Xmas turkey question: I have a 7.5 lb turkey that's too big for my small, small oven. Can I cut it in half?

Question

Will it cook ok if I cut it in half? Should I cut it down the middle, and then halve the cooking time? Help me out! Thanks.

Answer 1

You can definitely cut it down the center, though you need a really big knife...and OOPS!!....be careful when you do!! Cut it while it's still partially frozen and it will be easier. You can also still stuff it. Just put the stuffing in the half-cavity down. Make sure to cover the pan with foil, or the stuffing will stick. You can cut down on the cooking time, as it should not take as long, but I would use a thermometer to make sure. Regardless, the other half will need to be cooked within a day or two, as well. Especially if it is already thawed or partially thawed, which it would be if you cut it in half. (Unless you have a chainsaw and can cut the frozen bird in half! HA!!) You could stick that one in the oven as soon as you remove the first half. OR...boil it in a large stock pot on the stove to make turkey soup. Hope this helps!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Answer 2

I ran into this same problem not long ago and was told that it could not be done. But guess what I did do it. I have a toaster oven that I can cook mine in, but a whole turkey will not fit in it. My bird was also frozen and I cut mine with a "jigsaw". I cut all the way around the bird, and then in half again. I then put it in my pan and cover it with foil and cooked it at the temp that it said to cook, but just not as long. I just started watching mine about every 15-20 minutes after the first hour. It will be done when the meat comes off the bone easy.

Answer 3

you can butterfly it by cutting through the backbone with a good chef's knife. you can also remove the backbone by cutting on either side it with a knife or a pair of poultry shears. Warning: ribs tend to splinter so rinse off the cut ends and double check for bone fragments . Cook at 350 for 20 minutes a lb
check after 90 minutes and then every 10 minutes thereafter.

Answer 4

yes, it can be cut in half. I've had it done many times. Of course, I asked at the meat counter when I bought mine.

If it's still frozen, and you have access, you can use a big band saw to cut it in half (clean blade, of course), otherwise you'll need a big boning knife and lots of muscle power. If you still have the receipt, take it back to the store where you purchased it and ask if they will cut it for you.

Adjust cooking time to the new weight.

Answer 5

yes you can cut turkey but would suggest not in half,cut down between each thigh and the breast,hold the thigh away while you cut,then bend back and the joint will split you can then cut them off completely.if your feeling brave you can take the bones out of the thigh and leg,stuff and roast.cut the back off the breast by sitting the bird up and cutting down through the ribs,you can roast the breast like that if you like of poach in stock in a stock pot while the thighs roast in your small oven.

Answer 6

Hi There,
Why don't u just take all the racks out except the one u need & put it in the smallest pan u have? P.S. To keep a turkey from drying out, use 1/2 or more of coke. But i wouldn't cut it, what about the dressing?

Please let me know by e-mail, how tender it turned out?
diana d

Answer 7

No problem at all. Just use the standard "time-per-pound" cooking info that should have come with your bird.

Yes, I'd suggest you split it right down the middle. :)

Pete

Answer 8

That's the strangest question today... I'd have to guess (with my non-expert advice) that it might not cook very well. I would cut the meat off in big slabs and marinade them in Italian salad dressing etc for a day, then cook like giant chicken breast...

Answer 9

slice it down the back. this is called butterflying it, then just set it on top of vegetables in the baking pan.

Answer 10

Good luck cutting it in half.Get a smaller turkey! Don't take christ out of christmas!