carving.
Consider brining
For a very tasty and juicy bird, consider brining. Soaking poultry in seasoned, salted broth infuses the meat with delicious flavor and moisture. The Ocean Spray White Cranberry Brined Turkey combines White Cranberry Juice Drink, salt and herbs in a unique brine for prepping the turkey prior to roasting.
Double check cooking times
The following information is provided by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website, regarding the timetable for cooking a fresh or thawed turkey in a preheated 325 degree F oven. These times are approximate and should always be used in conjunction with a properly placed thermometer.
| Weight | Unstuffed Timing | Stuffed Timing |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3 3/4 hours | 3 1/2 to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours | 4 to 4 1/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4 1/2 to 5 hours | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours |
