COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

WHOLE BIRDS

How to Roast your Fresh Turkey

  • To prepare the turkey for roasting, first remove the giblets (and save for gravy or stuffing).
  • Next, rinse the bird inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. 
  • If you are stuffing the bird, stuff it loosely, allowing about ½ to ¾ cup stuffing per pound of turkey. 
  • Brush the skin with melted butter or oil. Tie drumsticks together with string (for stuffed birds only). 
  • If you’re using an oven-safe meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The thermometer should point towards the body, and should not touch the bone.
  • Place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan, and into a preheated 325° oven. Use the following chart to estimate the time required for baking. Covering the bird loosely with a foil tent will help keep it moist.  Basting is not necessary, but helps promote even browning.
  •  Your turkey will be safe to eat, and roasted to perfection, when the internal temperature reaches 165°. Its temperature will continue to rise – and it will continue cooking – even after it is removed from the oven, so you’ll want to remove it when the thermometer reads 160° – 165°.  
  • Cooking times may vary based on oven temperatures and other conditions. USDA estimated cooking times are provided below. Remember, the turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°.  Check the temperature by probing the thickest part of the thigh. 

These are typical roasting times for unfrozen, unstuffed turkeys at 325°.  

Because our turkeys are farm-fresh they have a higher moisture content than most store-bought birds and they tend to cook faster.Using a meat thermometer, begin checking the internal temperature one hour before you reach the approximate cooking time. It’s ready to eat when the internal temp reaches 165°; cook it too much longer and it will become dry.

Size Approx. cooking time
8 to 12 pounds 2¾ to 3 hours
12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3¾ hours
14 to 18 pounds 3¾ to 4¼ hours
18 to 20 pounds 4¼ to 4½ hours​
20 to 24 pounds 4½ to 5 hours

How to Heat your Smoked Turkey or Smoked Turkey Breast

Our hickory-smoked turkeys are fully cooked during the smoking process. They may be served cold, but we recommend serving them warm for maximum enjoyment.

  • Preheat your oven to 325°. Cover the turkey and pan with foil to keep it from drying out.
  • For breasts, or birds under 15 lbs., heat for 15 minutes per lb.  For 16 lb. or larger birds, heat for 10 minutes per lb.
How to Cook Turducken
    Preheat your oven to 300°.
  • Roasting time is based on weight; roast for 20 minutes per lb.
  • Optional: for a deliciously crispy finish:…
    • 1/2 hour before roasting is completed, increase oven temp to 360
    • Dissolve 1/4 cup of butter into the turducken drippings. Then, baste every 5 minutes. until done.
  • At the end of the recommended cooking time, use a meat thermometer to confirm that the turducken is fully cooked. The internal temperature must reach 165 ºF.

READY-TO-COOK ITEMS

Stuffed Boneless Pork Loin
  • Preheat oven to 325°
  • Cook uncovered for 20 minutes
  • For 3 lb. roast, cover and cook for 1 hour, or until internal temp reaches 160°. Add approximately 10 minutes for each additional 1/2 lb.
  • Let stand for 10 minutes before serving
 

Cornbread-Stuffed Chicken Breast
  • Preheat conventional oven to 325°
  • Place in uncovered pan for 50 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°
  • Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
 

Stuffed Flank Steak
  • Preheat oven to 450°
  • In hot skillet, sear flank steak on all sides for color.
  • Place in oven for 8-10 minutes until it reaches your desired wellness.
  • Let rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing


Colossal Stuffed Pork Chop
  • Preheat conventional oven to 325°
  • Cook in uncovered pan for 20 minutes
  • Turn the chop, then add 1-2 cups of pork broth or beef broth
  • Cover and cook for additional 25 – 30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°. Add a little water or broth if needed
  • Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
 

Chicken Cordon Bleu / Chicken Florentine
  • Preheat oven to 325°
  • In a covered pan, cook for 25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°
  • Let stand for 5-7 minutes before serving
 
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
  • Preheat oven to 325°
  • Cook 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown
  • If more color is desired, place under broiler for 20-30 seconds.
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