How to Cook a Turkey in 90 Minutes
Wondering how long to cook a turkey? Good news—there’s no need to babysit or baste a turkey for hours! This turkey recipe roasts an entire bird in an hour and a half. All you need to do is plan ahead for brining.
Quick tips to learn how to best cook your turkey:
Tip 1: Cook a turkey that weighs 14 pounds or less.
Larger birds require more time to roast, which means there is a higher likelihood of drying out the meat. Consider roasting a pair of turkeys if you decide to go beyond 14 pounds for the best and juiciest results.Tip 2: Skip the stuffing and choose aromatics.
Sticking with aromatics makes it possible to impart delicious scents and flavors into the turkey meat while roasting. It also expedites roasting time.Tip 3: Dry, oil and season the skin.
Crispy skin is possible with paper towels and oil. Remove as much moisture as possible from the skin of your turkey. Thereafter, use oil to coat the entire bird and season with salt and pepper. It’s all you need to cook up a flavorful and crispy exterior.Tip 4: Avoid the thermometer.
To clarify, don’t pay attention to the thermometer that comes with the bird. You know, the plastic one that pops up notifying you the turkey is done. By the time it pops, your bird will likely be very dry after resting. Instead, remove your turkey from the oven when it reaches 161°F on a meat thermometer. The turkey will continue to cook as it rests.Tip 5: Remember to rest.
Don’t allow the juices go to waste by carving your turkey right when it comes out of the oven. Allow your bird to sit on the roasting rack for at least 15 minutes under a loose foil tent. After that, carve your bird for the juiciest meat.INGREDIENTS:
- 1 12-pound Fresh, all-natural young turkey, innards removed
- 1-gallon Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup + 2 tsp. Light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. Allspice
- 1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
- 1 gallon Heavily iced water
DIRECTIONS:
- Create the brine by combining the vegetable broth, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, allspice and ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the solids and bring to a boil. Then, remove the brine from the heat, cool to room temperature and refrigerate.
- On the night prior to serving, combine the brine with the iced water. Place the turkey—breast side down—in the brine, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate (or set in a cool area) for 8–16 hours. Turn the turkey once halfway through brining.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Remove the turkey from the brine, making sure there is no excess liquid. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and set in a roasting pan using a roasting rack.
- Create the aromatics by combining the apple, onion, cinnamon stick and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Discard the water and add the steeped aromatics to the turkey cavity, along with the rosemary and sage.
- Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
- Coat the turkey liberally with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the turkey on the lowest level of the oven for 30 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350°F. Continue roasting for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 161°F. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, lightly tent a piece of foil over the turkey.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
About Joanna
Joanna is a commercial food stylist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her work and recipes have been seen around the world. When she is not styling for her favorite brands, she enjoys publishing recipes and sharing her love of everything food on her self-titled blog many remember as Baked by Joanna. Her other interests include spending time with her family and staying healthy and fit.Holiday Meal Makeovers!
Thanksgiving Recipes
Whether you’re planning a feast for your family or hosting Friendsgiving, you’ll find everything you need at Sprouts to create your perfect healthy holiday meal—from the star of the show and tasty sides, to all the organic farm-fresh fruits and veggies. And if you’re feeling pinched for time, make shopping easy and have it delivered!Kicking It Off
A great gathering starts with the apps! Here are four delicious and easy additions to your menu. You could make the Holiday Meatballs recipe ahead of time and reheat right before guests arrive. Cranberry Avocado Salsa Holiday Meatballs with Cranberry Aioli Pear Crostini with Honey Hazelnut Goat Cheese Maple Pecan Greek Yogurt DipStar of the Show
Turkey is the star of every Thanksgiving meal. Try this fresh take on the classic recipe, then use what’s left over from the big feast and make these Turkey Enchiladas. Spiced Citrus Turkey Turkey EnchiladasSupporting Sides
Sides round out every holiday meal. These unique versions of traditional recipes will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds. Chorizo & Cornbread Stuffing Pecan Cherry Bread Stuffing Green Beans with Cranberries & Bacon Cran-Raspberry Jalapeño SauceSweet Endings …
And of course, all good meals come to a sweet and delicious end—dessert! Try this fluffy cream cheese pumpkin pie recipe or serve a pumpkin version of the sweet, Southwestern sip, horchata, made from rice milk. Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust Pumpkin HorchataFall into Seasonal Wellness
