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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!
Smoking a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger grill results in a juicy, flavorful bird with crispy skin. But nailing the cook time is essential to achieving turkey perfection. Here’s everything you need to know about how long to smoke a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger grill
What is a Spatchcock Turkey?
A spatchcock turkey is a turkey that has been butterflied by removing the backbone and flattening it out, This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly than an intact turkey
To spatchcock a turkey:
- Place the turkey breast side down and use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone.
- Remove the backbone and reserve it for making stock.
- Flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. You should hear the breastbone crack.
- Tuck the wing tips under the shoulders to prevent burning.
Spatchcocking speeds up cooking time significantly compared to roasting a whole turkey The butterflied shape allows the turkey to cook more evenly since the thighs and breast cook at the same rate
Benefits of Spatchcock Turkey on a Traeger
There are several advantages to spatchcocking your turkey and smoking it on a Traeger grill:
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Faster cook time – Spatchcocking significantly reduces cooking time compared to an intact turkey. Expect the cook time to be cut nearly in half.
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More smoke flavor – With the turkey flattened out, more surface area is exposed to the smoke, resulting in more pronounced wood-fired flavor.
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Juicier meat – The shorter cook time helps keeps the turkey breast from drying out.
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Crispier skin – The high heat from the Traeger helps crisp up the skin nicely.
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Easier to carve – Carving a spatchcock turkey is much simpler since the whole bird lays flat.
How Long to Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a Traeger
The exact cook time for smoking a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger depends on a few factors:
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Turkey size – A small 10 lb turkey will cook faster than a 20 lb bird.
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Traeger temperature – Setting the Traeger to a higher temp like 350°F will reduce cook time versus lower smoking temps like 225°F.
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Stuffed vs. unstuffed – An unstuffed spatchcock turkey will cook faster than one stuffed with aromatics.
General Spatchcock Turkey Cook Times
Here are general guidelines for smoking times based on turkey size:
- 10 to 14 lb turkey: 1.5 to 2 hours
- 14 to 18 lb turkey: 2 to 2.5 hours
- 18 to 22 lb turkey: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
For stuffed spatchcock turkeys, add about 30 minutes to the cook time.
How to Tell When Turkey is Done
The best way to test doneness is by using a meat thermometer. Insert an instant read or wireless thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, test for doneness by:
- Wiggling the leg or thigh joint – it should feel loose when ready
- Inserting a fork into the breast and thigh meat – the juices should run clear
Once the turkey is finished smoking, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. The temperature will rise another 5°F as it rests.
Traeger Turkey Smoking Tips
Follow these tips for smoking turkey success:
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Brine the bird – Brining keeps the turkey incredibly moist and seasoned throughout. Make a simple saltwater brine or use a Traeger brine kit.
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Apply a rub – For flavorful, crispy skin, coat the turkey with a savory turkey rub.
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Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only foolproof way to test for doneness and avoid undercooking. The MEATER Plus works great.
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Let turkey rest – Allowing the turkey to rest after smoking gives the juices time redistribute for tender, juicy meat.
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Carve properly – Learn how to properly carve a turkey for easy serving.
Traeger Spatchcock Turkey Recipes
Here are a few fantastic Traeger recipes for spatchcock turkey:
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Smoked Spatchcock Turkey – Simple spiced turkey smoked over cherry wood.
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Spatchcock Turkey with Lemon & Herbs – Zesty spatchcock turkey coated in lemon-herb butter.
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Cajun Spatchcock Turkey – Turkey spatchcocked and seasoned with Cajun flair.
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Spatchcock Turkey Cheesesteak Sandwich – Leftover smoked turkey turned into cheesy sandwiches.
Master the Spatchcock Turkey
Smoking a spatchcock turkey on the Traeger grill results in the perfect wood-fired bird. Allow 1.5 to 3.5 hours of smoking time depending on the size of turkey. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and be sure to let the turkey rest before serving. With these tips, you’ll have moist, flavorful turkey with crispy skin ready to wow your family and guests.
What can you do with leftover turkey?
Our favorites are the simple turkey sandwich on leftover rolls with a little salt and mayo, but if you are on day 2-3 of your turkey leftovers and want to get a little fancy, my Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup might just rival the main event of Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, you can use up not only the leftover turkey meat, but also use the carcass for the broth, and the gravy in the soup as well!
What are your favorites sides to make with turkey? Is there anything that you just CANNOT live with on your holiday table?
Spatchcock Turkey is the best turkey! Get used to evenly cooked, moist, juicy, and delicious meat – both white AND dark.
- 1 whole turkey
- 1/2 cup of oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup Traeger Chicken Rub
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon rubbed sage
- Preheat your Traeger to high, following factory directions. For most models this will be around 400°-450°F.
- Place the bird breast-side down with the legs pointing towards you, and cut up either side of the backbone through the ribs to remove the spine.
- Flip the turkey over, season well on both sides, and place skin-side up onto your pre-heated grill. You can also place it in a pan if you want to catch the drippings!
- Grill on high heat for 30 minutes, and then turn the temp down to 325 for the remaining 45 minutes.
- Check your turkey at around the 60 minute mark because it may be done already depending on the size of your bird! You want it to be at 165° no matter where you test it.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for 15-20 minutes, and then cut into pieces and serve.
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
What should you serve with turkey?
I go traditional with my turkey and do regular Thanksgiving sides. My favorites are:
Spatchcocked Smoked Turkey by Matt Pittman | Traeger Grills
FAQ
How long to smoke a spatchcock turkey at 225 on a pellet grill?
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Traeger at 225?
What temperature to cook spatchcocked turkey?
Do you flip a spatchcock turkey when smoking?
How long do you smoke a Spatchcock Turkey?
Smoke the spatchcocked turkey. Carefully transfer your turkey directly to your smoker grates and make sure the wings are still tucked, the thighs are turned out and the turkey is laying flat. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast.
How do you cook a Spatchcock Turkey on a Traeger?
Flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breast until the breastbone breaks and the bird is flat. Coat the turkey in olive oil and season with your favorite turkey rub. Place the spatchcocked turkey on the Traeger grill grates. Remove the turkey from the Traeger and cover it with foil, and allow it to rest. Carve the turkey.
How do you cook a Turkey in a Traeger smoker?
In a large container place turkey in a brine solution made up of water, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat Traeger smoker to 250°F. Take the turkey out of the brine solution and dry with paper towels. Generously season turkey on all sides with your favorite poultry rub.
How do you smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a pellet grill?
Preheat Traeger smoker (or whatever pellet grill you’re using) to 275 degrees F. If desired (for extra moisture) add a small loaf pan filled with water to the corner, on top of the smoker grates, to remain in the pellet grill while smoking spatchcock turkey.