Our guide to cooking times for Christmas turkey & other Christmas meats

In this Christmas meat cooking guide, our Michelin star chef Jeff Baker, takes you through the ins and the outs of all you need to know about cooking your festive meat this year. Hosting Christmas Day does not need to be a stressful experience.

HOW LONG DO I COOK MY CHRISTMAS TURKEY FOR?

Traditional roast Christmas turkey weighing around the 6kg mark will take around 4 hours to roast. Adding a trivet of vegetables to the tray and covering with foil will help keep the turkey super succulent, removing the foil for the final 30 minutes or so creating a rich, golden skin. If you are unsure on what size turkey to buy to feed all your guests this Christmas, look to our guide. We have worked out the calculations for you to make your dinner go as smoothly as possible.

HOW TO CALCULATE CHRISTMAS TURKEY COOKING TIMES

To work out the cooking times for a Christmas turkey, simply calculate the weight of your turkey then x by 40 minutes per kilo (20 minutes per lb.).This is the simplest and most accurate way to gain the time you need to roast the bird.

HOW DO I CHECK MY CHRISTMAS MEAT IS COOKED?

The best way to check if your meat is cooked is by using a digital cooking thermometer. See our helpful chart below!

It's extremely important that poultry is cooked through. If using a digital thermometer, always double check the reading by sticking the probe in several different spots within the thigh or breast, to find the lowest reading. If returning to the oven allow 15-20 minutes then test again until the correct temperature is achieved.

Without a thermometer, the classic way to test is to push a skewer under the leg of the bird so that it pierces the skin, the juices released should be pale and clear, if there's any traces of blood return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes then test again

ACHIEVING THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS ROAST

To make sure you get the perfect succulent roast, leave the joint to rest on a platter so the juices get a chance to settle and run back into the meat. Cover with foil to stop all the heat escaping. Leave for 15 -20 minutes for small joints, 30 minutes to 1 hour for larger roasts.

If you haven't already thought ahead to what meat you may be presenting at your dinner table this festive period, discover our helpful tips to deciding what meat to have for Christmas dinner.

WHY REST THE MEAT?

It is important to rest your meat joint before carving. Allow 30 mins to 1 hour for a traditional 6kg roasting turkey.

Keep the joint in a warm place, loosely covered with foil. During this time the roast will finish cooking, become juicier and easier to carve.

Christmas Meat Cooking Time Calculator

To make sure you cook your Christmas meat to perfection, a cooking time calculator can be a great help. For example, if you're preparing a whole bronze turkey, it's essential to know the exact cooking time based on its weight. Using a reliable calculator can take the guesswork out of the process, allowing you to focus on other preparations and enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. Whether you are roasting a large bird or a smaller cut, the right cooking time ensures a juicy, tender roast every time.

Turkey Cooking Time Per Kg

The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is understanding the right cooking time per kilogram. For instance, with a bronze turkey crown, the cooking time is slightly different from that of a whole turkey. Typically, you can expect to roast a turkey crown for 40 minutes per kilogram at 180°C (350°F). This method results in a beautifully cooked crown with crispy skin and moist meat. Don't forget to calculate the correct cooking time to ensure your turkey is cooked through without drying out.

Turkey Crown Cooking Time

A turkey crown is a fantastic option for those looking for a hassle-free Christmas roast. Since it lacks the bones of the full bird, the turkey crown cooks faster, reducing the overall roasting time and making it ideal for smaller gatherings or those who prefer easier carving. When calculating the cooking time for a turkey crown, aim for 40 minutes per kilogram, adjusting based on the size of the crown. For a perfect roast, always allow the meat to rest before carving to lock in all the juices.

Cooking Times for Christmas Meats

Whether you're preparing Christmas beef, turkey, or pork this festive season, each meat requires specific cooking times to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Beef, for example, varies depending on your preference for rare, medium, or well-done. For a traditional Christmas feast, ensure you follow the correct cooking guidelines for your cut of meat, whether it's a rib of beef, a succulent turkey, or a festive pork joint. Understanding the cooking times for each will help you serve up a feast your guests will rave about.

HOW FARMISON IS HELPING YOU EAT BETTER MEAT THIS CHRISTMAS

Getting the nation to eat better meat this Christmas is an important value we stand behind and want to see encouraged more. From showcasing our traceability and meat provenance ethos to shouting about our British breeds. All of these elements go into providing you the best quality meat direct to your homes.