How Do I Cook Half A Turkey? A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking a whole turkey can seem like an intimidating task, especially if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time But roasting just half a turkey is an easy way to enjoy this delicious bird without lots of stressful prep work and leftovers If you’re wondering how to cook half a turkey, I’ve got you covered with this simple step-by-step guide.

Why Cook Half A Turkey?

There are a few great reasons to cook half a turkey instead of a whole bird

• Smaller Crowd – If you’re not feeding a huge gathering, half a turkey provides plenty of meat for 4-6 people without endless leftovers.

• Faster Cooking Time – A 5-7 pound half turkey roasts in about 1-1.5 hours compared to 3-4 hours for a whole bird.

• Easier to Prepare – Working with a smaller turkey is less unwieldy when it comes to seasoning, trussing, and getting it in the oven.

• Lower Cost – You can save money buying just half a turkey versus a large whole one.

Choosing the Right Size

When buying a half turkey, plan on about 1 pound of meat per person. A 5-7 pound half turkey will provide enough for a small gathering of 4-6 people with a bit of leftovers.

You can ask the butcher to cut a whole fresh or frozen turkey in half. Or look for packaged half turkeys at the grocery store. Both fresh and frozen work equally well.

Make sure frozen half turkeys are completely thawed in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking. never thaw on the counter.

Easy Seasoning and Prep

Preparing a half turkey is much like seasoning a whole bird, just on a smaller scale.

• Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavities. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cool water. Pat very dry with paper towels.

• Generously season the inside cavity and outer skin with salt, pepper, fresh herbs like thyme or sage, and spices like garlic powder or paprika.

• Rub the skin with olive oil or softened butter for extra crispy skin and added moisture.

• Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, fresh herbs, or aromatics for flavor. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to hold shape.

• Let the seasoned half turkey sit for 30 minutes while the oven preheats so flavors absorb into the meat.

Roasting to Perfection

Roasting a juicy, delicious half turkey is as easy as following these simple tips:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

• Add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom of the pan to prevent pan drippings from burning.

• Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast reads 165°F.

• Baste turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes for tender, flavorful meat. Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast.

• Let roasted turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving so juices reabsorb into the meat.

Handy Time Chart

For approximate roasting times, use this handy guide:

| Turkey Weight | Unstuffed Roast Time |
|-|-|-|
| 5 pounds | 75 minutes |
| 6 pounds | 90 minutes |
| 7 pounds | 105 minutes |

Always rely on a thermometer for doneness, not cooking times. Cook to 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs.

Carving Made Simple

Follow these easy steps for carving your roast half turkey:

• Place turkey breast-side up on a cutting board. Remove any stuffing and set aside.

• Using a sharp carving knife, slice horizontally to remove the entire breast half in one piece.

• Cut the breast crosswise into thin slices.

• Separate the thigh from the back by cutting through the joint. Slice thigh meat from the bone.

• Cut the wing in half at joint. Slice any remaining meat from the back bones.

• Arrange slices on a platter with stuffing and gravy. Enjoy immediately!

Delicious Gravy from Pan Drippings

Make the most of your flavorful pan drippings by turning them into rich homemade gravy:

• Pour drippings into a measuring cup. Skim off excess fat. Pour into saucepan, reserving 2 tbsp drippings.

• Add 2 tbsp flour to the fat in the saucepan. Cook 1 minute over medium heat.

• Whisk in 1-2 cups broth slowly until smooth and simmering. Season with salt and pepper.

• Pour gravy into a boat and serve over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and veggies!

Quick Cleanup

The smaller amount of meat on a half turkey makes for easier cleanup too. Here are some tips:

• Allow the roasting pan to soak in hot soapy water for 15 minutes which makes burnt bits easier to remove.

• Use a plastic spatula to gently scrape up any crusty bits stuck to the pan.

• If needed, boil a bit of water in the pan for 5 minutes to help loosen the residue after soaking. Wipe clean.