Get Outdoors
The sweltering summer heat has come to an end and the icy winter air has not yet approached. It’s the perfect time to throw on a scarf and enjoy the outdoors. Gather friends and family for a fall picnic or head over to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. Soaking up the sun makes for happy memories and a healthier you. Get Moving
While cozying up on the couch may sound tempting, it’s important to continue exercising throughout the fall and winter seasons both for physical and mental health. Enjoy the fresh fall breeze and go for a walk or skip hitting the snooze button and go for an early morning workout.Support Your Immune System
Feel your best this season! To maintain a healthy immune system these products may just be what you are looking for. Our Sprouts Fizzy Vitamin C packs 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C as well as antioxidants, electrolytes, essential nutrients and B vitamins to help you stay on top of the season. Gaia Herbs’ Black Elderberry and Source Natural’s Wellness Formula both help to maintain your immunity as well. If you’re already feeling down, try Gaia Herbs’ Turmeric Supreme Immune A.S.A.P., Herb Pharm’s Rapid Immune Boost or Boiron’s Oscillococcinum to get on your feet again.Stress Less
Along with the joy and excitement of this season, comes stress and anxiety. When you feel like your emotions are getting the best of you, try Natural Factors’ Mind Retreat or Nelson Bach’s Rescue Remedy. Don’t forget about your furry friends either, try Nelson Bach’s Rescue Remedy for Pets.Get Plenty of Zzzs
Preparing for the holidays and resetting your fall schedule can leave you short on time and sleep. It’s important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule so that you can enjoy every moment that this season has to offer. Promote relaxation and sleep quality with Natural Factors’ Stress Relax Tranquil Sleep, Genexa’s Sleepology® or Sleep Rejuvenation™ from Source Naturals®.Shop Seasonal Wellness
How to Cook a Rib Roast
Thanksgiving Tips
The holidays are here and we’re ready to heat things up! Creating the ultimate roast is simple when you follow these tried-and-true tricks. Trust us, your guests will thank you!Tasty Tips
Always bring your roast to room temperature before cooking.
Season simply with salt and pepper and let its natural flavor shine.
Create a crust by preheating your oven to 500°F and allow your meat to brown, typically 10 minutes, before reducing the heat. Cook as directed.
Here’s Your Simple Step-by-Step for the Perfect Roast
Thanksgiving Harvest
A Bountiful Thanksgiving Harvest
Fill your kitchen with better-for-you essentials for a fabulous holiday feast. Whether you’re cooking a Thanksgiving dinner with organic produce and one of our delicious recipes or grabbing a pre-made catering tray and holiday meal to feed your family and friends, you’ll find everything you need for a splendid holiday meal made with the season’s best ingredients.
Go Organic this Holiday Season!
Set your table with organic, good-for-you picks perfect for your Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or regular weeknight fall meal.Here are a few reasons to make the organic swap:
- Organic fruit and vegetables may contain higher nutritional values than conventional ones.
- Shopping organic goods can reduce your exposure to synthetic pesticides, antibiotics and GMOs.
- Organic farms can help preserve water and soil resources.
- Organic products help promote earth-friendly and sustainable farming practices.
Save on organic essentials during our
Organic Thanksgiving Sale, November 15-23.
Plant-Powered Possibilities for Thanksgiving
Discover veggie sides, non-dairy cooking essentials, gluten-free spreads and more for your plant-powered holiday meals. With so many specialty and organic options like pre-roasted potatoes and gluten-free cranberry spread, you can build a hearty holiday meal all your guests can enjoy!
Feelin’ inspired by these better-for-you cooking essentials? Give these recipes a try featuring Milkadamia Unsweetened Vanilla and
Alexia® Roasted & Ready™ Baby Golden Potatoes with Himalayan Salt.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Blue Cheese and Bacon Roasted & Ready Potatoes
Discover More Recipes for Veggie-Forward Holiday Sides
Cozy Up with Limited-Edition Fall-Flavored Items
Shop Now
Getting Ready to Gather?
Catering trays
- Freshly prepared
- Artfully arranged with quality ingredients
- Fresh fruit and veggies, meats & cheeses, hearty sandwiches, desserts and more!
Fully Prepared* Meals
Choose from five fully prepared holiday meals made with fresh, simple ingredients and complete with comforting, seasonal sides. Heats in 2 hours at home—then serve and enjoy!Pre-order Now
Main Course Meats
Natural and Organic Turkeys
- No added antibiotics, ever
- Tender and incredibly juicy
Hams and Rib Roasts
- Rich and savory gluten-free, spiral-sliced hams, raised without antibiotics
- USDA Choice or 100% grass-fed rib roasts
Turkey with a Twist
Centerpiece Dishes
Spiced Citrus Turkey – In this recipe, fresh citrus, smoky spices and fresh cilantro bring warmth and zest to the traditional turkey rub. Simple Herb Turkey Brine – Use a simple turkey brine to impart great flavor and keep your turkey from drying out.Fresh Citrus Turkey Brine – This combination of Sprouts Apple Juice and a mix of fresh citrus creates the perfect brine for your holiday turkey.
