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Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey that is as juicy as it is tender. Cutting the bird in this way before you cook it ensures that the thighs and breasts cook evenly.
Spatchcock Turkey is the best turkey! Get used to evenly cooked, moist, juicy, and delicious meat – both white AND dark.
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Spatchcocking a turkey, also known as butterflying a turkey is a great technique that reduces cooking time while delivering juicy tender meat with crispy skin. Removing the backbone and flattening out the bird allows for more even cooking and increased exposure to smoke flavor. If you’ve got a Traeger wood pellet grill, smoking a spatchcock turkey is the perfect way to prepare this holiday centerpiece.
While a traditional whole turkey may take 4-5 hours to fully cook, a spatchcock turkey cuts this time nearly in half. With more surface area exposed to the grill grates, heat circulates around the turkey better, reducing cook time significantly. The spatchcock method also prevents the breast meat from drying out since it cooks at the same rate as the dark meat.
On average, smoking a spatchcocked turkey on a Traeger grill takes approximately 25-3 hours until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F The total cook time depends on a few factors
Key Factors that Affect Cook Time
Turkey weight – A good rule of thumb is to calculate around 15 minutes per pound for a spatchcock turkey. A 12 lb bird will take around 3 hours, while a 20 lb turkey may need up to 5 hours.
Brining – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine solution before smoking will increase cook time slightly since it adds moisture. Figure 15-30 minutes longer for a brined bird.
Temperature settings – The Traeger grill temperature setting will impact total cook time. Lower temp (225-250°F) increases smoke exposure but requires more time. Higher temps (325-350°F) speed the process.
Weather conditions – Wind, cold ambient temps and precipitation affect grill temp regulation potentially increasing cook time.
Times the lid is opened – Every time the grill lid is lifted, heat escapes. Minimize peeking to keep the grill temp steady.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Time
Follow these steps when smoking a spatchcock turkey on your Traeger to ensure perfect cook time:
1. Remove the backbone and flatten the turkey – Spatchcocking eliminates the cavity so heat circulates better. Spread wings and legs out for maximum smoke exposure.
2. Preheat and add wood pellets – Set the grill to 225-250°F. Allow 15 minutes to preheat. Fill hopper with a fruit wood pellet flavor like apple, cherry, or pecan.
3. Season the turkey – Coat the bird liberally with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herb rub. Get seasoning under the skin too. Let marinate 30-60 minutes.
4. Place turkey on grill breast up – Put the spatchcock directly on grate or in a disposable foil pan. Insert a meat probe in thickest part of breast.
5. Smoke for 2-3 hours – Keep lid closed as much as possible. Monitor temperature, aiming for 160°F breast temp after 2-3 hours.
6. Finish by roasting – Once breast hits 160°F, increase grill temp to 350°F. Roast until 165°F, about 30-60 minutes longer.
7. Let turkey rest before serving – Resting for 15-20 minutes allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.
The Traeger app makes it easy to monitor internal temperature from your phone. For larger gatherings, consider cooking two smaller spatchcock turkeys rather than one huge bird.
Additional Tips for Perfect Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
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Brine turkey overnight before smoking for added moisture and flavor
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Apply Traeger turkey rub under and on skin for seasoned flavor in every bite
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Use apple, maple, or pecan wood pellets for mild, sweet smoke flavor
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Keep grill lid closed and avoid peeking to maintain even heat
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Make sure breast and thighs reach safe minimum 165°F internal temperature
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Let turkey rest 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicy meat
With the spatchcock technique, you don’t need to wake up at the crack of dawn to get the turkey on the smoker. Starting the Traeger grill mid-morning will still allow ample time for a fully smoked turkey by dinnertime. Spatchcocking slashes cook time nearly in half while still delivering flavorful, tender meat. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have perfectly smoked turkey for your next cookout or holiday feast using your Traeger grill.
Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
I don’t consider myself an “expert” in many things. Part of that is just that I’m also a perfectionist, and to me being an “expert” means that you know all there is to know about that subject, and how can we ever, right?
