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Once you take a gorgeous turkey out of the oven, the hard part is over. You have brined and baked a perfect bird, but you don’t want to mutilate it with bad carving skills. I have a few tips to ensure you carve the bird easily, producing perfect slices and pieces for everyone to enjoy!

How to Carve a Turkey

Start by removing the thighs and legs by pulling on one leg slightly, then running your knife against the turkey into the joint. The joint should fall out on its own, but you may need to help slightly with your knife. You can further take apart the leg and thigh at the joint, the same way, or leave them together.

Next, remove both breasts by running your knife against the rib bone. Follow the bone, removing the breast meat, and then slicing it on your cutting board. Do the same with the other breast.

Remove the wings, if you like, in the same way as the thighs. It may be easier to pick off the meat separately.

Finish by picking off any residual meat and reserving the carcass for soup or stock.

These few tips can help give beautiful slices and cuts of meat. Happy Thanksgiving!

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Watch How to Carve a Turkey

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Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

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