Upside Down Turkey

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.

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

• 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. 

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. 

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. 

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

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

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.  

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.

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.

• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Best Sausage Stuffing Recipe
• Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
• 30 Minute Dinner Rolls
• Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
• Turkey Neck Gravy

You may even want to make Leftover Turkey Soup with your leftover turkey.

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.