Servings
Font
Back
0 from 0 votes

How to Carve a Turkey

How to carve a turkey like a pro! This step-by-step guide will tell you how to create a beautiful carved turkey. No special equipment needed!

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 10 (to 12) servings, 1 14-pound turkey
Calories: 636 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 roasted turkey see How to Cook a Turkey and Spatchock Turkey for directions
  • sharp knife or electric knife

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Once you’ve let your turkey rest (DO NOT skip this!), place the turkey on a carving board with the legs facing you. If your turkey has a string holding the legs together, snip it away with a pair of scissors and discard.
  2. Start by pulling the legs back and away from the body, until you hear the thigh bones pop. (If you’re having trouble getting them to snap, use your hand to put pressure on the joint; if you’re using an electric knife, you may not need to snap them all the way, but pulling will help you see the right spot to cut.) Cut the legs off where they connect to the breast and place them on your plate (leave the drumsticks connected for now).
  3. Cut the breast meat off the turkey one side at a time, slicing downward as close to the breast bone as you can. Place the breasts on the platter.
  4. Remove the wings by pulling and cutting them at the joints. Place them on your serving platter. Transfer the turkey carcass to a separate platter or back to your roasting pan. Wipe your carving board clean with a paper towel.
  5. Place the thighs back on your carving board. Pull the thighs and drumsticks apart at the joints.
  6. Carve these pieces of meat by making cuts parallel to the bones. Return the sliced meat to your platter.
  7. Place the breasts on your carving board. With the skin facing up, carve the turkey breasts crosswise against the grain, creating slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Return the sliced meat to your platter. Beautiful work, ENJOY!

Notes

  • Check out my Leftover Turkey Recipes post for all the best turkey storage tips and ways to repurpose any leftovers. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(of 10); 1 14-pound turkey Calories 636kcal (32%) Protein 98g (196%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 325mg (108%) Potassium 1010mg (29%) Sugar 0.3g (1%) Vitamin A 252IU (5%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10(to 12) servings, 1 14-pound turkey

Amount Per Serving

Calories 636

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(of 10); 1 14-pound turkey
Calories 636kcal 32%
Protein 98g 196%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 325mg 108%
Potassium 1010mg 21%
Sugar 0.3g 1%
Vitamin A 252IU 5%
Calcium 50mg 5%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.