Turkey is definitely one of my favorite special occasion creations. It’s what I love about the holidays, after seeing my family, of course 😉. What’s funny is that even though it’s not the holidays, my friends keep requesting my smoked recipe. Your wish is my command! I’m excited to share my super easy guide on spatchcocking a smoked turkey so you can do it at home. Trust me, you don’t need advanced cooking skills to make this mouthwatering dish. All you need is a little patience!
Recipe Ingredients
Preparing the perfect turkey takes just two steps: seasoning and smoking. Both are essential for a flavor-packed experience.
How to Smoke Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcock the Turkey
Clean – Remove the neck and giblets. Place the turkey breast side down on a cutting board. Remove the Backbone – Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut the left side of the backbone from the tail to the neck. Do the same to the right side of the backbone, and then remove it. (Photos 1-4) Flatten the turkey. Flip the turkey over the breast side up and press on it to break the bone. Then, flatten the wings using both hands. (Photo 5) Season – Rub your choice of seasoning all over the bird, both sides. (Photo 6)
Smoke the Spatchcock Turkey
Preheat the smoker to 250-275℉ (120-135℃). The higher the temperature, the faster the turkey will cook. Start Smoking – Place the turkey in the smoker and brush it with oil every 1-2 hours. Smoke until the turkey’s thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75℃). Rotate – Flip the turkey halfway through for even browning, although this is unnecessary. Serve – Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it sit, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
What to Serve With Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
Holiday classics go best with this smoked goodness. Green bean casserole, garlic mashed red potatoes or cornbread dressing, and homemade cranberry sauce deliver a complete meal. Finish it off with pecan or sweet potato pie, and you’re good to go.
More Amazing Turkey Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Smoked spatchcock turkey is an incredible experience. Are you ready to ramp up your holidays? Check out my collection of Thanksgiving side dishes. This blog post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated with additional tips.
