How to Cook a Juicy, Perfectly Roasted Turkey on Your Traeger Grill

How to Cook a Turkey on a Traeger

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking a turkey. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your turkey, look no further than your Traeger grill! Traegers are perfect for cooking turkeys because they use indirect heat, which helps to create a moist and flavorful bird.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a turkey on a Traeger grill. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking and serving it. So whether you’re a Traeger novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know!

Step	Instructions	Time
1	Preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees F.	15 minutes
2	Remove the giblets from the turkey and rinse the turkey inside and out.	5 minutes
3	Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.	5 minutes
4	Season the turkey inside and out with your favorite seasonings.	10 minutes
5	Place the turkey breast-side up on the Traeger.	5 minutes
6	Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 3 hours.	3 hours
7	Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.	15 minutes

Choosing the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey for your Traeger, there are a few factors to consider.

Size and weight

The size of the turkey will determine how long it takes to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound of turkey, plus an additional 30 minutes. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook.

If you’re not sure how big of a turkey you need, a good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 pound of turkey per person. This will give you plenty of meat for leftovers.

Fresh vs. frozen

You can cook either a fresh or frozen turkey on a Traeger. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between the two.

* Fresh turkeys are typically more expensive than frozen turkeys.
* Fresh turkeys need to be thawed before cooking. This can take several days, depending on the size of the turkey.
* Frozen turkeys can be cooked straight from the freezer. This is a great option if you’re short on time.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a fresh or frozen turkey is a personal one. Consider your budget and time constraints when making your decision.

Brining or dry-rubbing

Brining is a process of soaking a turkey in a salt water solution before cooking. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Dry-rubbing is a process of coating the turkey with a mixture of spices and herbs before cooking. This helps to add flavor to the turkey.

Brining is a more time-consuming process than dry-rubbing, but it can result in a more moist and flavorful turkey. Dry-rubbing is a quicker process, but it can still result in a delicious turkey.

The best way to decide whether to brine or dry-rub your turkey is to experiment with both methods and see which one you prefer.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.

Removing the giblets

The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They are typically found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, carefully cut open the bag and remove the contents. Rinse the giblets under cold water and pat them dry. The giblets can be used to make gravy or other dishes.

Trussing the turkey

Trussing the turkey is a process of tying the legs and wings together to keep the turkey in a compact shape. This helps to evenly distribute heat during cooking and prevents the turkey from drying out.

There are a few different ways to truss a turkey. The most common way is to use butcher’s twine to tie the legs together at the ankles and then cross the wings over the breast and tie them together at the wrists.

You can also truss the turkey using a metal or plastic truss. These trusses are typically shaped like a figure eight and are placed around the turkey’s body.

Marinating or injecting the turkey

Marinading or injecting the turkey before cooking can help to add flavor and moisture. Marinades are typically made with a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Injecting the turkey involves injecting a flavorful liquid into the turkey’s cavity.

Marinading and injecting are both optional steps. However, they can help to create a more flavorful and moist turkey.

Cooking the Turkey

Now that your turkey is prepared, it’s time to cook it.

Traeger temperature and time

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey on a Traeger is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound of turkey, plus an additional 30 minutes. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook.

However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the turkey and the temperature of your Traeger. To ensure that the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Traeger wood pellets

The type of wood pellets you use will also affect the flavor of the turkey. Some popular choices for cooking turkey include hickory, apple, and cherry.

Traeger accessories

There are a few different accessories that can be used to cook a turkey on a Traeger. A popular choice is a turkey drip pan. This pan catches the drippings from the turkey and helps to keep the grill clean. Another option is a turkey fryer basket. This basket allows you to cook the turkey directly on the grill grates.

Tips

3. Cooking the Turkey

Temperature and time

The ideal cooking temperature for a turkey on a Traeger is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound.

Smoking vs. grilling

When cooking a turkey on a Traeger, you can choose to smoke it or grill it. Smoking will impart a smoky flavor to the turkey, while grilling will give it a more chargrilled flavor. If you are not sure which method to choose, you can always start by smoking the turkey and then finishing it off by grilling it.

Indirect vs. direct heat

When smoking or grilling a turkey on a Traeger, you can choose to use indirect or direct heat. Indirect heat will cook the turkey more evenly, while direct heat will give it a more charred exterior. If you are not sure which method to choose, you can always start by using indirect heat and then finishing it off by using direct heat.

4. Carving and Serving the Turkey

Resting the turkey

After the turkey is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

Carving the turkey

To carve the turkey, first remove the legs and thighs. Then, remove the wings. Finally, remove the breast meat. You can either carve the breast meat into slices or shred it.

Serving the turkey

The turkey can be served on its own or with your favorite sides. Some popular side dishes for turkey include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Cooking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to cook a perfect turkey every time.

Here are some additional tips for cooking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or olive oil to keep it moist.
* If you are smoking the turkey, add wood chips to the smoker to create a smoky flavor.
* Be patient! Cooking a turkey takes time, but it is worth it in the end.

Q: What is the best temperature to cook a turkey on a Traeger?

A: The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey on a Traeger is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and juicy.

Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey on a Traeger?

A: The cooking time for a turkey on a Traeger will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 10-pound turkey will take approximately 3 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take approximately 5 hours.

Q: What type of wood should I use to smoke a turkey on a Traeger?

A: There are many different types of wood that can be used to smoke a turkey on a Traeger. Some popular options include hickory, oak, and applewood. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a turkey on a Traeger?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Start with a well-thawed turkey. A frozen turkey will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
* Rub the turkey with a flavorful rub. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the turkey.
* Cook the turkey breast-side up. This will help to prevent the breast from drying out.
* Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey on a Traeger?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Not starting with a well-thawed turkey. A frozen turkey will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
* Cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature. This can cause the turkey to dry out.
* Not checking the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

Q: What are some resources available to help me cook a turkey on a Traeger?

A: There are many resources available to help you cook a turkey on a Traeger. Here are a few of our favorites:

* [Traeger’s Turkey Cooking Guide](https://www.traeger.com/recipes/turkey/)
* [The Spruce Eats’ Guide to Smoking a Turkey](https://www.thespruceeats.com/smoking-a-turkey-on-a-traeger-591469)
* [Serious Eats’ Guide to Cooking a Turkey](https://www.seriouseats.com/turkey-recipes/)

cooking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to achieve a delicious, juicy, and flavorful bird. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your next Traeger turkey will be a hit with your family and friends.

Here are a few key takeaways:

* Brining your turkey before cooking will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Use a high-quality wood pellet for smoking your turkey.
* Cook your turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily cook a delicious turkey on your Traeger. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!