How Long to Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey (The Ultimate Guide)

How Long Do I Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey?

Spatchcocking is a popular cooking method for turkeys because it allows the bird to cook evenly and quickly. By removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, you create more surface area for the heat to reach, which results in a juicy, flavorful bird.

But how long do you cook a spatchcocked turkey? The answer depends on a few factors, including the weight of the turkey and the temperature of your oven. In general, you can expect to cook a spatchcocked turkey for about 30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to cook a spatchcocked turkey:

1. Start by removing the backbone from the turkey. You can do this by cutting down the center of the backbone with a sharp knife, then using your fingers to pry the bones apart.
2. Flip the turkey over and press down on the breastbone to flatten it. This will help the turkey cook evenly.
3. Rub the turkey with your favorite seasonings. You can use a dry rub, wet brine, or a combination of the two.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes per pound.
5. Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Weight (lbs)	Cooking Time (minutes)	Resting Time (minutes)
10-12	1 hour 15 minutes	30 minutes
12-14	1 hour 30 minutes	45 minutes
14-16	1 hour 45 minutes	60 minutes
16-18	2 hours	75 minutes
18-20	2 hours 15 minutes	90 minutes
20-22	2 hours 30 minutes	105 minutes
22-24	2 hours 45 minutes	120 minutes

How Long Do I Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey?

Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a turkey by cutting it down the backbone and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird.

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A cutting board
* A large baking sheet
* A roasting rack
* Kitchen twine

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the backbone, starting at the neck and working your way down to the tail.
3. Open the turkey up like a book.
4. Remove the backbone and any excess fat.
5. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Place the turkey on a large baking sheet with a roasting rack.
7. Roast the turkey in a preheated 375F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165F, about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you cook your spatchcocked turkey, there are a few things you need to do to prepare it.

Spatchcocking the Turkey

Spatchcocking is the first and most important step in preparing a spatchcocked turkey. By cutting the turkey down the backbone and flattening it out, you are allowing the heat to circulate more evenly throughout the bird, resulting in a more evenly cooked and moist turkey.

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A cutting board
* A large baking sheet
* A roasting rack
* Kitchen twine

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the backbone, starting at the neck and working your way down to the tail.
3. Open the turkey up like a book.
4. Remove the backbone and any excess fat.
5. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Place the turkey on a large baking sheet with a roasting rack.

Seasoning the Turkey

Once your turkey is spatchcocked, it’s time to season it. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include:

* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Cayenne pepper
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* Sage

Instructions:

1. Rub the turkey all over with your favorite seasonings.
2. Be sure to season the inside of the turkey as well as the outside.
3. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

Brining the Turkey (Optional)

Brining is an optional step that can help to make your turkey more moist and flavorful. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a salt water solution for several hours or overnight. This helps to draw out moisture from the turkey and replace it with salt, which helps to keep the turkey moist during cooking.

To brine a turkey, you will need:

* A large container
* Water
* Salt
* Sugar
* Optional: herbs and spices

Instructions:

1. In a large container, combine the water, salt, and sugar.
2. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
3. Add the turkey to the brine.
4. Cover the container and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
5. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
6. Let the turkey come to room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

Cooking the Turkey

Now that your turkey is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Spatchcocked turkeys cook much faster than whole turkeys, so you’ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook a spatchcocked turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 375F. So, a 10-pound turkey would cook for 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours.

It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165F.

Using a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is an essential tool for cooking a turkey. It’s the only way to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct temperature.

To use a

How Long Do I Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey?

Spatchcocking is a technique for roasting a turkey that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird out so that it cooks more evenly and quickly. This method is a great way to cook a turkey for a large crowd, as it can be done in a shorter amount of time than a traditional roasted turkey.

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need:

* A large roasting pan
* A sharp knife
* A pair of kitchen shears
* A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the giblets from the turkey and reserve for another use.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting at the neck and working your way down to the tail.
6. Use kitchen shears to remove the backbone.
7. Flip the turkey over so that the breast is facing up.
8. Press down on the breastbone to flatten the turkey out.
9. Tuck the wings under the turkey.
10. Place the turkey in the roasting pan and season with salt and pepper.
11. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

How to Carve a Spatchcocked Turkey

Carving a spatchcocked turkey is a simple process that can be easily accomplished with a few basic tools.

To carve a spatchcocked turkey, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A carving fork
* A serving platter

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Insert the carving fork into the breastbone and secure the turkey to the cutting board.
3. Using a sharp knife, slice along the breastbone to remove the breast meat.
4. Cut the wings off at the joint and set aside.
5. Cut the legs off at the joint and set aside.
6. Carve the thigh meat from the bone and slice it against the grain.
7. Carve the drumstick meat from the bone and slice it against the grain.
8. Serve the turkey immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.

Serving the Turkey

Spatchcocked turkey is a great way to serve a large crowd, as it can be easily carved and served. Here are a few tips for serving spatchcocked turkey:

* Serve the turkey on a large platter or cutting board.
* Arrange the different pieces of meat in a pleasing way.
* Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs, vegetables, or fruit.
* Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover spatchcocked turkey, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Here are a few tips for storing leftover turkey:

* Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
* Place the turkey in a covered container or resealable bag.
* Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
* Store the turkey in the refrigerator or freezer.

Reheating Leftover Turkey

Reheating leftover spatchcocked turkey is a simple process that can be easily accomplished in the oven or microwave.

To reheat leftover turkey in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until heated through.

To reheat leftover turkey in the microwave, place the turkey in a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Spatchcocking is a great way to cook a turkey for a large crowd. It is a simple process that results in a delicious, evenly cooked turkey that is perfect for any occasion.

How long do I cook a spatchcocked turkey?

The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to cook a spatchcocked turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to check the internal temperature of the turkey to make sure that it is cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to spatchcock a turkey?

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. First, remove the giblets from the turkey. Then, lay the turkey breast-side down on the cutting board. Using the knife, cut along both sides of the backbone, being careful not to cut through the skin. Once the backbone is removed, flip the turkey over and press down on the breastbone to flatten it out.

What are some tips for cooking a spatchcocked turkey?

Here are a few tips for cooking a spatchcocked turkey:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. Overcooked turkey can be dry and tough.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

What are some side dishes that go well with spatchcocked turkey?

Here are a few side dishes that go well with spatchcocked turkey:

* Mashed potatoes
* Stuffing
* Green bean casserole
* Cranberry sauce
* Roasted vegetables

Can I cook a spatchcocked turkey in a slow cooker?

No, you cannot cook a spatchcocked turkey in a slow cooker. A slow cooker cooks food at a low temperature for a long period of time, which is not ideal for cooking a turkey. A turkey needs to be cooked at a high temperature for a shorter period of time in order to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze a spatchcocked turkey?

Yes, you can freeze a spatchcocked turkey. However, it is important to cook the turkey completely before freezing it. Once the turkey is cooked, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat the turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook it according to the package directions.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook a whole bird evenly and quickly. By removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, you expose more surface area to the heat, which helps the turkey cook faster. The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird, but a general rule of thumb is to cook it for 10-12 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

When spatchcocking a turkey, it is important to make sure that the bird is completely thawed before cooking. You can also brine the turkey for several hours or overnight to help keep it moist. Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to impress your guests at your next holiday meal. It is a simple and straightforward method of cooking that produces a juicy and flavorful bird.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

* Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook a whole bird evenly and quickly.
* The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird, but a general rule of thumb is to cook it for 10-12 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* When spatchcocking a turkey, it is important to make sure that the bird is completely thawed before cooking. You can also brine the turkey for several hours or overnight to help keep it moist.
* Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.