Which oven bag is for which job?
Oven bags are available in Large size in addition to the popular Turkey size.
Use Large size (16"x17 1/2") for:
- Easy, everyday meals.
- For recipes serving up to 6.
- Recommended for foods up to 8 pounds such as chicken pieces, pork chips, beef strips, medium
size roasts, and turkey breasts.
Use Turkey size (19"x23 1/2") for:
- Roasting whole turkey, ham, leg of lamb and large meats 8 to 24 pounds.
What are oven bags made of?
A heat resistant nylon that is approved by the FDA for cooking.
What do I do if my oven bag’s nylon ties are misplaced?
No tie? No problem! Cut a half-inch strip from the open end of the oven bag. Use it like a piece of
string to tie the open end closed. Do not use plastic trash bag ties—they will melt in the oven.
Plastic/paper covered wire ties should not be used. They can catch fire and cause the bag to melt.
Why do you add flour to oven bags?
Always shake one tablespoon of flour in an oven bag before cooking. This flour should remain in the
bag during cooking to blend the fat and juices and to protect against bursting. More than one
tablespoon of flour may be added to the bag for recipes with thickened sauces or gravy.
What can I substitute for flour in Reynolds® Oven Bags?
You can use cornstarch or any other kind of flour such as rice flour or potato flour. Matzo meal may
also be used. You should always include flour or a flour substitute because it blends the fat and
juices in the oven bag to prevent the oven bag from bursting.
Why does the baking pan have to be at least 2 inches deep?
During cooking, meat juices and melted fat may collect in the corners of the oven bag. If the bag
hangs over the sides of the pan, these meat juices and melted fat may touch the heating element,
broiling element, oven walls, oven rack or floor of the oven. This may cause the bag to melt and to
create a grease fire in the oven.
Can a Reynolds® Oven Bag be used in a convection oven?
Yes, if it is a full-size convection oven. Countertop size convection ovens (like the size of a
microwave oven) are too small and the bag may touch the sides or the heating element and melt.
When using a convection oven, reduce the recommended oven temperature by 25 degrees and
roast for the same amount of time. Always preheat the oven before using an oven bag and never
exceed 400 degrees.
Can I use oven bags in an electric roaster oven such as a Nesco,
Hamilton Beach or Rival?
No, The possibility of exposing the bag to the heating elements or to heat extremes makes this
cooking method unacceptable for bags. For the same reason, do not use oven bags in toaster ovens
or any type of grill.
Can I use oven bags in my slow cooker?
We do not recommend it. Try Reynolds™ Slow Cooker Liners. They were specifically developed and
sized for use in slow cookers, while Reynolds® Oven Bags were designed and sized to hold large
cuts of meat for pan-roasting in the oven. There is enough size and shape differential between the
products that we recommend using each product for its intended use.
Will my turkey brown in a Reynolds® Oven Bag?
Yes, turkeys will brown in an oven bag. Smaller turkeys will brown lightly. Larger turkeys will become
golden brown because they cook longer. To improve browning, brush your turkey with vegetable oil
or melted butter before placing in the oven bag. You may also sprinkle lightly with paprika.
Can I open the oven bag toward the end of the cooking time to brown
the turkey?
No, never open the oven bag and return it to the oven. Drippings from the edges of the bag may fall
outside the roasting pan onto the oven floor, which could cause smoking or burning.
Will there be enough juices for gravy in an oven bag?
The oven bag holds in juices so you will have PLENTY for gravy. The larger the bird, the larger the
amount of juices.
Can I cook two small turkeys at one time?
Yes, you can cook two small turkeys or two turkey breasts at the same time if your oven is large
enough for heat to circulate between the pieces of meat for the bag(s) to expand without touching
the oven racks or walls. You can use one turkey size oven bag or two large size oven bags. Cook for
15 minutes longer than the cooking time of the largest piece of meat. Then, check both pieces of
meat for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Can I use a low oven temperature of 200 degrees or 250 degrees to
cook my turkey?
Slowly overnight or all day while I'm at work so it's ready when I get home? No, for
food safety reasons, turkey should not be cooked at an oven temperature lower than
325 degrees. Therefore, cooking overnight or all day is not recommended. Also, for
food safety reasons, never partially cook a turkey and finish cooking it later.
Can I leave my cooked turkey in an oven bag to transport it to a dinner
at another location?
No. For food safety reasons you should cut all meat from the bone so that it cools properly. Then,
wrap it in foil or place in a foil-lined pan and cover tightly. Transport your sliced turkey on ice so that
it does not set at room temperature for more than 2 hours