According to Nicole Johnson, director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, customers frequently ask how to cook two turkeys at the same time and in the same oven. Why attempt what might sound to some like a crazy Thanksgiving stunt? Johnson says it can be easier for some cooks to handle a pair of smaller birds than one large one. Plus, you’ll end up with two wishbones, and who doesn’t love that? Whether your grocery store simply ran out of larger birds or you want to try two different turkey recipes this year, we’ve assembled the expert advice you need to safely cook your turkeys together.
How to Cook Two Turkeys Together
When buying two turkeys for a single-oven approach, Johnson advises selecting two smaller turkeys weighing between 9 and 12 pounds each. Here are some tips to remember when cooking two turkeys at one time:
Alternate Ways to Cook Two Turkeys
It’s hard enough to prepare everything in time for dinner—especially if you’re making your own Thanksgiving sides and pies—even without a fully-occupied oven. If you don’t want to devote precious oven space to two turkeys, consider less traditional methods for delivering that juicy bird to the table. Our Test Kitchen recommends giving a smoked turkey or grilled turkey a try. Some swear by the deep-fried turkey, which requires special equipment ($78, homedepot.com), but will produce a succulent result. Using an electric roaster is also an option. For just a bit more white meat, try cooking extra turkey breasts, instead of an entire additional bird. Since you’re serving two turkeys, this is your chance to experiment with different ways of seasoning and stuffing them. Why not test-run a new turkey rub? Or give brining a try? After you’ve had your fill of leftovers, freeze the turkey—along with any extra portions of stuffing and pie—so you can enjoy Thanksgiving all over again when a craving strikes.
