What is a Spatchcock Turkey?
Spatchcocking a turkey involves removing the backbone and breaking the breastbone so the bird can lay flat during cooking. This method has several benefits:
1. Faster cooking time
2. Juicier meat
3. Even browning
4. Reduced height, allowing other dishes to be on a rack above or below.
5. Additionally, the backbone makes rich stock to use in the homemade gravy.
Many cooks no longer stuff the bird, making it unnecessary to cook it upright. The spatchcocking process flattens the turkey, which fits best on a half-sheet pan. The low sides of the sheet pan allow all parts of the turkey to brown evenly.
How to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey?
The turkey can be spatchcocked at home or by your butcher. To remove the backbone, you need sharp poultry shears and some strength. Then, turn the turkey over and break the breastbone. Cook the turkey at 450°F for 60 to 90 minutes on a half-sheet pan. I’ve used this recipe successfully for three years and love the taste and fast cook time!
- Watch the helpful video: Lauren from SideChef Spatchcock Turkey Video.
- Follow the recipe: Herb Roasted Spatchcock Turkey and Gravy Recipe.
Get my Thanksgiving side dishes ideas in the round-up below.
What Tools are Needed?
- Half Sheet Pan and Cooling Rack that can withstand 450°F (20.25 ” L x 14.25 ” W x 1 ” H)
- Chef Knife or Carving Set
- Poultry Shears
- An oven that can accommodate a half-sheet pan
- 10 – 14-pound turkey works best for this method; a larger turkey will not fit on a sheet pan
- Get the Stress-Free Holiday Cooking Guide. It’s the ultimate guide to preparing and delegating a big holiday meal.
Turkey Day Classic Side Dishes
Warm turkey gravy is essential for complementing a delicious turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner. Keeping all the dishes warm can be challenging amid the holiday hustle and bustle. Gravy is a great way to help maintain the heat of side dishes by pouring it over the turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing. Here’s a list of recipes for Thanksgiving side dishes. The recipes are in the roundup below.
– Mashed potatoes
– Sweet potatoes
– Cranberry sauce or relish
– Cornbread Dressing (also known as stuffing)
– Salad Ideas: Make-Ahead Brussels Sprout Salad, Cabbage Pomegranate Salad, or Crisp Apple Salad
– Vegetables – Green Beans, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, or Cauliflower
– Rolls with butter
– Pumpkin pie and other favorite pies with toppings
Do you have any other favorite family recipes that everyone requests? One of mine is butternut squash soup. Remember to plan leftovers: turkey enchiladas, turkey salad, and turkey reubens are great ways to use up the meat.
Thanksgiving Recipes: Classic Side Dishes
Make-Ahead Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Crisp Apple Salad with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower with Fresh Sage and Rosemary
Extra Crispy Roasted Shaved Brussels Sprouts
Perfect Baked Sweet Potato – 2 Ingredients
Cabbage and Pomegranate Superfood Salad
Honey Ginger Green Beans: Family Friendly
Crispy Roasted Broccoli
Ocean Spray Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish Recipe
More Special Occasion DInners
6 responses to “Thanksgiving Spatchcock Turkey and Classic Sides”
I will definitely try the Brussel sprouts salad – looks delicious!! I do something similar with my turkey, but remove the leg quarters, and roast it all on a pan of stuffing. Doing all the cutting the day before gives you the parts needed for make ahead gravy.
Monica, I love your cooking tips. Making gravy ahead is such a stress reliever. Let me know how this year’s menu goes with Make-Ahead Brussels Sprout Salad!
Karen, wish I could be there to sign up on your Guest Help Wanted sheet! Wishing you Happy Thanksgiving early.
Beth,
your help is always appreciated. Happy Thanksgiving!
Wonderful tips for Thanksgiving and beyond! Good eating!
I am glad that you found the post useful. Happy Thanksgiving!