Can I roast my turkey earlier in the day, carve it up, and put it in a roaster pan to reheat later?

I have a very small home and am hosting a pre-Thanksgiving celebration in another week. I'm thinking about getting many of my dishes done the day before and putting them in the refrigerator to reheat after guests arrive. Usually on Thanksgiving I end up spending time in the kitchen and away from my company and I'd like to do it differently this year. What I'm wondering, though, is if it would be ok to also roast my turkey ahead of time, carve it up, and put it in a roaster pan with its own juices, to reheat along with my sides? That way I can enjoy time with my guests before dinner. Has anyone ever done this before, and if you have, how did it turn out? Much thanks ahead of time!

2012-11-10T13:44:01Z

I'm also concerned that if I roast the turkey and take it out at the last minute that the turkey will get cold when i take it out and have to reheat the side dishes and bake the rolls!

2012-11-10T13:45:29Z

Lol....you're assuming I have a husband/boyfriend!!!! Nope.....neither.....

aknaswonder2012-11-10T10:35:16Z

Favorite Answer

Sounds like a fine idea. You're keeping the natural juices with the meat and it's going to be just fine.
Enjoy your company.

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Larry E2012-11-10T18:34:48Z

Having to reheat it will dry it out. Nothing is better than a turkey just out of the oven and then carved up right before it's put on the table. The smell of cooking also goes through the house which makes your guest extra hungry. The turkey is the main part of a thanksgiving meal so why take any chance in screwing it up.

10

Anna E2012-11-11T04:50:19Z

Turkey does dry out when reheated, but since you are putting it in a pan with it's own juices, it should be fine. Also, rolls can also be made ahead of time and frozen, and then let thaw and reheat just before serving. At least the home made or frozen roll dough works well this way. Pies, such as pumpkin and pecan can also be baked ahead of time and frozen.

01

?2012-11-10T18:39:39Z

It takes hours to roast a turkey in the oven anyway.You can put it in the oven on low heat the day before and turn the heat up just 15min before you want to serve it.Serve it uncarved and ask your husband/boyfriend to carve it at the table.The whole turkey looks much better than just slices and stuffing on a plate.It should be men's work anyway

01

Sweetdaddy Rex2012-11-10T18:32:07Z

YES ! I usually cook a 12 lb. turkey, and dog, & I eat off of it for 3 days !

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