For Moister Turkey Allow Standing Time

A roasted turkey should not be carved immediately after removing it from the oven; rather, it should be allowed to rest for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to settle and become redistributed throughout all areas of the turkey. The resting period allows the meat to be as tender and flavorful as possible and it also makes carving much easier. The turkey should be tented with aluminum foil during the resting period to retain the heat.

The resting time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. Before carving the turkey make sure that cutting surfaces are cleaned thoroughly, and always use a sharp knife to ensure success when carving. The following steps can be used for proper carving of a whole turkey.