 Three game-changing tips to make the best turkey ever. Turkey is super lean, which is why it dries out easily. So you can cook the turkey and butter before cooking and then keep applying butter as it cooks. Or you could try my family's secret trick and wrap that bird in bacon, because bacon. This involves marinating your turkey and saltwater for anywhere from eight to 18 hours. Then you take it out the brine eight to 12 hours before cooking. You can throw in some herbs, spices, or sugar in there for some extra flavor. Start cooking at 450 degrees and then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees after 30 minutes. The initial high heat ensures that the skin gets crispy and then cooking it low and slow should retain the turkey's juiciness.