Cooking a spatchcock turkey is a fantastic way to ensure your festive meal is as delectable as it is impressive. The key to perfection? Ensuring the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature is crucial as it guarantees that your turkey is not only safe to eat but also beautifully juicy and tender.
Spatchcocking the turkey—removing the backbone to lay the bird flat—allows for faster, more even cooking, making it a preferred method for many culinary enthusiasts.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll gain from this article:
- Safety First: Understand why 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the magic number.
- Time It Right: How to calculate cooking times based on turkey size to achieve perfect doneness.
- Quality Check: Tips on using a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is thoroughly cooked without being overdone.
- Final Touches: Learn to recognize visual cues like crispy skin to confirm readiness.
Ready to cook a turkey that’s as moist inside as it is crispy outside? Let’s get into the details of making your spatchcock turkey the highlight of the meal.
Contents
What is the best temperature to cook a spatchcock turkey?
The best temperature to cook a spatchcock turkey is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows for an even cooking process, ensuring that the turkey remains moist and flavoursome, with a crispy, golden skin. Here’s why 350°F is the recommended setting:
- Even Cooking: Spatchcocking the turkey—removing the backbone and flattening the bird—promotes more uniform cooking. At 350°F, the heat penetrates evenly, cooking the turkey thoroughly without drying out the meat.
- Perfect Browning: This moderate oven temperature is high enough to crisp the skin beautifully but not so high that it risks burning before the meat is cooked through.
For a detailed guide on cooking times based on turkey size at 350°F, refer to the table below:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
| 12 lb | Approx. 2 hours 12 minutes | 165°F |
| 16 lb | Approx. 3 hours 8 minutes | 165°F |
| 18 lb | Approx. 3 hours 48 minutes | 165°F |
Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is crucial for both safety and optimal texture.
How long does it take to cook a spatchcock turkey?
| Weight of Turkey | Cooking Time | Internal Temperature |
| 8-12 lbs | 12-15 minutes per pound | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 12-16 lbs | 11-14 minutes per pound | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 16-20 lbs | 10-13 minutes per pound | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 20-24 lbs | 9-12 minutes per pound | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
When cooking a spatchcock turkey, the time it takes largely depends on its weight. For an 8-12 lb bird, allocate 12-15 minutes per pound of cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh for safe consumption.
Larger turkeys, between 20-24 lbs, may take 9-12 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, adjusting cooking times as needed for optimal results.
Spatchcock turkey cooking time per pound
The recommended cooking time per pound for a spatchcock turkey is approximately 11 minutes at 350°F. This guideline ensures the bird is cooked evenly and achieves optimal juiciness and flavor.
It’s crucial to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature, which should reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh to confirm it’s thoroughly cooked. Here’s a detailed breakdown for various turkey sizes:
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time | Estimated Total Time |
| 12 lb | 11 minutes per pound | 2 hours 12 minutes |
| 16 lb | 11 minutes per pound | 2 hours 56 minutes |
| 18 lb | 11 minutes per pound | 3 hours 18 minutes |
Cooking times can vary based on your oven and the exact size of the bird, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
How long to roast a spatchcock turkey?
Roast a spatchcock turkey for approximately 11 minutes per pound at 350°F (177°C). For a typical 12-pound turkey, this translates to about 2 hours and 12 minutes. To ensure perfect doneness, check the internal temperature: 165°F (74°C) in the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thigh.
Here’s a handy table for reference:
| Turkey Weight | Roasting Time at 350°F | Internal Temperature |
| 10 lbs | 1 hour 50 minutes | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 12 lbs | 2 hours 12 minutes | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 14 lbs | 2 hours 34 minutes | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
| 16 lbs | 2 hours 56 minutes | 165°F (breast), 175°F (thigh) |
Spatchcocking ensures that the turkey roasts evenly and efficiently, resulting in a bird that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
What are the best side dishes to serve with a spatchcock turkey?
| Side Dish | Description | Why It’s Great |
| Cajun Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Mashed potatoes seasoned with Cajun spices and garlic. | Offers a spicy kick that complements the savory turkey. |
| Bourbon Beef Cheek Stuffing | Stuffing made with bourbon-infused beef cheek. | Rich flavour pairs well with the turkey’s juicy meat. |
| Sweet and Hot Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts cooked with sweet and spicy flavours. | Provides a balance of sweetness and heat as a side. |
| Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon. | Combines smoky bacon flavour with tender Brussels sprouts. |
| Mashed Cauliflower | Cauliflower mashed with cream and seasonings. | A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. |
| Low Carb Gravy | Gravy made with low-carb ingredients. | Perfect for those watching their carb intake. |
| Green Bean Casserole | Classic casserole with green beans, mushrooms, and crispy onions. | Provides a comforting and traditional side dish. |
| Cauliflower Stuffing | Stuffing made with cauliflower instead of bread. | Great for gluten-free or low-carb diets. |
| Sautéed Asparagus | Asparagus lightly sautéed with garlic and butter. | Brings a fresh and vibrant vegetable option to the meal. |
| Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce | Cranberry sauce sweetened with alternatives to sugar. | Offers the classic tangy flavour without added sugars. |
These side dishes perfectly complement a spatchcock turkey, offering a variety of flavours and textures that enhance the dining experience.
Conclusion
Ensuring your spatchcock turkey emerges from the oven with the perfect balance of juiciness and a crisp, golden skin hinges on reaching the ideal internal temperature.
The magic number for safety and succulence is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit measured in the thigh’s thickest part. Spatchcocking the turkey, which involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, promotes uniform cooking.
This technique not only expedites cooking time but also facilitates even heat distribution, guaranteeing that every slice is as moist as it is delicious. At a cooking temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, your turkey will bask evenly in the oven’s warmth, enhancing its flavors while crisping the skin to a delightful texture.
To confirm that your turkey has reached culinary perfection, a meat thermometer is indispensable. It’s not just about hitting the right temperature; it’s about unlocking the full sensory experience—where the tender, flavorful meat meets a crisply satisfying skin.
