How Long Does It Take to Cook Spatchcock Turkey Per Pound?

Spatchcock turkey has become an increasingly popular preparation method for Thanksgiving and holiday roasts. By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, a spatchcock turkey cooks more evenly and quickly than a traditional roasted turkey. But exactly how fast does spatchcock turkey cook per pound? Let’s break it down.

What is Spatchcocking?

Spatchcocking, also called butterflying, is a technique where the backbone is removed and the breastbone is cut or pressed down to flatten the bird. This allows the turkey to lie flat in a roasting pan or on a grill, exposing more surface area to the heat.

Some key benefits of spatchcocking a turkey

• Promotes even cooking between white and dark meat
• Crispy skin over the entire bird
• Faster roasting time
• Easier to carve
• Fits easily in oven with other dishes

Spatchcock Turkey Cooking Time Per Pound

The general rule of thumb for spatchcock turkey cooking time is approximately 6 minutes per pound However, there are a few factors that can affect the total roasting time

Turkey size – A small 10 lb turkey will cook faster than a large 20 lb bird Calculate 6 minutes per pound based on the total weight.

Oven temperature – Higher oven heat will decrease cook time. Most recipes call for cooking spatchcock turkey between 375°F and 450°F.

Cooking method – Grilled or smoked spatchcock turkey may take slightly longer than roasting. Monitor temperature.

Brining – A wet or dry brined bird may require additional time due to the salt and liquid.

Stuffing – Stuffed spatchcock turkey will need extra roasting time for the interior stuffing to reach a safe temperature.

How to Tell When Spatchcock Turkey is Done

An instant read thermometer is the best and safest way to determine doneness for spatchcock turkey. Check the temperature in the inner thigh, breast and wing, ensuring it reaches 165°F as the minimum safe temperature.

For a spatchcock turkey under 16 pounds, the total roasting time will likely be under 2 hours using a 6 minutes per pound calculation. However, always rely on the thermometer for accuracy.

Here are some estimates for spatchcock turkey cook times based on size:

• 8 lb turkey: About 50 minutes
• 12 lb turkey: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• 16 lb turkey: Around 1 hour 40 minutes
• 20 lb turkey: Approximately 2 hours

These times are approximate. Begin checking temperature after 45 minutes and continue monitoring until 165°F is reached.

Let the turkey rest at least 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Spatchcock Turkey Pound Per Person

Figuring out how many pounds of spatchcock turkey you need per person can help determine what size bird to buy. On average, plan for 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 pound per person when purchasing a spatchcock turkey.

This accounts for meat only and does not include bones or waste. For large gatherings, err on the lower end of the range since you’ll likely have plenty of side dishes.

Some estimates based on guest count:

• 4 people: 4-6 lb turkey
• 8 people: 8-10 lb turkey
• 12 people: 12-15 lb turkey
• 16 people: 16-20 lb turkey

Buy your spatchcock turkey from a trusted butcher or poultry market. Allow 1-2 days defrosting time in the fridge for a frozen bird.

Spatchcock Turkey Recipe Tips

• Dry brine the turkey 1-2 days before roasting for added flavor and moisture. A simple salt, pepper and herb rub works great.

• Loosen the skin from the breast and legs to rub seasoning or compound butter directly onto the meat.

• Elevate the spatchcock turkey on a rack in a sheet pan to allow air flow for crispy skin. Add aromatics like onion and celery under the rack.

• Roast at a high temp until almost done, then broil to finish for crispy, browned skin.

• Let rest before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat.

• Carve by removing each breast half and leg quarter individually. Slice breast meat across the grain.

With the simple formula of 6 minutes per pound, you can easily calculate roast times and purchase the ideal sized spatchcock turkey for your next holiday feast. Monitor temperature and allow carryover cooking for perfect results every time.