Tiffany Haney
Cooking an 8lb turkey roast in a crock pot is possible, but it may be a tight fit. Crock pots are a great option for cooking turkey, as the low temperature reduces the risk of overcooking and drying out the meat. It is also a convenient, hands-off cooking method, as you simply place the turkey inside, close the lid, and wait for it to cook. This method is also a great way to free up oven space for other dishes. The end result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey, and you can still achieve crispy skin with a quick step under the grill/broiler after slow cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Turkey weight | 8 lb |
| Crock pot size | 6-8 quart |
| Cook time | 6 hours on low heat |
| Internal temperature | 165°F/75°C |
| Broiling time | 3-5 minutes |
| Prep time | 3-10 minutes |
| Liquid added | Chicken broth |
| Ingredients | Garlic, onion, butter, herbs |
| Sides | Gravy, roasted carrots, rolls |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Cooking an 8lb turkey roast in a crock pot is possible, but it may require some adjustments to ensure even cooking. Here are the guidelines for cooking time and temperature:
Firstly, it is important to note that a crock pot is a type of slow cooker, and this method of cooking is ideal for smaller turkey roasts. The low and slow cooking process helps to retain moisture in the meat, reducing the risk of drying it out compared to traditional roasting methods. This makes it a forgiving cooking method, as an extra hour or two in the crock pot is unlikely to negatively impact the final result.
For an 8lb turkey roast, it is recommended to cook it on LOW heat for approximately 8 to 8.5 hours. This extended cooking time ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly without drying out. It is important to monitor the internal temperature of the roast to ensure it reaches the safe zone. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should ideally read 165°F (75°C) for a well-cooked turkey.
If your crock pot has a programmable function, you can set it to switch to the warm setting once the cooking time is complete. This will help maintain the temperature of the roast until you are ready to serve it.
Additionally, it is worth noting that slight weight variations in the turkey roast will not significantly impact the cooking time. Therefore, if your roast is slightly larger or smaller than 8lbs, you can still follow the same cooking guidelines.
In terms of preparation, it is recommended to brush the turkey with cooking oil or melted butter and season it generously before placing it in the crock pot. This helps to enhance the flavour and browning of the skin. Adding a bed of sliced onions or other aromatic vegetables at the bottom of the pot can also add flavour and moisture to the roast.
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Preparing the turkey
Next, place the turkey breast in the crock pot, with the breast/skin side facing up. This will help the skin brown beautifully and reduce the risk of tearing when removing the turkey from the crock pot. Before placing the lid on the crock pot, make sure there is some liquid at the bottom. You can use water, broth, or wine, adding more flavour with halved garlic, onions, and other ingredients of your choice. The liquid helps prevent the meat from sticking to the base of the pot and keeps the turkey moist.
Finally, cover the crock pot and cook on low heat until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165-170°F. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey, with a rule of thumb being one hour per pound of turkey. For example, an 8-pound turkey will take around 8 hours to cook. However, it's always best to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.
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Using a meat thermometer
When using a meat thermometer, you should always insert it into the thickest part of the meat for the best results. This is usually between the breast and the leg. If you are cooking a boned and rolled turkey, the thickest part will be the centre of the joint. It is also important to note that the thermometer should not touch the bone, as this will cause an inaccuracy in the temperature reading.
Some sources suggest using the thermometer towards the end of the cooking process, as opening the crock pot lid can cause heat loss and increase cooking time. An instant-read thermometer is useful in this case, as it will only take a couple of seconds to read the temperature.
If you are using a probe thermometer, you can set it to beep when the right temperature is reached. For a juicy turkey, you should stop slow cooking when the temperature reaches 155-160 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will rise by about 10 degrees when you broil and rest the meat.
Finally, remember to always wash your meat thermometer thoroughly after use.
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Creating a gravy
Cooking an 8-pound turkey roast in a crock pot is a great way to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. The slow-cooking method means there is far less risk of drying out the turkey, even if it is cooked for one or two hours longer than necessary.
A great gravy can elevate a simple dish to something special, and it is an essential part of any roast dinner. Here is a guide to making a delicious gravy to accompany your crock pot turkey roast.
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Broth (chicken or turkey)
- Turkey drippings (from the cooked turkey)
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional:
- Herbs and spices (e.g. parsley, basil, sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika)
- Sausage meat
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
- Heavy cream
- Cornstarch
Method
- Make a roux by mixing together the butter and flour. Cook this mixture until it is light brown.
- Mix in the broth, strained turkey drippings, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook until the mixture thickens.
- For a thicker gravy, add a tablespoon of cornstarch.
- For a spicy gravy, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- For a creamy gravy, add some heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
- Add herbs and spices to taste.
- If you would like to add sausage to your gravy, brown some sausage meat in a pan first, then add it to the gravy mixture.
- If you don't have any turkey drippings, you can use all broth instead, but the flavour won't be as intense.
- Refrigerate any leftover gravy in a sealed container for up to two days, or freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
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Side dishes
An 8-pound turkey roast can be cooked in a crock pot, and there are plenty of side dishes that can accompany it.
Sauces
A crock pot turkey roast produces a lot of juices that can be used to make a delicious gravy. Alternatively, you can serve the roast with a healthy cranberry sauce.
Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower are comforting options to serve with the turkey. For a more indulgent option, you can make a sweet potato casserole. Roasted potatoes or air-fried potatoes are also great choices.
Vegetables
Garlic green beans are a simple and tasty side dish. For a more substantial option, you can make a green bean casserole. Other vegetable sides include whole roasted cauliflower, fried Brussels sprouts, or roasted root vegetables.
Salads
A colourful, seasonal salad is a great way to round out the meal. Some options include a pomegranate salad, Thanksgiving salad, or sweet potato salad.
Other Sides
Other side dishes that go well with turkey include cornbread dressing, rolls, and roasted carrots.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook an 8lb turkey roast in a crock pot. It is recommended to use a 6-8 quart crock pot for a 3-4 pound turkey breast, so an 8lb turkey should still fit.
A 6-pound turkey breast cooked in a crock pot takes about 5 hours, while a 10-pound turkey takes about 8.5 hours, so an 8lb turkey will likely take between 6-7 hours.
It is recommended to cook turkey in a crock pot on a low heat setting.
