Spatchcocked Roast Turkey
Ingredients
- 5 grams whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons
- 1 gram whole allspice berries
1/2 teaspoon
- 2 grams dried thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons
- 30 grams kosher salt
3 1/2 tablespoons
- 2 grams rubbed sage
1 1/2 teaspoons
- 1 whole turkey
neck and giblets removed and reserved for stock, 13- to 14-pound
Directions
- 1
Four days before cooking, make the rub mixture and season the turkey: Coarsely grind the peppercorns and allspice berries by pulsing 3 to 4 times in a blade-style coffee/spice grinder. Add the dried thyme and pulse 3 more times. Combine the salt, rubbed sage, and ground spices in a small bowl and set aside.
- 2
Position the turkey, breast-side down with the tail facing you, on a silicone mat or other stable surface set inside a large sheet pan. Use heavy-duty kitchen shears to cut up one side of the backbone. Turn the bird and cut back down the other side of the spine. Reserve the backbone for stock or gravy. Discard any fat pockets or excess skin found inside the bird. Flip breast-side up and use the heel of your hands to press down on both breasts, until you hear a cracking sound and the bird flattens.
- 3
Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack (I use a standard cooling rack or cake rack), set inside a half sheet pan. Turn the wings backwards, tucking the tips under the forewings. Flip the turkey breast-side down and season with half of the rub mixture. Flip the bird back breast-side up and season with the remaining mixture.
- 4
Store, uncovered, on the lowest level of your refrigerator for 4 days.
- 5
When ready to cook, allow the turkey to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Place one oven rack in the center of the oven and a second one just below it. Place an empty roasting pan or large rimmed sheet pan on the lower rack. Crank the oven to 425°F.
- 6
Place the turkey, still on the cooling rack, directly on the center oven rack. Add a cup of water to the pan below to prevent any drippings from smoking. Roast for 30 minutes.
- 7
Reduce the heat to 350°F and continue to roast the bird until a probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155°F, an additional 40 to 50 minutes.
- 8
Remove the turkey and its rack and rest for 15 minutes before carving. Carryover heat will take the final temperature close to 165 degrees.
- 9
I like to serve this alongside my Roasted Root Vegetable Pazanella.
Spatchcocked Roast Turkey
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About this Recipe
Tired of the annual Thanksgiving turkey struggle? If you've tried every roasting method under the sun only to end up with dry breast meat or undercooked dark meat, this Spatchcocked Roast Turkey recipe is your answer for a stress-free holiday meal.
This approach revolutionizes how you think about roasting a whole bird. By flattening the turkey, you expose all parts to even heat, ensuring the breast and thighs cook perfectly at the same time. The result is consistently juicy meat and wonderfully crisp skin, making it the turkey you'll want on your table year after year.
Expect a beautifully browned turkey with succulent, flavorful meat that pulls easily from the bone. The simple yet aromatic rub, featuring whole black peppercorns, allspice berries, dried thyme, kosher salt, and rubbed sage, infuses the bird with classic holiday flavors without overpowering its natural richness. This method, popularized for its efficiency and superior results, removes the guesswork, allowing you to focus on enjoying your guests.
While this recipe shines on its own, feel free to customize the spice rub. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. You can also adjust the proportions of herbs to your preference, leaning more heavily into sage for a traditional taste or adding more thyme for an earthy aroma.
This Spatchcocked Roast Turkey is the quintessential centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, Christmas dinner, or any special occasion. Pair it with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce to complete your celebratory spread.