How to Prep & Cook the Perfect Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is almost here, so now is the perfect time to figure out how you're going to cook that Turkey Day bird for dinner. Choosing a high-quality turkey is important, but if you haven't even gotten yours yet, the pickings may be slim, so do the best you can.

Brining the turkey (make sure it is not already pre-brined) 8 to 16 hours before cooking helps moisten and flavor the meat when it's roasting in the oven. You do not need a turkey baster, but you should definitely invest in a meat thermometer so you don't have to constantly open and close the oven, which will end up drying out the turkey meat.

Other tips? Place an ice pack on the turkey breast for 15 minutes before roasting in the oven so that the white meat doesn't get overcooked, which is a common Thanksgiving cooking problem. And if you want to cut the roasting time significantly and presentation isn't a priority, spatchcocking the turkey is a great technique that will ensure moist, crispy skin.