How long does a turkey take to cook?

Use the time printed on your turkey's packaging; it is worked out for that bird's weight. Then add thirty minutes to rest it before carving.

Resting lets the juices settle, so the meat carves cleanly and stays moist. Keep it covered and warm.

Can I prepare anything the day before?

Yes. Peel the potatoes and keep them in cold water in the fridge, prepare the sprouts, and make the red cabbage, which reheats well.

Christmas

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What time should you start cooking Christmas dinner?

Work back from when you want to eat. Put the bird in at the time on its packaging plus thirty minutes to rest, and fit the potatoes, trimmings and gravy around it. Enter your time and we'll lay it out, step by step.

Questions

How long does a turkey take to cook?: Use the time printed on your turkey's packaging; it is worked out for that bird's weight. Then add thirty minutes to rest it before carving.
Why rest the meat?: Resting lets the juices settle, so the meat carves cleanly and stays moist. Keep it covered and warm.
Can I prepare anything the day before?: Yes. Peel the potatoes and keep them in cold water in the fridge, prepare the sprouts, and make the red cabbage, which reheats well.