Name: Spatchcock Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 lb turkey; 1/3 cup avocado or olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp kosher coarse salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp dried rubbed sage; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried crushed rosemary; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2-3 carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 4-5 garlic cloves; 2 cups chicken stock or broth; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups pan drippings (+ turkey stock if needed); Salt, optional; 1/4 tsp black pepper, optional

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The aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey fills the air, a warm and inviting scent that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. As the golden skin glistens under the light, the anticipation builds, promising juicy, tender meat and rich flavor in every bite. With the turkey spread out in all its glory, this elegant presentation makes any occasion feel even more special. If you’ve been searching for a way to elevate your holiday meal or impress your friends at your next gathering, look no further. This Spatchcock Turkey Recipe will not only boost your culinary repertoire but create lasting memories at the dinner table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Spatchcock Turkey

Thinking back to my childhood, I can still feel the warmth of the kitchen as my family prepared for Thanksgiving. The laughter, the chatter, and of course, the turkey. I vividly remember the excitement of watching the turkey getting roasted, golden and crispy, while the sweet and savory scents wafted through the house. This method, where the turkey is flattened for even cooking, brings that nostalgic vibe right back. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making your own stunning spatchcock turkey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 2.5 hours with just 30 minutes of prep—ideal for busy cooks!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of garlic, herbs, and spices creates a savory experience in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: An impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests and become the star of the table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, cozy family dinners, or even a backyard BBQ.
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe can easily cater to large gatherings, serving up to 10 hungry guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12-14 lb turkey: A medium to large turkey works best for this recipe. Thawed is key for even cooking.
1/3 cup avocado or olive oil: Adds moisture and a rich flavor; avocado oil has a higher smoke point.
1 1/2 tbsp kosher coarse salt: Enhance the turkey’s natural flavor; adjust to your personal taste.
1 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground delivers the best flavor and aroma.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Brings that irresistible garlicky punch without the hassle of chopping.
2 tsp onion powder: Sweet onion flavor enhances the overall taste profile.
2 tsp dried rubbed sage: Adds warmth; feel free to use fresh if available for more potency.
2 tsp dried thyme: Pairs beautifully with turkey for a familiar herbaceous note.
1 tsp dried crushed rosemary: Infuses a lovely woodsy flavor; crush fresh rosemary to release essential oils.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds depth to your gravy and roasted flavor.
2-3 carrots, chopped: Sweetens the stock and adds color—great nutritional boost too!
2 celery ribs, chopped: Gives your turkey an aromatic base; don’t skip this ingredient!
4-5 garlic cloves: The more garlic, the better! Roasting mellows its sharpness while enhancing its sweetness.
2 cups chicken stock or broth: This will create a lovely gravy; use low-sodium for better control over salt levels.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: For basting, rich flavor is important here.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thicken your gravy to build that perfect rich consistency.
2 cups pan drippings (+ turkey stock if needed): Captures all those delicious flavors; adjust with turkey stock for density.
Salt, optional: Taste your gravy and adjust if needed.
1/4 tsp black pepper, optional: Enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

How to Make Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C)—this high heat ensures a crispy skin. While the oven warms, place your thawed turkey breast-side down on a clean cutting board. Carefully run a sharp pair of kitchen shears along each side of the backbone to remove it. This might sound tricky, but take it slow; today’s turkey will be tomorrow’s centerpiece!

Flatten the Turkey: Once the backbone is removed, open the turkey like a book, pressing down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a satisfying crack. This ensures even cooking. Let that excitement build, because you’re transforming your turkey into a showstopper!

Season Well: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture generously all over the turkey—get under the skin if you can, for flavor that penetrates throughout. Make sure to also sprinkle the cavity with some seasoning. This is where the magic begins!

Prepare Aromatics: Decrease the heat to a medium simmer and gather your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. Spread them in the center of a large roasting pan. These will not only create a flavorful base, but they also fill your kitchen with divine smells as they roast.

Place Turkey:** Move your spatchcocked turkey onto the veggies, skin-side up. Tuck the wings under the turkey for a tidy look, which helps in even cooking and presentation. It’s starting to look good already!

Roast the Turkey: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy! Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it.

Rest and Make Gravy: Once your turkey is out of the oven, let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy meat! While the turkey cools, it’s time to make that delicious gravy. Place your roasted pan over medium heat and sprinkle flour into the pan drippings. Whisk for a minute to form a roux, then slowly add chicken stock, whisking continually until thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Pour this heavenly gravy over your sliced turkey, and watch everyone gather around for seconds!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover turkey, cool it completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze turkey slices or chunks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. While the flavor will still be there, the turkey may lose a bit of its juiciness; a splash of broth can refresh it beautifully!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid under seasoning! Don’t be shy with the salt; it truly elevates the flavor.
Let your turkey sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the turkey in; this helps achieve that crispy skin everyone loves.
Feel free to make the gravy ahead of time; just reheat it gently and whisk in any extra drippings.
Experiment with herbs according to your taste; thyme, rosemary, or even fresh parsley can brighten the flavor.
Don’t forget to save the bones for stock! They make a delightful, rich base for soups.

All these details make a difference, creating a memorable dish that’s full of flavor and warmth. Each part of this process can be enjoyed!

The Spatchcock Turkey Recipe provides an exciting way to celebrate special occasions or cozy family dinners. It not only allows the turkey to cook evenly and quickly but also guarantees delicious flavor that your loved ones will remember. So as you experiment with this delightful recipe, don’t be afraid to add your own twist and make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the moments you share while cooking and feeding your people, creating a tradition that may last generations!

Recipe FAQs

What does spatchcock mean?

Spatchcock refers to a method of preparing poultry where the backbone is removed and the bird is flattened to allow for more even cooking. This technique not only shortens the cooking time but also results in beautifully crisp skin all around!

Can I use a frozen turkey?

Absolutely! Just be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw in the refrigerator before starting. Quick tips: allow at least 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Once thawed, follow the procedure for spatchcocking and you’ll be all set!

Can I cook different sizes of turkey using this method?

Yes, you can! This Spatchcock Turkey Recipe works wonderfully for any size turkey up to about 18 pounds. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size, ensuring to always check the internal temperature for doneness.

How does the flavor change if I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Using fresh herbs adds more vibrant flavors and aromas compared to dried. Fresh herbs contain essential oils that release when cooked, providing much stronger and aromatic flavors. Just remember to use about three times more fresh herbs than dried for the best balance!

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Spatchcock Turkey

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 10 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Spatchcock Turkey is not just a meal; it’s an experience of incredibly flavor-packed, juicy turkey that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious taste, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

12–14 lb turkey
1/3 cup avocado or olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp kosher coarse salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp dried rubbed sage
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried crushed rosemary
1 yellow onion, chopped
2–3 carrots, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4–5 garlic cloves
2 cups chicken stock or broth
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups pan drippings (+ turkey stock if needed)
Salt, optional
1/4 tsp black pepper, optional

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Place thawed turkey breast-side down on a cutting board and remove the backbone using kitchen shears.
Open the turkey like a book and press down on the breastbone to flatten it.
Mix oil and spices in a bowl; rub all over the turkey, including under the skin.
In a roasting pan, spread chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables, skin-side up, and tuck the wings under.
Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before making gravy with pan drippings.

Notes

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed for even cooking.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and herbs to your taste.
Letting the turkey sit at room temperature before cooking promotes even cooking.