How to Smoke a Whole Turkey on Your Traeger Grill

Smoked Whole Turkey on Traeger: A Guide

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to cook for your family and friends. If you’re looking for something that’s sure to impress, a smoked whole turkey on Traeger is a great option.

Traeger grills are known for their ability to produce delicious, smoked meats, and a whole turkey is no exception. With a little planning and preparation, you can smoke a whole turkey on your Traeger that will be moist, flavorful, and fall-apart tender.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of smoking a whole turkey on Traeger, from choosing the right turkey to smoking it to perfection. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to help you make the best smoked turkey ever.

So if you’re ready to learn how to smoke a whole turkey on Traeger, read on!

Ingredients	Instructions	Tips
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup water 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon dried thyme	Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and pour the brine over it. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in the smoker and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.	For a more flavorful turkey, use a Traeger wood pellet that pairs well with turkey, such as apple, cherry, or hickory. If you don’t have time to brine the turkey, you can skip that step and just rub it with a dry rub made of your favorite spices. Be sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving so that the juices have a chance to redistribute.

Choosing the Right Traeger for Smoking a Turkey

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

* Traeger models that are best suited for smoking turkeys

The Traeger Timberline 885 is the best Traeger for smoking a turkey. It has a large cooking capacity, so you can easily smoke a whole turkey. It also has a powerful firepot, so you can get the turkey up to temperature quickly. The Timberline 885 also has a built-in meat probe, so you can monitor the internal temperature of the turkey.

The Traeger Pro 780 is another good option for smoking a turkey. It has a smaller cooking capacity than the Timberline 885, but it is still large enough to smoke a whole turkey. The Pro 780 also has a powerful firepot and a built-in meat probe.

The Traeger Ironwood 885 is a good option for budget-minded shoppers. It is less expensive than the Timberline 885 and Pro 780, but it still has a large cooking capacity and a powerful firepot. The Ironwood 885 does not have a built-in meat probe, but you can purchase one separately.

* Factors to consider when choosing a Traeger for smoking turkeys

When choosing a Traeger for smoking a turkey, you should consider the following factors:

* Cooking capacity: The size of the turkey you plan to smoke will determine the minimum cooking capacity you need. If you plan to smoke a large turkey, you will need a Traeger with a large cooking capacity.
* Power: The power of the Traeger’s firepot will determine how quickly you can get the turkey up to temperature. A powerful firepot is important for smoking a turkey, as you want to cook the turkey evenly.
* Features: Some Traeger models come with features that are specifically designed for smoking turkeys. These features can include a built-in meat probe, a smokestack damper, and a sear station.

* Tips for choosing the right size Traeger for smoking turkeys

The size of the Traeger you need for smoking a turkey will depend on the size of the turkey you plan to smoke. If you plan to smoke a large turkey, you will need a Traeger with a large cooking capacity.

Here is a general rule of thumb for choosing the right size Traeger for smoking turkeys:

* For a turkey that weighs up to 10 pounds, you will need a Traeger with a cooking capacity of 300 square inches or more.
* For a turkey that weighs between 10 and 15 pounds, you will need a Traeger with a cooking capacity of 400 square inches or more.
* For a turkey that weighs between 15 and 20 pounds, you will need a Traeger with a cooking capacity of 500 square inches or more.

Preparing the Turkey for Smoking

Before you can smoke a turkey, you need to prepare it properly. This includes brining or dry-brining the turkey, seasoning the turkey, and trussing the turkey.

* Brining or dry-brining the turkey

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Dry-brining is a similar process, but instead of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution, you rub the turkey with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices.

Brining or dry-brining the turkey is optional, but it is recommended for smoking a turkey. Brining or dry-brining will help to ensure that the turkey is moist and flavorful.

* Seasoning the turkey

Once the turkey has been brined or dry-brined, it is time to season it. You can season the turkey with any herbs, spices, or rubs that you like. Some popular seasonings for smoked turkey include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

* Trussing the turkey

Trussing the turkey helps to keep the turkey in a compact shape while it is smoking. This helps to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly.

To truss a turkey, you will need a piece of kitchen twine. Start by tying the legs together at the ankles. Then, tie the wings to the body of the turkey. Finally, tie the neck to the body of the turkey.

Smoking the Turkey

Once the turkey has been prepared, it is time to smoke it. Smoking a turkey is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

* Temperature: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 22

3. Smoking the Turkey

Temperature and time for smoking a turkey

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A 12-pound turkey will typically take between 6 and 8 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take between 8 and 10 hours.

It is important to note that the cooking time will also vary depending on the type of wood you are using. Hardwoods, such as hickory, oak, and maple, will produce a stronger smoke flavor and will require a longer cooking time. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, will produce a milder smoke flavor and will require a shorter cooking time.

Wood chips for smoking a turkey

The type of wood you use for smoking a turkey will have a significant impact on the flavor of the finished product. Hardwoods, such as hickory, oak, and maple, will produce a stronger smoke flavor and are a good choice for smoked turkeys. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, will produce a milder smoke flavor and are a good choice for smoked poultry.

When choosing wood chips for smoking a turkey, it is important to consider the flavor you are looking for and the type of smoker you are using. If you are using a charcoal smoker, you will need to use wood chips that are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the fire. If you are using an electric smoker, you can use wood chips that have not been soaked.

Monitoring the turkey while it smokes

It is important to monitor the turkey while it smokes to ensure that it is cooking evenly and does not overcook. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165F before it is removed from the smoker.

You can also check the turkey for doneness by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when the turkey is done.

4. Carving and Serving the Smoked Turkey

Tips for carving a smoked turkey

Carving a smoked turkey can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you can easily create beautiful slices of meat.

* Start by letting the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it easier to carve.
* Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey. A dull knife will make the meat tough and difficult to cut.
* Start by carving the legs and thighs. These are the easiest parts of the turkey to carve.
* Cut the breast meat in half lengthwise, then slice it across the grain. This will create tender, juicy slices of meat.
* Serve the turkey immediately, while it is still hot.

Serving suggestions for smoked turkey

Smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

* Serve the turkey on its own with your favorite sides. Some popular sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
* Use the turkey to make sandwiches. Smoked turkey sandwiches are a popular choice for lunch or dinner.
* Add the turkey to soups and stews. Smoked turkey adds flavor and richness to soups and stews.
* Use the turkey to make casseroles. Smoked turkey casseroles are a great way to use up leftover turkey.

Smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With a little planning, you can easily create a delicious meal for your family and friends.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can easily create a smoked turkey that your family and friends will love.

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 between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

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

A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey. So, a 10-pound turkey will take approximately 10 hours to smoke.

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

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

Q: What temperature should the turkey be when it’s done smoking?

A: The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165F when it’s done smoking. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey.

Q: How do I reheat a smoked turkey?

A: The best way to reheat a smoked turkey is to slice it and then warm it in the oven at 350F until it’s heated through. You can also reheat the turkey in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

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:

* Use a high-quality turkey.
* Brine the turkey for at least 24 hours before smoking it.
* Smoke the turkey over indirect heat.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

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:

* Using too much smoke.
* Cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature.
* Not brining the turkey.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving it.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you’ll smoke a delicious and flavorful turkey on your Traeger.

In this blog post, we have discussed the steps involved in smoking a whole turkey on a Traeger grill. We have covered everything from choosing the right turkey to preparing the brine and smoker. We have also provided tips on how to achieve the perfect smoke ring and juicy, flavorful meat. So whether you are a Traeger novice or a seasoned pro, we hope you found this information helpful. Happy smoking!