How to Cut a Turkey in Half for Smoking: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoking a turkey is a fantastic way to impart delicious smoky flavor into the meat. However, fitting a large whole turkey into a smoker can be tricky. That’s why many pitmasters recommend cutting your turkey in half prior to smoking.

Cutting your turkey in two makes it easier to handle, takes less time to fully smoke, and allows more surface area to absorb that lovely smoked flavor. If you want juicy, tender smoked turkey without the hassle, learning how to properly halve your bird is a must.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of cutting a turkey in half for smoking You’ll learn proper techniques, tools to use, preparation tips, and advice for smoking halved turkeys. Let’s get started!

Why Cut a Turkey in Half for Smoking?

There are a few key reasons you should consider cutting your turkey in half before tossing it into the smoker

• Easy to Handle – A 15+ pound turkey can be unwieldy and difficult to maneuver in a smoker. Halving it makes each piece more manageable.

• Better Smoking – Cutting in half allows more surface area for the smoke to permeate into the meat

• Cooks Faster – Each half will cook in about half the time as a whole turkey, meaning less time spent monitoring the smoker.

• More Even Cooking – The thinner halves will cook at a more even rate compared to a whole thick turkey.

• Easier Carving – Carving smoked meat off the bone is easier when working with halves.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cutting a Turkey for Smoking

Follow these simple steps for perfectly halved smoked turkey:

Supplies Needed

• Sharp knife (carving or boning knife)
• Cutting board
• Kitchen shears

Preparing the Turkey

1. Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey under cold water, inside and out. Pat the outside dry.

2. Place breast-side up on cutting board. Spread wings out flat.

Cutting the Turkey

1. Using a sharp knife, slice down the breastbone from neck to tail. Apply firm pressure to cut through.

2. Once breastbone is split, use shears to cut through the rib bones on both sides.

3. Rotate turkey and repeat steps on the back, cutting down the backbone from tail to neck.

4. lay both halves flat and ensure turkey is fully bisected.

Prepping Halves for Smoker

1. Truss each half separately using kitchen twine. This holds them together.

2. Liberally season the inside and outside of each half with salt, pepper, and other spices.

3. Attach remote thermometer probes into thickest part of each breast.

4. Place seasoned halves into smoker breast-side up. Maintain 225°F smoker temp.

5. Smoke turkey for approx. 2.5-3 hours per pound until 165°F internal temp.

6. Rest turkey for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Turkey Cutting Tips and Notes

Keep these tips in mind for properly halved smoked turkey:

• Use a very sharp knife and take it slow to avoid accidents. Consider asking your butcher to halve it.

• Save the backbone and wing tips for making turkey stock.

• Truss each half well so it maintains its shape during smoking.

• Track each half’s temp separately since they may cook unevenly.

• Let rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and keep it moist.

• Consider brining each half before smoking for super juicy and flavorful meat.

• Carve across the grain of the breast meat for tender slices.

Best Woods for Smoking Turkey

The wood you choose impacts the flavor profile. Here are recommended types:

• Hickory – classic bold smoke flavor

• Apple – fruity, milder smoke

• Cherry – slightly sweet smoke

• Maple – rich, smoky sweetness

• Oak – strong smoke with no frills

Experiment to see which wood suits your preferences best. Avoid strong mesquite smoke, which can overwhelm the turkey.

Serving Smoked Halved Turkey

A smoked split turkey looks beautiful on a platter and makes an impressive entree. Serve with traditional Thanksgiving sides or get creative! Here are some smoked turkey serving ideas:

• Slice and pile onto sandwiches with cranberry sauce.

• Dice for salads, casseroles, soups, or tetrazzini.

• Shred for BBQ smoked turkey nachos or tacos.

• Pair slices with macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes.

• Use leftovers for hearty smoked turkey pot pie.

• Make turkey tetrazzini with noodles, mushrooms, peas, and sherry.

Don’t toss those leftovers – smoked turkey makes amazing sandwiches, casseroles, and soups once you get creative!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to smoke a turkey half?

Each turkey half takes around 2.5-3 hours per pound at 225°F smoker temp. A 10 lb half would take 25-30 hours.

What’s the best way to carve up a smoked turkey half?

First remove the legs and thighs. Then carve diagonal slices across the breast meat against the grain for tenderness.

Can I smoke a turkey half at higher heat, like 275°F?

Yes, but keep a close eye on it as it may cook faster. Don’t exceed 300°F.

Should I brine turkey halves before smoking?

Brining ensures juicy, seasoned meat. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge halves, and brine 8-12 hours.

How can I maintain moisture when smoking turkey halves?

Brine before smoking. Truss halves tightly. Apply a butter or oil rub. Spritz with apple juice during smoking.

What if the halves cook unevenly in my smoker?

Use dual thermometers to track each half’s temp. Remove them separately once they reach 165°F.

Get Smoky with Halved Turkey

Smoking a whole turkey can prove tricky and lead to uneven cooking. By learning how to properly cut a turkey in half, you can enjoy juicy, tender, and perfectly smoked turkey off the bone. Use this guide for step-by-step halving and smoking instructions. With the right techniques, you’ll impress guests with your pitmaster prowess.