How Long to Cook a Butterflied Turkey Crown: A Comprehensive Guide
Cooking a butterflied turkey crown can be a delightful experience, especially during the festive season. However, determining the perfect cooking time can be quite challenging. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how long to cook a butterflied turkey crown, ensuring that your dish turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful.
Understanding Butterflied Turkey Crown
Before diving into the cooking time, it’s essential to understand what a butterflied turkey crown is. A butterflied turkey crown is a turkey breast that has been butterflied, meaning the skin and flesh have been separated, and the meat has been flattened. This technique allows for even cooking and a more tender result.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Several factors can influence the cooking time of a butterflied turkey crown. These include the size of the turkey, the temperature of the oven, and the desired level of doneness. Here’s a breakdown of these factors:
1. Size of the Turkey: A larger turkey will take longer to cook compared to a smaller one. As a general rule, plan for approximately 20 minutes per pound of turkey.
2. Oven Temperature: Cooking a butterflied turkey crown at a higher temperature will reduce the cooking time. However, ensure that the oven is preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the turkey inside.
3. Desired Level of Doneness: The level of doneness you desire will also affect the cooking time. For a well-done turkey, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). For a medium-done turkey, the internal temperature should be around 155°F (68°C).
How Long to Cook a Butterflied Turkey Crown
Now that we’ve discussed the factors affecting cooking time, let’s determine how long to cook a butterflied turkey crown:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for a well-done turkey or 350°F (177°C) for a medium-done turkey.
2. Place the butterflied turkey crown in a roasting pan, skin-side up. Rub the turkey with butter or a mixture of butter and herbs for added flavor.
3. Cook the turkey crown for approximately 20 minutes per pound for a well-done turkey or 25 minutes per pound for a medium-done turkey.
4. Once the turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
Conclusion
Cooking a butterflied turkey crown can be a delightful experience with the right cooking time. By considering the size of the turkey, oven temperature, and desired level of doneness, you can ensure that your dish turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful. Follow our comprehensive guide on how long to cook a butterflied turkey crown, and enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones.
