Spatchcock Turkey in an Oven Bag – The Juiciest Bird for Your Holiday Feast

As the holidays approach it’s time to start planning that show-stopping main course. For many families a golden roasted turkey takes center stage at festive meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But dry, overcooked turkey can ruin an otherwise delicious holiday spread. Luckily, there’s an easy trick to ensure tender, juicy meat and crisp skin every time – spatchcocking your turkey and roasting it in an oven bag.

What Is a Spatchcock Turkey?

Spatchcocking, also called butterflying, is a method of preparing poultry for roasting. To spatchcock a turkey, the backbone is removed so the bird can be flattened out. This allows the turkey to cook faster and more evenly since more surface area is exposed to heat.

Spatchcocking offers several advantages:

• Turkey cooks faster – Cooking time can be reduced by up to 40% compared to roasting a whole turkey, A 12-16 lb spatchcock turkey takes only 90-120 minutes to roast,

• Even cooking – With the turkey laid flat, the breast and thighs cook at the same rate. No dealing with dried out breast meat or undercooked thighs.

• Crispier skin – With more skin exposed directly to hot oven air, the skin crisps up beautifully.

• Easier to carve – With the backbone gone and breastbone flattened, carving neat slices is much simpler.

Why Cook Spatchcock Turkey in an Oven Bag?

Cooking the spatchcocked turkey in a large oven roasting bag provides extra insurance for a moist, tender bird. The sealed bag creates a mini oven chamber that effectively steams the turkey from the inside out.

Benefits of using an oven bag include:

• Seals in moisture – The bag traps steam around the turkey, keeping meat incredibly juicy.

• Self bastes – No basting required since turkey cooks in its own juices. Skin crisps up nicely too.

• Prevents drying out – Oven bag protects turkey from hot dry oven air that causes meat to dry out.

• Cleaner oven – Bag contains any messy drips and splatters for easy cleanup. No more scrubbing the roasting pan!

• Faster cook time – Flattened turkey in direct contact with hot air reduces cooking time.

Step-By-Step Guide to Spatchcock Turkey in an Oven Bag

Follow these simple steps for foolproof spatchcock turkey roasted in a bag:

Prep the Turkey

• Butterfly the turkey – Place breast side down. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut out backbone. Flip over and press to flatten.

• Season well – Liberally season inside cavity and all over skin with salt, pepper, herbs, etc.

• Place in oven bag – Put seasoned and flattened turkey in a large oven roasting bag.

Roast the Turkey

• Prep the bag – Add 1-2 Tbsp flour to bag and shake to coat interior. Tie bag closed.

• Make vent holes – Use a paring knife to cut 4-5 slits in top of bag for venting.

• Roast in oven – Place bag on rimmed baking sheet. Roast at 350°F for 90-120 minutes until 165°F.

• Open bag – Carefully open bag once turkey reaches 140°F to crisp skin.

• Rest and carve – Let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Oven Bag Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding onion, garlic, citrus, or fresh herbs inside the oven bag.

• Brining the turkey before cooking further enhances moisture and taste.

• If the bag drips, place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch juices for gravy.

• Use broth, wine or water in the baking sheet to create delicious turkey gravy from the drippings.

• For browned skin, cut bag open at 140°F and roast uncovered until 165°F.

• Insert herb butter, garlic, or citrus under the skin before cooking for extra flavor.

• Cook stuffing in a separate oven bag to steam perfectly without raw meat exposure.

Get the Most out of Your Leftovers

The oven bag method gives you tender, juicy turkey meat perfect for leftovers. Ways to enjoy include:

• Classic turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing.

• Diced turkey in soups, salads, wraps, tacos – get creative!

• Shred for chili, turkey tetrazzini, casseroles, turkey pot pie, and more.

• Pair with BBQ sauce, ranch, buffalo sauce for turkey sliders or pizza.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 3-4 days. Turkey also freezes well for 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

Spatchcock Turkey in an Oven Bag – Holiday Feasts Made Easy

Take the guesswork and stress out of roasting turkey with the spatchcock in a bag method. You’ll enjoy a juicy, tender bird with golden crispy skin and significantly cut down on cooking and clean-up time. Follow the tips above for your best oven-bag turkey yet this holiday season!

OVEN BAG TURKEY COOKING TIMES