Cooking a Turkey for the First Time? Your Beginner’s Checklist

If this is your first time taking charge of the Christmas turkey, congratulations — you’re about to become the hero of the festive table. It might feel a little daunting, but with a great bird, the right tools, and a touch of planning, you’ll be carving into something truly special.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before we dive in, let’s make sure your kitchen is ready for the big day. Here’s a short checklist of tools that’ll make roasting your turkey smooth and stress-free:

1. A sturdy roasting tin with a rack
   This keeps your turkey lifted from the base so hot air can circulate evenly, perfect for that crisp, golden finish.

2. Meat thermometer
   The most reliable way to know when your turkey is perfectly cooked. Aim for 74°C in the breast and 82°C in the thigh.

3. Heavy-duty foil
   Helps prevent over-browning and is perfect for covering the bird while it rests.

4. Carving knife and fork
   A sharp carving knife will give you those neat, confident slices everyone admires.

5. A large chopping board (with a groove for juices)
   Ideal for carving and saving those delicious pan juices for your gravy.

6. Basting spoon or bulb
   Useful for keeping the turkey moist during cooking — though our Copas free-range turkeys don’t require basting (thanks to their natural layer of fat beneath the skin that melts during roasting).

How Do You Cook a Turkey for the First Time Without Stress?

It’s a question we hear a lot — and one that’s easier to answer than you might think. Cooking a turkey is all about gentle preparation and timing, not complicated techniques.

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not defrosting in time
   A frozen turkey needs around 24 hours per 2kg to thaw in the fridge. Patience here is key.

2. Cooking straight from cold
   Always bring your turkey to room temperature for about an hour before roasting. This helps it cook evenly.

3. Overcooking (or undercooking)
   Guesswork is your enemy — always trust your thermometer.

4. Skipping the rest
   Allow your turkey to rest for at least 30–60 minutes before carving. This helps keep the meat wonderfully juicy.

5. Carving too soon or in the wrong direction
   Slice against the grain for tender pieces and only carve what you plan to serve immediately.

The Simple Copas Turkey Timeline

A perfectly cooked turkey is all about timing — and we’ve broken it down for you below.

The Day Before

• If your turkey is frozen, make sure it’s fully defrosted.

• Remove all packaging and pat dry with kitchen paper.

• Season or brine if you wish — butter, salt, and herbs work beautifully. (Brine is not required if buying a Copas Turkey). 

• For extra crispy skin, leave the turkey uncovered in the fridge overnight.

The Morning Of

• Take your turkey out an hour before roasting.

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

• Prepare your roasting tin: add a rack, some chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, celery), and a splash of stock or water for moisture.

• Rub butter and herbs over the skin, then place the turkey breast side up and cover loosely with foil.

(No basting is required for Copas turkeys thanks to their natural fat layer, but if you’re cooking another bird, a quick baste halfway through helps maintain moisture.)

Roasting Time

• Roast for 20 minutes per kg, removing the foil for the final 45 minutes to achieve a rich golden finish.

• Check the internal temperature with your thermometer.

• Once cooked, remove from the oven and rest for 30–60 minutes, loosely covered with foil.

While It Rests

• Use the pan juices to make a rich, homemade gravy.

• Warm your side dishes.

• Take a moment to enjoy the delicious aroma filling the kitchen.

How to Get Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat Every Time

The answer lies in quality and patience. A Copas free-range turkey does most of the work for you — the slow-growing process, natural diet, and dry-plucking technique create unbeatable flavour and texture. Your only job is to season, cook the turkey gently and let it rest accordingly. 

From Our Farm Kitchen to Yours

Cooking your first turkey doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right approach — and a Copas free-range turkey on your table — you’re already set up for success.

Our family has been raising turkeys for generations, and every bird is cared for with the same attention we’d give to our own Christmas dinner. So take a deep breath, follow your checklist, and get ready to serve something truly special this festive season.  Take a look at our full range of free-range and slow-grown turkeys here and why not use our turkey calculator to help you choose the correct size according to your requirements. 

Wishing you a warm, delicious Christmas
The Copas Farm Shop Team