How to Half a Turkey for Smaller Holiday Celebrations

Roasting a whole turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition, but it doesn’t make sense for smaller gatherings. Luckily, cutting a turkey in half before cooking is an easy way to prepare the perfect amount of meat for fewer guests. Follow these simple steps for how to half a turkey.

Why Half a Turkey?

While a whole roasted turkey looks impressive on the table it can be wasteful if you don’t have a large group to feed. A 10-15 pound turkey will serve 10-15 people with leftovers. But if you’re only cooking for 4-6 guests a whole turkey is overkill.

Half a turkey is the perfect amount for intimate holiday dinners. You’ll get all the great flavor without the waste. With just a bit of extra effort you can create a beautiful centerpiece that’s sized right for your gathering.

How Much Turkey Per Person?

As a general rule of thumb plan on 1-1 1⁄2 pounds of turkey per person. For 4-6 guests a 5-7 pound half turkey is ideal. This will provide ample portions with a bit leftover.

When purchasing a whole turkey to cut in half, allow about 2 pounds per person. A 10-12 pound whole turkey will yield a perfect 5-6 pound half.

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

Cutting a whole turkey into two halves is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps:

1. Thaw the Turkey

If your turkey is frozen, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours first. Never thaw on the counter, as bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

Once thawed, remove the turkey from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Position the Turkey

Place the turkey breast side up on a cutting board or work surface. Arrange the legs facing you and the wings pointing away.

3. Cut Along the Backbone

Using a sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears, cut straight down along one side of the backbone from the tail to the neck cavity. Apply firm, even pressure as you cut through the ribs.

Repeat on the other side of the backbone to fully separate the two halves.

4. Divide the Breast Plate

Turn the turkey around so the neck cavity is facing you. Cut straight down through the center of the breast plate to fully separate the two halves.

5. Remove the Backbone

Pull the backbone away from both turkey halves. Set aside to make stock, if desired.

6. Halve the Cavities

Using kitchen shears, cut through the cartilage separating the neck and body cavities.

Each half should now have:

• 1 breast quarter
• 1 drumstick
• 1 thigh
• 1 wing

How to Cook a Half Turkey

Once your turkey is cut in half, cooking is easy. Simply follow your favorite whole turkey recipe, reducing temperature and cooking time.

Here are some general tips:

• Roast at 325°F for about 10-12 minutes per pound. A 5 pound half turkey will take 50-60 minutes.

• For best results, place the turkey cut-side down in the pan so the breast stays moist.

• Test doneness by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. It should reach 165°F.

• Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Get Creative with half Recipe Ideas

A half turkey gives you so many options to create a stunning yet manageable holiday centerpiece. Here are some ideas:

• Stuffed half turkey – Fill the cavity with your favorite stuffing or dressing before roasting.

• Juicy herb-rubbed half turkey – Coat the skin liberally with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil.

• Citrus-glazed half turkey – Brush on a sweet glaze enhanced with orange, lemon, or lime as it roasts.

• BBQ half turkey – For a change, try roasting or grilling your half turkey with your favorite barbecue sauce.

• Smoked half turkey – Use a smoker or grill with indirect heat for incredible flavor.

Let your half turkey creativity shine! A smaller bird means you can play around with bold seasonings and flavors.

Carving a Half Turkey

Carving a half turkey is much simpler than wrestling with a whole bird at the table. Here’s how:

• Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes.

• Remove the leg/thigh by cutting through the skin between the body and leg. Slice the thigh from the drumstick.

• Make a horizontal cut above the wing to remove the entire breast half in one piece.

• Cut the breast across the grain into thin slices.

• Arrange slices on a platter and serve with gravy or sauce.

Make Use of Those Leftovers!

One bonus of a smaller half turkey? You likely won’t have an overwhelming amount of leftovers. But you can still transform any remaining turkey into delicious meals.

Here are some easy leftover half turkey ideas:

• Turkey pot pie
• Turkey noodle soup
• Open-faced turkey sandwiches
• Turkey fried rice
• Turkey shepherd’s pie
• Turkey enchiladas
• Turkey salad wraps

Get creative with leftovers for easy workday lunches and quick family dinners later in the week. A half turkey makes that task much more manageable.

The Perfect Turkey for Smaller Celebrations

When hosting Thanksgiving for just a few or feeding a smaller family, roasting a whole turkey doesn’t make sense. Cutting a turkey in half before cooking is a simple process that’s perfect for intimate gatherings.

With less waste and easier cooking, your holiday meal will be stress-free. Let your half turkey shine this season by experimenting with exciting new flavors and creative recipes. Treat your smaller guest list to all the delicious turkey flavor they crave without the big bird overload.