Perfect Traeger Turkey Recipe for a Flavorful Thanksgiving Feast

This recipe for a traditional smoked Thanksgiving turkey from Traeger Grills combines simple spices and the primal flavor of wood-fired cooking. The preparation involves a herb-infused butter mixture that is applied under the turkey skin, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. The turkey is then smoked on a Traeger grill using cherry pellets, resulting in a tender and delicious bird perfect for a festive holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Pound butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
• 20-pound whole turkey (18-20 lbs)

Steps:

1. Preheat the grill to 300℉ with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
2. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and kosher salt.
3. Prep the turkey by creating a pocket under the skin and applying the butter-herb mixture.
4. Season the entire turkey with kosher salt and black pepper.
5. Place the turkey on the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 175℉ in the thigh and 160℉ in the breast.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition where families gather to share a meal and express gratitude. At the heart of this celebration is the turkey, a symbol of abundance and togetherness. While many methods exist for preparing this festive bird, smoking a turkey on a Traeger grill offers a unique and delicious twist. This guide will walk you through mastering the art of smoked Thanksgiving turkey, ensuring your holiday meal is unforgettable.

The Charm of Wood-Fired Cooking:

There's something inherently primal and satisfying about cooking with fire. Traeger grills harness this ancient technique, infusing your turkey with rich, smoky flavors that simply can't be replicated in an oven. The use of cherry wood pellets adds a subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory herb butter used in this recipe.

Ingredients and Preparation:

To create a turkey that's moist and flavorful, start with high-quality ingredients. You'll need a 20-pound whole turkey, butter, garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt. The butter mixture is key to this recipe, as it not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the turkey juicy during the long smoking process.

1. Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 300℉ and allow it to preheat with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. This ensures that the grill is evenly heated and ready to impart its smoky goodness to the turkey.

2. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, black pepper, and kosher salt. This aromatic blend will be spread under the turkey skin, directly flavoring the meat.

3. Butter the Turkey: Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast to create a pocket. Spread the herb butter mixture under the skin, ensuring a thick, even layer. This step is crucial for keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

4. Season and Smoke: Season the outside of the turkey with additional kosher salt and black pepper. Place the turkey on the preheated grill and smoke for 3-4 hours. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 175℉ in the thigh and 160℉ in the breast.

5. Rest and Serve: Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.

A Memorable Thanksgiving Feast:

Serving a smoked turkey will elevate your Thanksgiving feast, providing a depth of flavor that will impress your guests. The combination of herb butter and cherry wood smoke creates a tender, juicy bird that's both traditional and innovative. This year, take the time to master the art of smoking a Thanksgiving turkey, and create a meal that's as memorable as the holiday itself.