How long do you let a turkey rest?

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

How long to you let a turkey rest before you carve it? We have always let it rest 20 to 30 min and I thought that was the norm. However, I saw a cooking show and they said you should let it rest an hour. I talked to my neighbor about this and she says you should let it rest 2 hours! I think 2 hours is way too long to wait to carve a turkey. I might try 45 min. this year to rest a turkey before carving it, but no way would I do 2 hours. I guess you don't have to worry about the oven if you do an hour or more for the casseroles and stuff.

2 hours!!!??? How big is your neighbor's turkey? 200 pounds?
The 2 hour mark is when the turkey should be processed and back into the fridge.

15-20 minutes is sufficient for a smaller one (under 10 pounds) or a breast and 20-30 minutes is sufficient for a larger one. You can rest longer but it isn't necessary.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would say that 30 minutes to an hour would be fine.
As long as it begins to cool and reabsorb all of the juices.
This helps for more tender and juicy meat.

And, I know there are all the big scare tactics about thawing the turkey in the fridge, etc...
But, the one poster is right... It is much better if you do not start cooking and apply heat to COLD meat.
I do let my meat 'rest' out of the fridge before I cook it.

This is an interesting topic! I know I shouldn't say anything about this. (and several will probably let me know...) But, my MIL used to make sure that the turkey was timed to come out of a blazing hot oven right exactly at mealtime. Make it difficult for me to heat anything I had brought to add to the meal, or to heat and brown the yeast rolls, etc.. Then, try to carve that thing steaming hot, so that it steamed out and dried up, instantly.

 

[Kitty 34]

Usually and half an hour to 45 minutes....we cook a 22-24 pound turkey.

 

[MickeySP]

Seeing as I no longer am the chef, I rest while they cook.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

Seeing as I no longer am the chef, I rest while they cook.

Hopefully, with a nice drink in your hand.

I am actually making two birds this Thanksgiving. One I am frying and the other will be roasted with wine and infused flavors. I figure a drink for the bird and a drink for me.

 

[denisem]

 

[MickeySP]

Hopefully, with a nice drink in your hand.

I am actually making two birds this Thanksgiving. One I am frying and the other will be roasted with wine and infused flavors. I figure a drink for the bird and a drink for me.

Pinapple Ciroc with tonic water & lime, makes resting very easy.

 

[trip]

I let ours rest for 45 min to an hour (depending on how long to finish the sides) covered with foil and a couple of big bath towels - it really does help keep the turkey hot.

 

[Andrea]

5 minutes- I have no patience for sitting around waiting. Thank goodness I rarely have to cook a turkey!

lol, me to !!!!! I really don't let my turkey rest either.