Description

This Spatchcock Turkey recipe delivers juicy, tender meat with a perfectly roasted finish and crispy skin. Flattening the turkey ensures faster, even cooking, enhanced by simple, flavorful seasonings. Ideal for memorable gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious, show-stopping centerpiece every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

1 whole turkey, 10–12 pounds, fresh or fully thawed

Seasoning Mix

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side down on a clean cutting board. Using sturdy kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. Flip the turkey over and press firmly on the breastbone until it cracks, allowing the bird to lay flat for even cooking.
Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey’s skin and under the skin where possible for deep flavor infusion.
Preheat and Prepare for Roasting: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Position the spatchcock turkey skin-side up on the rack to allow air circulation for crisping the skin and even cooking.
Roast the Turkey: Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through roasting, baste the turkey with collected juices to maintain moisture. Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and rest at least 20 minutes to let juices redistribute. Carve into slices and serve.

Notes

Dry the skin thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning for crispy skin.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without dryness.
Allow the turkey to rest after roasting for juicy slices and easier carving.
Save pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy or sauce.
Customize herbs by experimenting with rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: spatchcock turkey, roasted turkey, crispy skin turkey, holiday turkey, quick roast turkey, easy turkey recipe