Cooking Tips

Turkey Tips:

The best way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. Defrost the turkey in its original wrapper on a tray 24 hours for every 5 pounds. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature!

Cook turkey at an oven temperature of 325 degrees F.

Recommended cooking times:

Size of Turkey		Unstuffed Timing		Stuffed Timing
8 - 12 lbs.		2 3/4 - 3 hours		3 - 3 1/2 hours
12 - 14 lbs.		3 - 3 3/4 hours		3 1/2 - 4 hours
14 - 18 lbs.		3 3/4 - 4 1/4 hours		4 - 4 1/4 hours
18 - 20 lbs.		4 1/4 - 4 1/2 hours		4 1/2 - 4 3/4 hours
20 - 24 lbs.		4 1/2 - 5 hours		4 3/4 - 5 1/4 hours

Turkey is done when meat thermometer reaches the following temperatures:

• 180-185 degrees F in the thigh-juices should be clear.
• 170-175 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast, just above the rib bones.
• 160-165 degrees F in the center of the stuffing, if turkey is stuffed.

Let turkey stand 15 - 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.

Dehmer's Homesmoked Hams:

Your ham is fully cooked and ready to eat, do not overcook! If your ham came in a stocking, leave it on when heating.

Spiral Cut/Glazed:

If you would like to serve warm, preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat your ham covered, adding 7-up or ginger ale to cover bottom of the pan. If your ham is glazed, loosen foil before reheating in covered pan. Place in oven for approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours for a a half ham, 2 - 2 1/2 hours for a whole ham, leaving it in the foil or stocking.

All Other Hams:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Heat your ham covered, adding 7-up or ginger ale to cover bottom of pan. Place in oven for 1 1/2 hours for a half ham, 2 - 2 1/2 hours for a whole ham. Enjoy!