How to Smoke a Moist and Juicy 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 way to cook a delicious, juicy turkey without spending all day in the kitchen, then you should consider cooking it on a Traeger.

Traeger grills are wood pellet smokers, which means that they use wood pellets to create a smoky flavor. This is the perfect way to cook a turkey, as it will impart a rich, smoky flavor that will make your guests go wild.

In this article, we will show you how to cook a turkey on a Traeger. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to carving it. So if you’re ready to learn how to cook the best turkey ever, then keep reading!

Step	Instructions	Tips
1	Preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees F.	If you’re using a Traeger pellet grill, choose the “Smoke” setting.
2	Season your turkey with your favorite rub.	Be sure to rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including the inside cavity.
3	Place the turkey on the Traeger and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.	If you’re using a whole turkey, you may need to cook it for longer.
4	Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.	This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

Preparing the Turkey

The first step to cooking a turkey on a Traeger is to prepare the turkey itself. This includes choosing the right turkey, brining the turkey, and drying the turkey.

Choosing the right turkey

When choosing a turkey for your Traeger, there are a few things to keep in mind.

* Size: The size of the turkey will depend on how many people you are cooking for. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you are cooking for a large group, you may want to get a larger turkey so that there are leftovers.
* Grade: The grade of the turkey refers to the quality of the meat. The higher the grade, the better the quality of the meat.
* Fresh vs. frozen: You can choose between a fresh or frozen turkey. Fresh turkeys are typically more expensive, but they also have a better flavor. Frozen turkeys are less expensive, but they may not be as fresh.

Once you have chosen a turkey, it is important to thaw it properly. If you are thawing a frozen turkey, it is best to do so in the refrigerator. Allow the turkey to thaw for 24 hours per pound. You can also thaw a turkey in a sink full of cold water. Allow the turkey to thaw for 3-4 hours per pound.

Brining the turkey

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. There are many different brine recipes available, but a simple brine can be made by mixing 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.

To brine the turkey, place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it. Make sure that the turkey is completely submerged in the brine. Cover the container and refrigerate the turkey for 12-24 hours.

Drying the turkey

After brining the turkey, it is important to dry it thoroughly. This will help to create a crispy skin when the turkey is cooked. To dry the turkey, place it on a rack in a roasting pan and pat it dry with paper towels.

Setting up the Traeger

Once the turkey is prepared, it is time to set up the Traeger. The Traeger is a wood pellet grill, so you will need to add wood pellets to the hopper. Traeger recommends using their own brand of wood pellets, but you can also use other brands of wood pellets.

To add wood pellets to the hopper, open the hopper door and pour the pellets into the hopper. Make sure that the pellets are level with the top of the hopper.

You will also need to preheat the Traeger. To do this, turn on the Traeger and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the Traeger to preheat for 15 minutes.

Cooking the turkey

Once the Traeger is preheated, it is time to cook the turkey. Place the turkey on the grill grate and close the lid. Cook the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the internal temperature of the turkey, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these steps, you can 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 cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey will be more tender.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Cooking the Turkey

To cook a turkey on a Traeger, you will need the following:

* A Traeger grill
* A turkey
* A meat thermometer
* Wood pellets
* Cooking spray
* Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. Truss the turkey if desired.
4. Brush the turkey with cooking spray.
5. Place the turkey on the Traeger grill and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey every hour with melted butter or broth.
7. Remove the turkey from the Traeger grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Smoking the Turkey

Smoking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. To smoke a turkey, you will need the following:

* A Traeger grill
* A turkey
* A meat thermometer
* Wood pellets
* Cooking spray
* Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. Truss the turkey if desired.
4. Brush the turkey with cooking spray.
5. Place the turkey on the Traeger grill and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey every hour with melted butter or broth.
7. Remove the turkey from the Traeger grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Basting the Turkey

Basting the turkey while it cooks helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. To baste the turkey, you will need the following:

* A basting brush
* Melted butter or broth

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter or broth in a small saucepan.
2. Brush the melted butter or broth over the turkey every hour while it cooks.

Carving the Turkey

Carving a turkey can be a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple. To carve a turkey, you will need the following:

* A sharp knife
* A carving board
* A platter

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey on a carving board.
2. Remove the legs by cutting through the joint between the thigh and the body.
3. Remove the wings by cutting through the joint between the wing and the body.
4. Cut the breast meat away from the bone.
5. Carve the breast meat into thin slices.
6. Serve the turkey immediately.

Serving the Turkey

There are many different ways to serve a turkey. You can serve it whole, sliced, or shredded. You can also serve it with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Here are some tips for serving a turkey:

* Make sure the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
* Serve the turkey with a variety of side dishes.
* Enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover turkey, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store the turkey, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

When you are ready to eat the leftover turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat the turkey until it is warmed through.

Here are some tips for storing leftover turkey:

* Wrap the turkey tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
* Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
* Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
* Reheat the turkey until it is warmed through.

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

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

The cooking time for a turkey on a Traeger will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the Traeger, and the desired doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 10-pound turkey would take approximately 5 hours to cook. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the factors mentioned above.

What temperature should I cook a turkey on a Traeger?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey on a Traeger is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

What is the best way to baste a turkey on a Traeger?

The best way to baste a turkey on a Traeger is to use a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and herbs. You can baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so, or whenever the skin starts to look dry.

How do I know when a turkey is done cooking on a Traeger?

There are a few ways to tell when a turkey is done cooking on a Traeger. The first is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check to see if the turkey is cooked through by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the thigh. The meat should be white and juices should run clear.

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

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

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so to prevent it from drying out.
* Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

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

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

* Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Overcooking the turkey.
* Not basting the turkey frequently enough.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to cook turkey on a Traeger grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right turkey to preparing it for cooking. We have also provided detailed instructions on how to cook a turkey on a Traeger grill, including tips for smoking, grilling, and roasting.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you will now be able to cook a delicious and juicy turkey on your Traeger grill. Here are some key takeaways from the post:

* Choose a turkey that is the right size for your grill.
* Brine your turkey before cooking to help it retain moisture.
* Smoke your turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time to create a flavorful and juicy bird.
* Grill your turkey over direct heat to give it a crispy skin.
* Roast your turkey in the oven to finish cooking it through.

With a little planning and effort, you can cook a delicious and impressive turkey on your Traeger grill that will be the star of your next holiday meal.