Forkonomics

Cook smart. Spend less. Eat well.

After hours of roasting, your turkey is finally golden, fragrant, and ready to carve—or is it? Before you reach for the knife, there’s one crucial step that makes all the difference: letting your turkey rest.

What does “resting” mean? Resting simply means giving your cooked turkey time to sit, untouched, after it comes out of the oven. No slicing, no poking—just a quiet moment for the bird to cool slightly and settle.

Why it matters:

• Juicier meat: During cooking, juices move toward the surface. Resting allows them to redistribute throughout the meat, so every bite stays moist.
• Easier carving: A rested turkey holds its shape better, making it easier to slice cleanly without shredding.
• Better flavor and texture: Resting helps the turkey finish cooking gently and evenly, especially if you’ve tented it with foil.

How long should you rest it? For a whole turkey, aim for 30 to 45 minutes. You can loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm. This gives you time to finish sides, set the table, or sneak a taste of stuffing.

Forkonomics tip: Resting isn’t just for turkeys—it works for roast chicken, pork, and even steak. It’s a simple, no-cost way to boost flavor and reduce kitchen stress.