I feel like an expert after I made this turkey.
Turkey dinner is my FAVORITE dinner, you guys. I’ve posted about this many times before, but let me remind you. We’ve done a traditional Traeger Grilled Turkey already too that you’ll love. I’m SUPER particular about turkey because I love it so much. We had a traditional turkey dinner for our wedding meal – in August.
My whole family pitched in to cook it, and it was one of the most fabulous meals I’ve ever had.
I don’t think my family wanted to make turkey again until I’d been married for 5 years or so, but they still love me so hopefully they recovered.
I was always skeptical about the Spatchcock method because normal turkey roasting is SO good. Plus, the stuffing. I can’t miss out on the stuffing. But I was really interested in the additional juiciness in the turkey that all of the spatchcock fans shout from the rooftops.
Use this to make these awesome Turkey Sliders!
What should you serve with turkey?
I go traditional with my turkey and do regular Thanksgiving sides. My favorites are:
How to Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a Pellet Grill | Heath Riles BBQ
FAQ
How long does it take to spatchcock turkey on a Traeger?
Place the turkey directly on the grill grates, breast-side up. Close the lid and cook for 30 minutes. Reduce the Traeger temperature to 300℉ and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 160℉, for 3-4 hours more.
How long do you smoke a spatchcocked turkey per pound?
… thigh reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and the thickest part of the breast reaches at least 157 degrees Fahrenheit, about 2 hours (or 11–13 minutes per pound …Nov 27, 2024
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Traeger at 225?
For 1 bird, dump 1/2 cup black pepper, 1/4 cup salt, and 2 tablespoons garlic powder in bowl and mix creating rub. Wash turkey and apply all over and inside while turkey is wet. Pop in the Traeger at 225 for 3-1/2 hours, then crank up the temperature to 350 until done.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
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Cooking time:At 250°F, a turkey will cook faster than at 225°F, which can be beneficial if you want a quicker cook time.
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Skin crispness:Higher temperatures like 250°F may help achieve crispier turkey skin compared to a lower temperature like 225°F.
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Smoke flavor:While both temperatures can infuse smoke flavor, a lower temperature like 225°F may result in a more intensely smoky turkey.
How do you cook a Traeger Spatchcock Turkey?
This Traeger spatchcock turkey is given a double dose of flavor with a Traeger rub and an aromatic herb paste, then slow-roasted on your pellet grill for a turkey that’s gorgeously golden, tender, and juicy. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 400°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey on a Traeger?
However, when you spatchcock the bird, the time reduces to 80-90 minutes. This is when the bird is traditionally roasted. Smoking a turkey on the Traeger usually takes 30 minutes per pound for a 12-14 pound turkey. Once you spatchcock the turkey, it will take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours total.
What is a Traeger Spatchcock Turkey?
This Traeger spatchcock turkey is given a double dose of flavor with a Traeger rub and an aromatic herb paste, then slow-roasted on your pellet grill for a turkey that’s gorgeously golden, tender, and juicy. Get ready for turkey day with this epic Traeger smoked turkey breast.
How long does a Spatchcock Turkey take to smoke?
Cook time depends on several factors including how cold your turkey is at the start of the smoke (room temperature or fridge temperature), the size of the turkey, how many times you open your smoker, and how consistent the heat on your pellet grill is. A spatchcocked turkey will take around 13 minutes per pound to smoke at 275°F.
Can you smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a pellet grill?
I favor my pellet grill when smoking spatchcocked turkey because it is very hands off, predictable, and keeps a consistent temperature! Fill the hopper and walk away for up to an hour at a time. Smoke this spatchcock turkey low and slow (275°F) for the first 3 hours.
What temperature should a Spatchcock Turkey be smoked?
The best temperature for smoking a spatchcock turkey is between 225-275°F. This low and slow cooking method allows the smoke to deeply penetrate the meat. Be sure to monitor the temperature using a high quality smoker thermometer. Maintaining an even 225-275°F is key to properly smoking the turkey without any flare ups or burning.