Turkey Spatchcock or whole

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Mike F

Newbie
Original poster
Oct 25, 2018
5
0
Gonna be doing the Thanksgiving this year on my pellet grill.. Not sure if i should spatchcock the bird or or leave it whole? what flavor pellets ? Hickory? apple/pecan blend?
 
I always spatch mine, they cook much faster & more evenly.
I like hickory too, but it's easy to get around here and cheap!
Al
 
I almost always spatchcock all poultry. I like the more even cooking. Plus throw the back & neck in smoker to use later to make stock for gravy.
 
My family likes them whole, for no real reason. Apple wood is preferred but hickory if I don't have any apple.

Chris
 
I vote for cooking it whole as well. It takes longer to cook, but the presentation at the dinner table is much nicer.

For smoke, I like hickory as well, though I have used mesquite a few times successfully.
 
Your choice I have done most of mine whole as said already for the looks. As said spatchcock is a faster cook. As I've said so many times it comes do to personal preference. Try and see what you like best whole bird takes longer then the spatchcock.

Warren
 
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Neither: halve it. Much easier to handle. At our house, carving is done beforehand in the kitchen and meat is placed on platters so the look is nothing. I like hickory also PM blend for bird. Keep temps high for good skin and fast cook, so the smoke is mild.
 
Neither: halve it. Much easier to handle. At our house, carving is done beforehand in the kitchen and meat is placed on platters so the look is nothing. I like hickory also PM blend for bird. Keep temps high for good skin and fast cook, so the smoke is mild.
Nice suggestion on halving the bird. I smoke one every year but have always left it whole. I might try this.
 
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