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Change up your Thanksgiving Turkey and make Upside Down Turkey. Juicy, tender turkey that is seasoned with simple spices.

Whole Roasted Turkey on a platter with fresh herbs with a bowl of cooked stuffing and gravy on the side
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Being a mom of 8, holiday dinners are always at my house. I have made many turkey dinners but this Upside Down Turkey is one of the easiest recipes. They turkey turns out juicy and the best flavor.

If you have made our Christmas Turkey, Spatchcock Turkey, Slow Cooker Whole Turkey or Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe then you are going to love this turkey recipe.

Table of Contents

What is Upside Down Turkey? 

Cooking your turkey upside down cooks the white meat from drying out and the dark meat faster. It is a simple process that even the beginner cook can make this delicious turkey.

You can easily season with fresh herbs or other simple spices to create a tasty turkey that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Whole Turkey, ciabatta bread, butter, salt, pepper, chicken broth
  • Whole Turkey – Make sure it fully thawed
  • Ciabatta Bread – Thicker Bread to support the Turkey in the pan
  • Butter – We used unsalted butter, softened
  • Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Upside Down Turkey

  • Step 1 – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
  • Step 2 – Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. 
Seasoned Whole Turkey on a baking dish

Step 3 – Mix the salt and pepper together in a small mixing bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture inside and out.  Let the turkey sit at room temperature for at least an hour before roasting. 

Slice Ciabatta Bread on cutting board with a knife with butter spread on one slice

Step 4 – Trim the loaf of bread to the size of the turkey and cut in half horizontally. Butter the cut side of the bread. 

Placing the butter ciabatta bread on the roasting pan

Step 5 – Place the butter in the bottom of a roasting pan, side by side with the butter side up.  

Upside Down Seasoned whole turkey on the roasting pan

Step 6 – Place the turkey breast side down (upside down) onto the bread. 

Roasted Whole Turkey on a roasting pan with two wooden spoons

Step 7 – Cook for 45 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turkey from the oven and carefully flip the turkey over in the pan with tongs or 2 wooden spoons so that the turkey is breast side up in the pan.  

Roasted Whole Turkey with a tongs

Step 8 – Pour the chicken broth around the turkey in the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Cook the turkey for 2-3 more hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey. 

  • Step 9 – Baste the turkey with the broth from the pan every 20-30 minutes. The bake time will vary based on the size of the turkey.  
  • Step 10 – Remove the turkey from the oven and let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes.
  • Step 11 – Remove the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Thawing Tips – To thaw a frozen turkey properly, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in a refrigerator.
  • Prepare Turkey – Prepare the turkey before placing on the roasting rack. Remove the insides and save giblets to make Turkey Gravy. The drippings make the best gravy. Season the turkey complete for the best flavor. We have even added in celery, onions, lemons, rosemary sprigs and carrot in the turkey cavity for even more flavor.
  • Rest Turkey – Allow time for the turkey to rest after cooking to lock in the juices and to prevent the turkey from drying out.
Golden Brown Whole Turkey Sliced with a large fork

Serving Suggestions

Upside Down Turkey is a delicious recipe that is perfect for all your holiday dinners. Adding your favorite sides makes this turkey dinner even better. These are some classics that we always serve.

You may even want to make Leftover Turkey Soup, Turkey Salad Recipe or Turkey Noodle Soup with your leftover turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Worth Cooking a Turkey Upside Down?

Yes, we think it is worth it because it results in a juicy turkey because the juices baste the turkey which keeps it from drying out.

Where do you Put the Meat Thermometer in and Upside Down Turkey?

Always insert the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat which is the thigh.

How to Tuck Turkey Wings?

This is easy step that must be done when making Upside Down Turkey. After you have flipped the turkey over, gently tuck the wings underneath the turkey back. If you prefer you can also tie the wings with kitchen twine to keep them from untucking.

Storing and Freezing Tips

  • Storing Leftovers – Store the leftover turkey in an airtight container for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. You can easily use the turkey leftovers in these Turkey Leftover Recipes.
  • Freezing Leftovers – Freeze the leftovers in a freezer safe container after the turkey has cooled to room temperature. The leftovers will stay good for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Leftovers – Reheat the leftovers in the oven in a baking dish or in the microwave.
Turkey Breast on a plate with a side of stuffing, green beans and cranberry sauce

More Easy Turkey Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Upside Down Turkey, please leave us a comment.

Review Pin Print

Upside Down Turkey

5 from 1 vote
Change up your Thanksgiving Turkey and make Upside Down Turkey. Juicy, tender turkey that is seasoned with simple spices.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Remove the turkey from the oven and let the turkey rest 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 611
Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Mix the salt and pepper together in a small mixing bowl. Rub the seasoning mixture inside and out.  Let the turkey sit at room temperature for at least an hour before roasting.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and place the oven rack in the lower third portion of the oven.
  • Trim the loaf of bread to the size of the turkey and cut in half horizontally. Butter the cut side of the bread.
  • Place the bread in the bottom of a roasting pan, side by side with the butter side up.
  • Place the turkey, breast side down (upside down) onto the bread.
  • Cook for 45 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and carefully flip the turkey over in the pan with tongs or 2 wooden spoons so that the turkey is breast side up in the pan.
  • Pour the chicken broth around the turkey in the pan.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cook the turkey for 2-3 more hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
  • Baste the turkey with the broth from the pan every 20-30 minutes. The bake time will vary based on the size of the turkey.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes.
  • Remove the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

To thaw a turkey properly, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in a refrigerator.
Refrigerate any Leftover turkey in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 611kcal, Carbohydrates 18g, Protein 73g, Fat 26g, Saturated Fat 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 253mg, Sodium 2495mg, Potassium 738mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 0.4g, Vitamin A 420IU, Calcium 43mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    Hey Angela – The bread keeps the turkey off the bottom of the pan so it keeps it from burning.

  2. Angela Gasch says:

    What is the purpose of the bread?

  3. Casey says:

    5 stars
    My turkey turned out so juicy!