How to Smoke a Whole Turkey on a Traeger Grill for Thanksgiving

Smoke a Whole Turkey on a Traeger

There’s nothing quite like a smoked turkey on Thanksgiving Day. The rich, smoky flavor is unmatched, and the moist, juicy meat is sure to please everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a way to impress your guests this year, smoking a whole turkey on your Traeger smoker is the way to go.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of smoking a whole turkey on a Traeger. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. So whether you’re a Traeger novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know.

Choosing the Right Turkey

The first step to smoking a whole turkey is choosing the right bird. You’ll want to find a turkey that’s about 12-14 pounds. This size is large enough to feed a crowd, but not so large that it will be difficult to smoke.

When choosing a turkey, look for one that’s plump and evenly shaped. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes. The legs should be flexible, and the breast should feel firm.

You can also choose to brine your turkey before smoking it. Brining helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. If you choose to brine your turkey, be sure to do it the day before you plan to smoke it.

Smoking the Turkey

Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to start smoking it. The first step is to season the turkey. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Once the turkey is seasoned, it’s time to smoke it. You’ll want to set your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and smoke the turkey for about 3 hours per pound.

During the smoking process, you’ll need to spritz the turkey with apple cider vinegar every hour or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist.

After 3 hours, you’ll need to wrap the turkey in aluminum foil. This will help to keep the meat from drying out. Continue to smoke the turkey for another 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey is done smoking, it’s time to carve it. Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

To carve the turkey, start by removing the legs. Cut through the skin between the thigh and the breast, and then cut through the joint to remove the leg. Repeat with the other leg.

Next, remove the wings. Cut through the skin between the wing and the breast, and then cut through the joint to remove the wing. Repeat with the other wing.

Finally, carve the breast. Cut down the center of the breast, and then cut across the breast to create slices.

Serve the turkey immediately, and enjoy!

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees F.
2	Rub the turkey with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3	Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up, and cook for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
4	Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Choosing the Right Turkey

The first step to smoking a whole turkey is choosing the right bird. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

* Size: A turkey should be about 12 to 14 pounds for a small gathering, 16 to 18 pounds for a medium gathering, and 20 to 24 pounds for a large gathering.
* Type: There are two main types of turkeys: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on small farms and have a richer flavor than commercial turkeys. Commercial turkeys are raised in large barns and are more affordable.
* Brining or Drying: You can either brine or dry your turkey before smoking it. Brining will help to keep the turkey moist, while drying will help to give it a crispy skin.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you have chosen your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Here are the steps involved:

1. Remove the giblets: The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They are usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, open the bag and rinse the giblets under cold water. Discard any giblets that are discolored or damaged.
2. Truss the turkey: Trussing the turkey will help to keep it in shape while it cooks. To truss a turkey, cut a piece of kitchen twine about 3 feet long. Center the twine under the turkey’s breastbone. Bring the ends of the twine up over the wings and cross them in front of the neck. Bring the ends of the twine back down under the breastbone and tie them together in a knot.
3. Apply the rub: You can use any type of rub you like on your turkey. Some popular rubs include a dry rub, a wet rub, or a combination of the two. Be sure to apply the rub evenly to all sides of the turkey.

Smoking the Turkey

Now that your turkey is prepared, it’s time to smoke it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
3. Smoke the turkey for 3 to 4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey has rested, it’s time to carve it. Here are the steps involved:

1. Place the turkey on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the turkey in half along the backbone.
3. Remove the legs and wings.
4. Carve the breast meat into thin slices.
5. Serve the turkey immediately.

Smoking a whole turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these steps, you can be sure to produce a smoked turkey that your guests will love.

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a whole turkey on a Traeger, you will need the following ingredients:

* A whole turkey (thawed)
* Traeger wood pellets (hickory or oak)
* Traeger rub (optional)
* Traeger sauce (optional)
* Aluminum foil
* Butcher paper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If desired, rub the turkey with Traeger rub.
3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey from the Traeger and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for smoking a whole turkey is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

Time

The total cooking time for a whole turkey will vary depending on its size. A 12-pound turkey will typically take 6-8 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take 8-10 hours.

Wood chips

The type of wood chips you use will also affect the flavor of your smoked turkey. Hickory and oak are two popular choices for smoking turkey, as they impart a rich and smoky flavor.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

Once the turkey has finished smoking, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

To carve the turkey, first remove the legs and wings. Then, slice the breast meat horizontally, starting at the neck and working your way down. Finally, slice the thigh and drumstick meat.

Serve the smoked turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Smoking a whole turkey on a Traeger is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these simple instructions, you can be sure to impress your guests with your next Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are some additional tips for smoking a whole 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 every hour or so with Traeger sauce or melted butter to keep it moist.
* If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

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

A: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey on a Traeger is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

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

A: The total cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A 12-pound turkey will typically take around 6-7 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take around 8-9 hours.

Q: What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?

A: There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular options include applewood, hickory, and oak. The type of wood you choose will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

Q: How do I baste a turkey while it’s smoking?

A: Basting a turkey while it’s smoking is a great way to keep the skin moist and flavorful. To baste a turkey, simply brush or spoon melted butter or olive oil over the skin every hour or so. You can also use a mixture of butter, honey, and herbs to baste the turkey.

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

A: Here are a few tips for smoking a turkey on a Traeger:
* Start with a well-seasoned turkey. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

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

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey on a Traeger:
* Not using enough smoke. Smoking a turkey is all about creating a smoky flavor, so it’s important to use enough smoke.
* Overcooking the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Not letting the turkey rest. Letting the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to firm up.

smoking a whole turkey on a Traeger is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that your turkey will be perfectly cooked and smoked to perfection. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

* Brining your turkey before smoking it will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Use a good quality wood for smoking your turkey, such as applewood or hickory.
* Smoke your turkey at a low temperature for a long period of time to ensure that it is cooked through.
* Let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it to allow the juices to redistribute.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily smoke a whole turkey on your Traeger and impress your guests with your culinary skills. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!