Confidently smoke a whole turkey with my easy Smoked Turkey Recipe on the Traeger Pellet Grill. I’ve partnered with them (and Meater) to bring you this post on exactly how to make smoked whole turkey for Thanksgiving. I’m using their dry rub and Traeger Turkey Pellets Kit. Let’s smoke a whole bird! Show
HEY THERE – I’m hosting a smoked turkey takeover on Instagram @sipbitego. Follow me there for the live updates!
Why my Traeger smoked whole turkey is the best
First time smoking turkey on the Traeger? See the full-length video for beginners at the bottom of this page (the YouTube video). It’s seriously the best smoked turkey recipe with minimal effort.Also see my go-to smoked turkey breast recipe, spatchcock smoked turkey, and this buttery, delicious smoked ham. How long to smoke a whole turkey?A medium sized whole turkey smokes on the pellet grill in about 3.5-4 hours…
IngredientsHere’s what you need to flavor your turkey to perfection. Smoked turkey butter rub (for under skin)
Smoked turkey ingredients with simple seasonings
Optional baste for smoked turkey
The best size turkey for smokingIn this guide, you’ll see we smoke an 11 pound whole turkey. See the notes at the bottom of the page for why larger birds up to 20 lbs aren’t recommended. The total smoking turkey time on the Traeger took about 3.5-4 hours until the Meater thermometer read 165 degrees F. What pellets are good for smoked turkey?This demonstration uses Traeger Turkey Pellets: a blend of oak, hickory, maple, and some rosemary. The flavor is perfect with that hint of rosemary. See my review of the Traeger Fin And Feather Rub… In addition to any of the flavors above, you can try cherry pellets or pecan pellets. See my favorite Thanksgiving recipes cooked with turkey blend Traeger pellets…. See the recipe tips in the FAQs section, including details on these turkey pellets.How to smoke a turkeyNow I’ll walk you through how to smoke a whole turkey.
For an appetizer, try this smoked corn on the cob and smoked wings. FAQsHow long to smoke a turkey at 225, 250, or 275?
You know, I really like how juicy and tender this recipe turns out so I wouldn’t recommend going lower than 275. It would take a long time to cook any lower. The trick is using the two different cooking times of 275 and 350. If you’re wondering exactly how long does it take to smoke a turkey because you’re low on time, my version is highly recommended because with a higher smoked turkey temp it cooks really fast. And you don’t have to brine the turkey either. Do you make smoked turkey in pan or on rack?
I use a two-pan method for smoking turkey. I smoke turkey on a rack directly, with a large roasting pan beneath the grates to catch drippings. And another pan to the side of the turkey, on the rack, with water in it to add moisture. Similar to my smoked pulled pork recipe. What’s the best size turkey for smoking? Food safety experts recommend choosing a turkey that weighs up to 12 lbs for smoking. This keeps them at a safe temperature. People smoke larger whole turkeys, even though they risk staying in the “Danger Zone” of 40°F and 140°F for an unsafe amount of time. How long does it take to smoke a turkey? In this example, we smoke an 11 pound whole turkey. The total smoke time on the Traeger took about 3.5-4 hours until the Meater thermometer read 165 degrees F. Standard turkey sizes usually range from petite turkey that’s 10, 11, or 12 lb. To medium young turkeys of 12-14 or 15 pounds. To large turkeys, all the way up to 20 lbs. So time varies by weight and you’ll have to start smoking them at 275 for the first 2 hours, then crank up the heat to 350 and smoke it until the turkey thigh’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (or 160 if you’re giving it time to rest and come up to temperature). Where do you put the thermometer in a smoked turkey? We usually put it in two places: a thick part of the turkey breast and also the thigh (avoiding the bone). We usually pull the turkey out of the smoker around 160 degrees F measured in the thigh, then cover it and let it come up to temperature which is usually around 165 F. See my video on where to check smoked turkey temperature. Can you smoke a frozen turkey? For food safety reasons, don’t smoke frozen turkey. Definitely smoke a fresh turkey. Thaw turkey according to the chart below. (though you can cook sous vide frozen turkey breast, if you’re into that) What pellets do you use for smoking turkey?
