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You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Holidays / How to Carve a Turkey

How to Carve a Turkey

Published: Nov 4, 2020 by Anna 3 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

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Learn how to carve your Thanksgiving turkey in the step-by-step instructions. Carving turkey this way helps to remove as much meat in neat pieces and ready for serving.

Parts of roasted turkey on a platter.
Jump to:
  • Why This Method Works
  • How to carve a turkey?
  • Serving size of roasted turkey per person:
  • What to do with the carcass?
  • More recipes with turkey:

Why This Method Works

You made the perfect Thanksgiving turkey! You have all the side dishes, gravy, and desserts done. Now you need to know how to carve the bird in a simple way. It can be a little bit intimidating but it's actually quite simple. Carving the turkey following this tutorial helps to get the most from the bird and makes serving easier.

Serve your turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing for a no-effort, delicious holiday dinner.

How to carve a turkey?

Once the turkey is done cooking and had time to rest for 20 minutes, place it on a cutting board. This way it won't be sliding while you cut it. Grab a knife and a large fork to support the turkey during carving.

Step 1: the legs

Start by cutting the skin between the leg and the body. Pull the leg down and locate the joint. Cut to separate the leg from the turkey. Repeat with the other leg. Separate the thighs from drumsticks, by cutting at the joint.

Step 2: the wings

Grab the wing and pull down to locate the joint. Cut the skin, then separate the wing by cutting at the joint. Repeat with the second wing.

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Step 3: the breasts

Locate the breast bone. It should be in the middle of the bird. Slice along the bone to separate the breast from it. Cut underneath the breast and remove the whole piece. Repeat with the second breast. Slice the breast into slices.

Don't forget the wishbone! You should be able to find it at the opening of the turkey, by the neck.

You will have a carcass leftover with some meat attached. Remove it and keep it for soups, casseroles, etc.

Carved turkey on a white plate.

Serving size of roasted turkey per person:

While you are still in the store, trying to decide how large turkey you need for your holiday dinner, it is recommended to count 1 lb of uncooked meat per person. Also, consider if you want to have leftovers for dinners afterward.

What to do with the carcass?

Keep it to make turkey stock! I use my Instant Pot and make a big batch of stock to use in soups.

Sliced turkey breast on a plate.

More recipes with turkey:

  • Thanksgiving turkey on a platter.
    Thanksgiving Turkey
  • Turkey submerged in a pot with brine, herbs and lemon slices.
    Simple Turkey Brine
  • Close up of oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced.
    Easy Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
  • Soup with turkey meat in a soup pot.
    Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

More Holiday Recipes

  • Square image of hot chocolate in a white mug on a saucer, with whipped cream and shaved chocolate on top.
    Italian Hot Chocolate
  • Square image of four muffins made with stuffing on a gray plate.
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    Recipe Rating




  1. Beth says

    November 05, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    This is so helpful! Can't wait to share this with my family! Thank you for the helpful hints and tips!

    Reply
  2. Kristyn says

    November 05, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    Love these tips!! It can be so tricky cutting the turkey, but your tips help make the perfect slices!

    Reply
  3. Cyd says

    November 05, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    These are such great tips - thank you! I feel like halfway through I always get so confused about how to carve a turkey. This is very helpful.

    Reply

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Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family-approved!

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