How to Smoke a Moist and Delicious Turkey on Your Traeger Grill

Turkey on a Traeger: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your turkey this year, look no further than the Traeger!

Traeger grills are known for their ability to produce smoked meats that are full of flavor. And when it comes to turkey, a Traeger is the perfect way to cook a juicy, flavorful bird that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a turkey on a Traeger. 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 information you need to cook a perfect turkey on your Traeger this Thanksgiving!

Ingredients	Instructions	Notes
– 1 (12-14 pound) turkey breast – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon garlic powder – 1 teaspoon onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper	1. Preheat your Traeger to 325 degrees F. 2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub the turkey breast with the spice mixture. 4. Place the turkey breast on the Traeger and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. 5. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.	– You can also use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe. – If you don’t have a Traeger, you can cook the turkey breast in the oven at 325 degrees F for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. – Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

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 will take to cook. A 12-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 4 hours.
* Type of turkey: There are two main types of turkeys: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on a slower growth cycle and have a more flavorful meat. Commercial turkeys are raised on a faster growth cycle and have a more mild flavor.
* Brining or dry-rubbing: Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution before cooking. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Dry-rubbing is a process of rubbing the turkey with a mixture of spices and herbs before cooking. This helps to add flavor to the turkey.

Preparing the Traeger for Cooking

Before you can cook a turkey on your Traeger, you need to prepare the grill.

* Set the temperature: The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey on a Traeger is 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Add wood pellets: You will need to add wood pellets to the Traeger before you can start cooking. The type of wood pellets you use will affect the flavor of the turkey.
* Preheat the grill: Once you have added the wood pellets to the Traeger, you need to preheat the grill. This will take about 15 minutes.

Cooking the Turkey

Once the Traeger is preheated, you can start cooking the turkey.

* Place the turkey on the grill: You can cook the turkey on a roasting rack or directly on the grill grates. If you are cooking the turkey on a roasting rack, you will need to place a drip pan underneath the rack to catch the drippings.
* Cover the turkey: Once the turkey is on the grill, you need to cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the turkey moist while it cooks.
* Cook the turkey until it is done: The cooking time for a turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 12-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 4 hours.
* Let the turkey rest: Once the turkey is done cooking, you need to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it more flavorful.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey has rested, you can start carving it.

* Remove the legs: To remove the legs, cut through the skin between the leg and the body. Then, cut through the joint at the thigh.
* Remove the wings: To remove the wings, cut through the joint at the shoulder.
* Remove the breast: To remove the breast, cut down the center of the breastbone. Then, cut along each side of the breastbone to remove the breast meat.
* Carve the breast meat: You can carve the breast meat into slices or cut it into cubes.
* Carve the thigh meat: You can carve the thigh meat into slices or cut it into cubes.
* Carve the wing meat: You can carve the wing meat into slices or cut it into cubes.

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

Cooking the Turkey

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a turkey on a Traeger, you will need:

* A Traeger smoker
* A turkey (thawed and at room temperature)
* Wood chips (hickory or apple are good options)
* A meat thermometer
* Optional: A spray bottle with apple cider vinegar or water

1. Preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
3. Place the wood chips in the smoker box.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Close the lid and smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey every hour with apple cider vinegar or water.
7. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Basting the Turkey

Basting the turkey while it smokes helps to keep it moist and flavorful. You can baste the turkey with:

* Apple cider vinegar
* Water
* A mixture of melted butter and honey
* A mixture of melted butter and brown sugar

Baste the turkey every hour or so, or whenever the skin starts to look dry.

Carving the Turkey

To carve a turkey, you will need:

* A sharp knife
* A carving board
* A platter

1. Place the turkey on a carving board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the turkey in half along the breastbone.
3. Cut each half of the turkey into two pieces.
4. Cut each piece of the turkey into individual pieces.
5. Arrange the turkey pieces on a platter and serve.

Serving the Turkey

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat leftover turkey, you can:

* Microwave it on high for 3-4 minutes per pound.
* Bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes per pound.
* Heat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.

Making Turkey Sandwiches

Turkey sandwiches are a great way to use up leftover turkey. You can make turkey sandwiches with:

* White bread
* Whole wheat bread
* Sourdough bread
* Romaine lettuce
* Tomato
* Onion
* Avocado
* Cucumber
* Mayonnaise
* Dijon mustard
* Horseradish sauce

To make a turkey sandwich, simply layer the ingredients on your bread of choice and enjoy!

Turkey is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re smoking, basting, or carving a turkey, there’s a Traeger recipe for you. So fire up your Traeger and enjoy a delicious, smoked turkey this holiday season!

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

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

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: The best type of wood to use to smoke a turkey on a Traeger is applewood. Applewood imparts a sweet, mild flavor to the turkey that is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Q: What is the best way to baste a turkey while it is cooking on a Traeger?

A: The best way to baste a turkey while it is cooking on a Traeger is to use a mixture of melted butter, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the turkey with the baste every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.

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.
* Use a meat thermometer to check 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 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 using a meat thermometer. This is the most important tip to remember when cooking a turkey. A meat thermometer will help you ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* Cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature. This will cause the turkey to dry out.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving. This will cause the juices to run out and the turkey to be less tender.

cooking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to achieve moist, flavorful meat with a delicious smokey flavor. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure to cook a perfect turkey every time. So what are you waiting for? Fire up your Traeger and get cooking!

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

* Brining your turkey before cooking will help to keep it moist.
* Indirect heat is the best way to cook a turkey on a Traeger.
* Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

With these tips, you can be sure to cook a delicious and juicy turkey on your Traeger this Thanksgiving.