In this demonstration, I’m using the Traeger Turkey Pellets which is a blend of the best pellets for smoking turkey. The flavors include oak, hickory, maple, and some rosemary. In case you’re wondering, pellets have a stronger impact than wood chips, which is one of the reasons why using a pellet grill is a little different than an electric smoker. Learn more about turkey pellets and why I love them. In case you’re wondering, pellets have a stronger impact than wood chips, which is one of the reasons why using a pellet grill is a little different than an electric smoker. How long does it take to smoke a 15 lb smoked turkey? I’ve specifically been asked this a handful of times. Always use a thermometer, but assume about 7-8 hours for smoking a 15 lb turkey. What to do with smoked turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving? My favorite sandwiches are often made from leftovers from smoked cooking. There are just a few enhancements that really make an average smoked turkey sandwich one that is super-delicious. See this recipe for this turkey avocado sandwich. Here’s what I recommend you try – Slice up some sourdough bread and spread on some creamy dressing like this jalapeno ranchon one side, and sliced avocado on the other. Add your favorite cheese, and leftover pellet smoked turkey, and enjoy! See more on smoked foods for the holidays1 – See the Sip Bite Go review of Traeger Turkey pellets. 2 – See what’s in the turkey brine kit. 3 – Check out these tasty holiday dishes to smoke on the pellet grill…
More Tasty Grill + Smoker Recipes
See my favorite smoker tools and seasonings in my Amazon Storefront. Meat thermometer recommendationsEvery home chef needs a reliable meat thermometer to cook food perfectly. On Sip Bite Go, you’ll often see me using:
It’s like being psychic! The great thing about either of the thermometers above is that I don’t have to take the food out of the oven to know the temperature. How to use ‘em… What I do is stick the digital thermometer in steak, pork, chicken, whatever… Then put the food in the oven, on the smoker, or grill. While the meat cooks, it reads the temperature so I know exactly what temp meat is as it’s cooking. Without having to take it out and check. It’s really difficult to overcook food when you know exactly what temp it is inside! Are you a foodie, too?Hey home chefs, hope that answers all your questions about smoking whole turkey with maximum flavor. You can also smoke spatchcock turkey, or if you’re serving just a couple people, smoked turkey breast is a great option. I also have a guide to making roasted turkey breast and sous vide turkey breast, too. Don’t forget: I’m hosting a smoked turkey takeover on Instagram — connect with me @sipbitego. You can also subscribe to the Sip Bite Go channel for helpful cooking videos from my recipe collection.
Smoked turkey butter rub (for under the skin)
Smoked turkey ingredients with simple seasonings
Optional baste for smoked turkey
Calories: 1261kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 189g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 638mg | Sodium: 1446mg | Potassium: 2019mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1284IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 8mg How long does it take to cook a turkey on a pellet grill?Place the turkey on the smoker and smoke for 6 hours or about 30 minutes per pound up until the internal temperature reaches at least 165*F. (We prefer ours at 180*F; however, it is done at 165*F.) If you prefer, you can baste it with chicken broth every hour during the smoking time to keep it moist.
What temperature do you cook a turkey on a pellet smoker?The cooking temperature for smoking a turkey on a pellet grill is 225 degrees F at 30 minutes per pound or 250 degrees F at 25 minutes per pound of turkey.
Is it better to smoke turkey at 225 or 325?Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it's much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. When smoking at a lower temperature you're looking at more time in the smoker, but that means the turkey could potentially have a richer smoke flavor.
Do I put the turkey directly on the grill when smoking?Smoke The Turkey: Directly on The Grill/Smoker
Replenish the wood chips/pellets/charcoal, as needed, to maintain the temperature. Smoke until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F. Check the temperature on both legs and use the lower of the two temperature readings.
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