How Long Does It Take To Cook A Turkey In A Dutch Oven?

Cooking a turkey in a Dutch oven is a great way to achieve a moist and flavorful bird with crispy skin. Dutch ovens are versatile kitchen tools designed to retain and distribute heat evenly, making them ideal for roasting a turkey. Using a Dutch oven ensures that the turkey cooks evenly and retains its juices, resulting in a delicious and tender meal. Whether you are cooking for a holiday feast or a special occasion, learning how to cook a turkey in a Dutch oven is a skill that will impress your guests and leave them asking for a second plate.

Cooking your turkey should take 15-20 minutes per pound in a Dutch oven. For example, an 8-10 pound turkey would cook for 2-2.5 hours; a 10-12 pound turkey would cook for 2.5-3 hours, and so on.

All these processes should occur at a temperature of 350F (175C). It is important to check the internal temperature of 165F in the thickest part of the bird to ensure food safety. 

How Long should I cook Turkey in a dutch oven?

The cooking time for a turkey in a Dutch oven can vary depending on the turkey’s size, temperature, and other factors, such as whether the turkey is stuffed. To get well-done, juicy, and tasty meat, cook your turkey for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound in a Dutch oven at a temperature of 350°F (175°C).

It is important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the specific characteristics of your oven and the turkey you are cooking.

Once again, remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure a safe internal temperature. It is also recommended to let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking before carving it. This makes the turkey more soft and tasty by allowing the liquids to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

What is the cooking time for Turkey in a dutch oven?

Cooking a turkey in a Dutch oven can be a delicious way to prepare this classic dish. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey and the temperature you cook it at.

Turkey recipe cooked in a dutch oven

Here is a recipe for cooking a turkey in a Dutch oven:

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (10-12 pounds)
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 onions, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in a large Dutch oven.
• Mix the softened butter, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, covering it completely.
• Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onions, chopped carrots, and celery
• Pour the chicken broth over the turkey.
• Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven.
• Cook the turkey for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
• Baste the turkey with the juices from the Dutch oven every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
• Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and cook the turkey for 30 minutes to brown the skin.
• Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey and the characteristics of your oven.

What is the perfect temperature for Turkey cooked in a dutch oven?

The perfect temperature for cooking a turkey in a Dutch oven is 350°F (175°C). This temperature is hot enough to cook the turkey, allowing it to be brown and develop a crispy skin.

Below is a table to guide you on the different temperatures to cook delicious, brownish-looking, crispy turkey meat.

What is the doneness level for Turkey cooked in a dutch oven?

Cooked turkey should be a light brownish color, more like a tan or caramel color, that is on the surface. When the meat is sliced up, it appears pink. Sometimes it can even appear grey or white.

The most accurate way to know whether your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. But when your meat thermometer is unavailable, pierce the bird with a fork in the mid-thigh muscle; when the juices run clear and no longer reddish or pink, it is a good indication that your turkey is done.

Can I cook a frozen turkey in a Dutch oven?

Cooking a frozen turkey in a Dutch oven is not recommended, as it can result in uneven cooking and foodborne illness. It is best to thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Can I stuff the turkey before cooking it in a Dutch oven?

You can stuff the turkey before cooking it in a Dutch oven. However, it is important to ensure that the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

How often should I baste the turkey while cooking it in a Dutch oven?

It is recommended to baste the turkey with the juices from the Dutch oven every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

How long should I let the turkey rest after cooking it in a Dutch oven?

Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking it in a Dutch oven is recommended. This resting period makes the turkey more soft and tasty by allowing the liquids evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Can I cook a turkey in a Dutch oven on the stovetop?

You can cook a turkey in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. However, I advise using a heat diffuser or a low flame to prevent burning or scorching the bottom of the Dutch oven.

Turkey Recipe Cooked in a Dutch Oven

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 turkey (10-12 pounds)
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 onions, peeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in a large Dutch oven.
• Mix the softened butter, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, covering it completely.
• Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onions, chopped carrots, and celery
• Pour the chicken broth over the turkey.
• Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven.
• Cook the turkey for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
• Baste the turkey with the juices from the Dutch oven every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
• Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and cook the turkey for 30 minutes to brown the skin.
• Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey and the characteristics of your oven.

 

Conclusion

The cooking time will depend on various factors, including the size of the turkey, the oven temperature, and the desired level of doneness. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a 12-pound turkey in a Dutch oven for about 2.5-3 hours at 350°F.

It’s important to watch the turkey throughout the cooking process and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. With some patience and a little effort, you can have a delicious and tender turkey that will impress your guests.