Sweet Beverages
Pumpkin Horchata – Add popular pumpkin flavors to this sweet Southwestern drink made from rice milk and cinnamon.Seasonal Sides
Chorizo & Cornbread Stuffing – Sweet and spicy, this stuffing recipe is the perfect match to a smoky Thanksgiving turkey. Cran-Raspberry Jalapeño Sauce – Tart cranberries, sweet raspberries, smoky jalapeños, and fresh orange juice make for and delicious dish in this tangy holiday recipe. Cranberry Avocado Salsa – The fresh and surprising pairing of avocado and cranberry in this pico-style salsa is sure to garner the enthusiasm of your holiday guests this season.Video Description: Farm-Fresh Eats – Cranberry Avocado Salsa
Thanksgiving Turkey Snack Sacks
For the Snack Mix
Gobble up a seasonal snack mix from Sprouts bulk bins. Toss together:- 1 scoop Dark chocolate-covered pretzels
- 2 scoops Apple cinnamon granola
- 3 scoops Cranberry trail mix.
Let’s Talk Turkey
Cut heart shapes from craft paper in your school colors. Overlap the hearts a smidgen and secure with tape on the back. Cut 1 1/2-inch rounds from brown paper using a craft punch. Doodle a sweet little turkey mug using a marker. Finish with a holiday saying and attach to the sacks for heart-warming smiles.About Buttermilk Lipstick
Quite Simply the “Bee’s Knees” of Everyday Living
Rebecca Gordon is a Southern lifestyle expert specializing in food and entertaining. She designed, directed and launched the lifestyle brand, Buttermilk Lipstick which celebrates everyday living from home-cooked recipes, style round-ups and crafts that tie back to her food background and her passion for Southern football and tailgating. Prior to launching Buttermilk Lipstick, Gordon served as Test Kitchen Director for Southern Living magazine and traveled the South as an on-stage presenter with the Southern Living Cooking School, as a Foods and Entertaining Specialist. Rebecca graduated summa cum laude from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, specializing in Baking and Pastry Arts. She received her undergraduate degree in Restaurant Management from the University of Alabama and gained extensive experience as a pastry chef for many restaurants throughout the South including Frank Stitt’s Highlands Bar and Grill and Bottega restaurants. When she’s not cooking and entertaining friends, you’ll find her gardening or rearranging furniture around her work-in-progress bungalow and, in the fall, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide.Superfood Holiday Drinks
Cranberry Lime Spritzer
First up is this Cranberry Lime Spritzer. It’s a sparkly little mocktail that’s naturally sweetened (no added sugar!) and tastes amazing. It’s the perfect blend of tart, sweet and sparkle. We do a dinner of appetizers and finger foods Christmas Eve, and I’m already planning to serve this with it. It’d also be fabulous for New Year’s Eve to toast in the New Year with little ones, or for any of the many holiday parties throughout the season.Golden Milk Nog
This is a healthier take on holiday eggnog. This one is completely vegan, lower in calories, naturally sweetened and comes with an extra nutrient boost! I’ve combined it with another favorite drink—golden milk. I’ve taken the best of both drinks and blended them into something really delicious. You can enjoy this warm or cold, and it’s the perfect little something to sip this season.Superfood Wassail
Wassail is one of the most popular holiday drinks out there. This mulled cider is dressed up with festive spices and a little secret boost from greens. Keep it warm on the stove (or pop it in your slow cooker!) to greet you after playing in the snow, for sipping while wrapping presents or cuddling up in front of a fire.Holiday Drink Recipes
About Emily
Emily lives, loves and cooks at One Lovely Life, where she shares healthy recipes and inspiration for living a happy, full life. When her daughter developed an intolerance to gluten and dairy, her blog shifted to accommodate their new eating style, and these days you’ll find fresh, vibrant, colorful recipes that don’t feel like they’re missing anything. In addition to enjoying healthy meal choices on her blog, you’ll find made-over sweet treats, book recommendations and tips for living a life you love.Your Wellness Season
Prepare Your Immune System
There’s nothing like the sudden arrival of cold symptoms that sends us on a focused mission to boost our immune system. It is all too easy to forget the importance of strengthening the body’s defenses before sickness strikes. While tending to your immune system at any time never hurts, you will thank yourself for doing it sooner rather than later. Echinacea is a great way to start. Studies show it can support your immune function by helping to stimulate white blood cells. Find out more about this immune-strengthening herb!Support Your Immune System
Using adaptogens during the hectic cold and flu season is a great way to help your immune system. Adaptogens are part of a special group of healing plants that help to balance, protect and restore the body. From a member of the pea family, the adaptogen astragalus is taken from the root of the plant. It can boost your immunity as well as potentially buffer the effects of stress—making it a great addition to your holiday health routine!Not All Bugs Are the Same
Ever thought you’ve caught your cold for the season, only to be hit with a new one? Different colds lend themselves to different symptoms. Some bugs leave you with a dry, scratchy throat while others leave you with a wet, runny nose. Along with echinacea and astragalus, try out these beneficial herbs to help support the respiratory system:“Wet” Bugs (Cough with mucus):
- Black cherry bark
- Osha
- Lobelia
“Dry” Bugs (Scratchy, irritated cough):
- Marshmallow root
- Slippery elm
- Mullein