A spatchcock turkey is the BEST way to cook your turkey faster and more evenly.
Spatchcocking, which is also known as butterflying, is a faster way to make a beautiful, tasty turkey for the holidays or any other time of the year. Perfect for roasting, grilling or smoking, a spatchcock turkey is sure to please the whole crowd.
Don’t let that extra effort of spatchcocking (or the funny name) intimidate you. It’s easier than it sounds. We’ve answered some of the most pressing questions to walk you through the process below.
Spatchcocking is removing the backbone of a turkey and laying it flat on its cooking surface. Yep, it’s that simple!.
Spatchcocking, also known as butterflying, is a great technique for cooking turkey evenly and quickly. Removing the backbone allows the bird to lie flat so it roasts faster. But how much spatchcock turkey should you plan per person? Here’s what to know.
What is a Spatchcock Turkey?
A spatchcock turkey is simply a whole turkey that has been butterflied or flattened out by removing the backbone and pressing down on the breastbone. This allows the turkey to cook faster and more evenly since the breast and thighs are all on one level.
The turkey is typically roasted on a sheet pan rather than upright in a roasting pan. Air circulates better around the flattened bird resulting in crispy skin all over.
Benefits of Spatchcock Turkey
There are several advantages to spatchcocking turkey versus roasting traditionally
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Cooks faster – A spatchcock turkey can roast in about 1 1/2 hours whereas a whole intact turkey takes 3-4 hours.
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Cooks evenly – With the breast and thighs exposed to heat at the same time, both light and dark meat finish cooking together. No dry breast or underdone thighs.
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Crispier skin – Lying flat allows the turkey skin to crisp up all over the breast, back, thighs and legs.
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Easier to carve – With the backbone removed and breastbone flattened, the turkey is easier to carve at the table.
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Intensifies flavor – Seasonings applied under and over the skin permeate the meat better.
How Much Spatchcock Turkey Per Person
To calculate how many pounds of spatchcock turkey you need per guest, plan on purchasing 1 – 1 1/2 pounds of uncooked turkey per person.
This accounts for the weight of the bones and any leftovers. For example:
- For 4 people, buy a 12-14 pound turkey
- For 8 people, get a 14-16 pound turkey
- For 10 people, purchase an 18-20 pound turkey
These turkey sizes will provide enough meat per serving after carving, along with a bit leftover. Smaller birds may not yield enough.
If you want plenty of leftovers, go up to 2 pounds per person. For a more exact amount, estimate 3/4 pound of cooked turkey meat per guest.
Spatchcock Cooking Time Per Pound
A general guideline for roasting spatchcock turkey is to cook it at 425°F for 15 minutes per pound.
So a 12 pound spatchcocked turkey will need about 15 * 12 = 180 minutes total cooking time.
Here are estimated cooking times for different turkey weights:
- 8 lb spatchcock turkey: 120 minutes
- 10 lb spatchcock turkey: 150 minutes
- 12 lb spatchcock turkey: 180 minutes
- 14 lb spatchcock turkey: 210 minutes
- 16 lb spatchcock turkey: 240 minutes
- 18 lb spatchcock turkey: 270 minutes
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Let it rest 15 minutes before carving.
How to Prepare Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcocking a turkey is easy to do at home with just a few simple steps:
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Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Rinse turkey and pat dry.
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Place turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it.
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Flip turkey over. Press firmly on the breastbone to flatten. You’ll hear it crack.
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Season turkey as desired. Place on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Roast at 425°F until cooked through, about 15 minutes per pound.
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Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your perfect spatchcock turkey!
Spatchcocking makes turkey foolproof for holidays and special meals. Calculate 1 – 1 1/2 pounds per person and roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound for juicy, flavorful results every time.
Why should I spatchcock my turkey?
While it is a little extra butchery work, spatchcocking a turkey helps it cook more evenly and quickly. This method also lets all the skin come off at once, so the meat is juicy and the skin is perfectly crispy. Take your time and the results will be well-worth the effort!.
Worth mentioning are the added benefits of using the backbone to create a flavorful turkey broth or gravy. For more uses for those “extra” turkey parts, click here.
How long does it to cook a spatchcock turkey?
A spatchcocked whole turkey will cook more quickly than a standard turkey. When cooking a spatchcock turkey, the time will depend on its size and the temperature of the oven. However, a good rule of thumb is 6 minutes per pound. Depending on the size of the turkey, cook times are estimated between 60-90 minutes.
To make sure the turkey is done, check that the temperature inside has reached 165°F in three places: the innermost part of the thigh, the breast, and the wing.
The Juiciest & Perfectly Cooked Spatchcock Turkey
FAQ
How long do you cook a spatchcock turkey per pound?
How long to smoke a spatchcock turkey at 225 per pound?
Is it 15 or 20 minutes per pound for turkey?
Is a 20 lb turkey too big to spatchcock?