How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey on a Traeger Grill

How Long To Cook A Spatchcock Turkey On A Traeger?

The spatchcock turkey is a popular way to cook a turkey because it cooks evenly and quickly. It is also a great way to show off your culinary skills. If you are planning on cooking a spatchcock turkey on your Traeger grill, there are a few things you need to know.

In this article, we will discuss how long to cook a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger, as well as some tips for making the perfect spatchcock turkey. We will also provide you with a recipe so that you can get started cooking your own spatchcock turkey today!

Time Temperature Notes
30 minutes 350 degrees Fahrenheit Preheat the Traeger grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 hour 375 degrees Fahrenheit Cook the turkey for 1 hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 hour 400 degrees Fahrenheit Cook the turkey for 1 hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 hour 425 degrees Fahrenheit Cook the turkey for 1 hour at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 hour 450 degrees Fahrenheit Cook the turkey for 1 hour at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Spatchcocking is a technique for roasting a turkey that involves splitting the bird down the backbone and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird. Traeger grills are perfect for spatchcocking turkeys because they can maintain a consistent temperature and produce delicious smoked flavor.

In this guide, we will show you how to cook a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger grill. We will cover everything from preparation to cooking, so you can be confident that you will end up with a perfectly cooked turkey for your next holiday meal.

Preparation

To prepare a spatchcock turkey for cooking, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 (12-14 pound) turkey
  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage
  • Cooking spray

You will also need the following equipment:

  • A sharp knife
  • A cutting board
  • A large bowl
  • A baking sheet
  • A Traeger grill

Brining (optional)

Brining is a process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. If you have the time, we recommend brining your turkey for 24 hours before cooking.

To brine the turkey, combine the following ingredients in a large bowl:

  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried sage

Place the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Spatchcocking the turkey

To spatchcock the turkey, you will need to remove the backbone. This can be done with a sharp knife.

1. Start by placing the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Locate the backbone and use a sharp knife to cut along both sides of it.
3. Use your fingers to break the backbone apart and remove it.
4. Flip the turkey over so that the breast is facing down.
5. Press down on the breastbone to flatten the turkey out.

Cooking

To cook the spatchcock turkey on a Traeger grill, you will need to set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Place the turkey on a baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray.
2. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Place the turkey on the grill and cook for 1 hour per pound.
4. Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every 30 minutes.
5. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done cooking.

Tips

  • To make sure the turkey is cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every 30 minutes to help keep it moist.
  • If you are not sure if the turkey is done cooking, you can always remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before checking the temperature again.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook a moist and flavorful bird. It is also a relatively easy process that can be done with a few simple ingredients and tools. By following the steps in this guide, you can be confident that you will end up with a perfectly cooked turkey for your next holiday meal.

How Long To Cook A Spatchcock Turkey On A Traeger?

Spatchcocking is a cooking method that involves removing the backbone of a turkey, flattening it out, and then roasting it. This method results in a turkey that cooks more evenly and quickly than a traditional roasted turkey.

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need:

  • A large chef’s knife
  • A cutting board
  • A pair of kitchen shears
  • A baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • A Traeger grill

Instructions:

1. Remove the giblets from the turkey.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting at the neck and working down to the tail.
6. Remove the backbone and discard.
7. Flip the turkey over so that the breast is facing up.
8. Press down on the breastbone to flatten the turkey.
9. Tuck the wings under the turkey.
10. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
11. Place the turkey on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
12. Rub the turkey with olive oil or cooking spray.
13. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
14. Place the turkey in the Traeger grill and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.
15. Baste the turkey with the drippings every 30 minutes.
16. After 1 hour, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
17. Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Resting

After cooking a turkey, it is important to let it rest for a period of time before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

To rest a turkey, you will need:

  • A large platter
  • A carving knife
  • A carving fork
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Remove the turkey from the oven and place it on a large platter.
2. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Using a carving knife and fork, carve the turkey into pieces.
4. Serve the turkey immediately.

Carving the Turkey

Carving a turkey can be a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. With a few simple steps, you can easily carve a beautiful and delicious turkey for your guests.

To carve a turkey, you will need:

  • A carving knife
  • A carving fork
  • A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
2. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Using a carving knife and fork, carve the turkey into pieces.
4. Serve the turkey immediately.

Serving

Serving a spatchcock turkey is easy. Simply carve the turkey into pieces and arrange them on a platter. You can serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Here are a few tips for serving a spatchcock turkey:

  • Carve the turkey while it is still warm.
  • Serve the turkey immediately.
  • If you are not serving the turkey immediately, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
  • Arrange the turkey on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
  • Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy turkey. This method is simple to follow and results in a turkey that is cooked evenly and quickly. So next time you are looking to cook a turkey, give spatchcocking a try!

How long does it take to cook a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger?

The cooking time for a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. So, a 10-pound turkey would take about 3 hours to cook.

What temperature should I cook a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger?

The ideal temperature for cooking a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

What wood should I use to smoke a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger?

There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger. Some popular choices include hickory, oak, and applewood. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey.

What sides should I serve with a spatchcock turkey?

There are many different sides that can be served with a spatchcock turkey. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

How do I reheat a spatchcock turkey?

The best way to reheat a spatchcock turkey is to place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat the turkey in a slow cooker on low heat for several hours.

Can I freeze a spatchcock turkey?

Yes, you can freeze a spatchcock turkey. To freeze the turkey, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. The turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I thaw a frozen spatchcock turkey?

The best way to thaw a frozen spatchcock turkey is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw the turkey in a sink full of cold water. The turkey should be thawed completely before cooking.

In this blog post, we’ve discussed how to cook a spatchcock turkey on a Traeger. We’ve covered everything from brining and seasoning the turkey to cooking it to perfection. We hope that you found this information helpful and that you enjoy your next Traeger spatchcock turkey!

Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook it evenly and quickly.
  • Brining the turkey before cooking helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Traegers are a great way to cook turkey, as they can produce a delicious, smoky flavor.
  • The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of your Traeger.

We hope that you enjoy this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!

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Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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