16+ Barbecue Turkey Recipe Thanksgiving Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. While many may think of the traditional roast turkey as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, why not switch things up this year and try a barbecue turkey recipe? Not only does this method add a unique and flavorful twist to the classic dish, but it also frees up valuable oven space for other Thanksgiving dishes. Read on to discover how to make a mouth-watering barbecue turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Turkey, Chicken Soup Base, Sweet Onions
One of the best ways to enjoy turkey is by cooking it on the BBQ. This method adds a smoky and charred flavor to the meat, making it extra delicious. To prepare a BBQ turkey, you can either use a whole turkey or turkey breasts. For a flavorful twist, try marinating the turkey in BBQ sauce before cooking. Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. BBQ turkey is perfect for summer gatherings or for those who want a unique twist on a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
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Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Kosher Salt, Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
Smoked turkey is a classic Thanksgiving dish that never fails to impress. To prepare a smoked turkey, you will need a smoker and some wood chips. Simply rub the turkey with your favorite seasonings and let it smoke for several hours until it reaches the desired level of smokiness. Smoking adds a rich and deep flavor to the turkey, making it a standout dish on any Thanksgiving table. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
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Honey Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chopped Fresh Sage, Ground Black Pepper, Celery
If you want to take your smoked turkey to the next level, try using honey as a glaze. The sweetness of the honey complements the smoky flavors perfectly, creating a mouthwatering dish. For an extra kick of flavor, add some herbs and spices to the honey glaze before brushing it onto the turkey. Your guests will be impressed by the unique and delicious twist on a classic Thanksgiving dish.
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How To Make Jerk Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Jerk Sauce, Thyme, Lemons
Jerk seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Jamaican cuisine. For a Caribbean-inspired Thanksgiving, try making a jerk turkey. The turkey is coated in a mixture of spices, including allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, and then roasted to perfection. The result is a flavorful and spicy turkey that will add some excitement to your holiday meal. Serve with some mango salsa for a delicious combination of flavors.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Buns, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes
The day after Thanksgiving, you are likely to have plenty of leftovers. Instead of reheating the same meal, get creative and make some Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwiches. Layer leftover turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread and toast it in a pan for a delicious and hearty breakfast. You can also add some melted cheese or a fried egg for an extra indulgent sandwich.
If you want a more traditional approach to cooking your Thanksgiving turkey, try roasting it in the oven. For a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey, brine it beforehand. This involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution overnight, which helps to lock in moisture and add flavor. Roast the turkey in the oven with some herbs and butter, and you will have a delicious and classic Thanksgiving main dish.
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Garlic Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Fresh Rosemary
If you love the idea of a smoked turkey but want to add even more flavor, try making a garlic smoked turkey. Crush some garlic cloves and mix them with butter and herbs to create a flavorful paste. Rub this mixture all over the turkey and let it smoke for several hours. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a delicious garlic flavor. Serve with some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Pecan Injected and Rubbed Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Pecan, Marinade, Rub
For a unique and flavorful twist on a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, try injecting it with a pecan marinade. The marinade is made with a blend of spices, pecan oil, and apple juice, and it adds a delicious nutty flavor to the turkey. Make sure to also rub the turkey with a blend of spices before cooking for maximum flavor. This turkey is sure to be a hit with your guests.
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Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey on the Big Green Egg
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salted Butter, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage
The Big Green Egg is a popular type of grill that can also be used as a smoker. For a perfectly cooked turkey with a crispy skin, try cooking it on the Big Green Egg. The grill adds a smoky flavor to the turkey while also keeping it moist. Make sure to monitor the temperature and cook the turkey until it reaches the recommended internal temperature for safety.
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BBQ Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Rub, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Sugar
Combining two delicious cooking methods, BBQ smoked turkey is a must-try for any BBQ enthusiast. Start by smoking the turkey for several hours and then finish it off on the BBQ, basting it with BBQ sauce for a sticky and flavorful glaze. This method creates a tender and juicy turkey with a smoky and sweet flavor. Serve with some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
If you have leftover turkey and stuffing, try turning them into croquettes for a unique and delicious appetizer. Mix the turkey and stuffing together with some cheese and herbs, and form them into small balls. Bread and fry the croquettes until they are golden and crispy. These make for a great snack or appetizer to enjoy while waiting for the main Thanksgiving meal.
Another great way to use up leftover turkey is by making a pot pie. Combine the turkey with some vegetables and a creamy sauce and top it with a flaky pie crust. Bake in the oven until the crust is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. This is a comforting and delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
Brining a turkey may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple and results in a juicy and flavorful bird. Simply soak the turkey in a saltwater solution overnight and then roast it in the oven with some herbs and butter for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving main dish. Make sure to follow a recipe and brine the turkey for the recommended amount of time for the best results.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Turkey
A casserole is a great way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers in one dish. Layer turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and any other leftovers you have in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly. You can also add some cheese or a creamy sauce for added flavor. This is a great option for a quick and easy meal the day after Thanksgiving.
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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
If you want to make sure your Thanksgiving turkey turns out juicy and flavorful, follow a recipe that includes a brine and a rub. Brining the turkey helps to add moisture and flavor, while a rub of herbs and spices adds even more flavor to the outside of the turkey. Make sure to also let the turkey rest before carving to ensure the juices redistribute and keep the meat moist.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
If you want to start your Thanksgiving morning with a delicious and festive breakfast, try making Thanksgiving breakfast cups. Layer cooked turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in a muffin tin and crack an egg on top. Bake until the egg is cooked and serve with some fresh herbs and a drizzle of gravy. These cups are a fun and flavorful way to start your holiday celebrations.
If you are short on time or don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, try an easy and no-fuss Thanksgiving turkey recipe. Simply season the turkey with some herbs and butter and roast it in the oven until it reaches the recommended internal temperature. This method allows you to focus on other dishes while still enjoying a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving meal.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
Leftover casserole is a great way to use up all the delicious Thanksgiving leftovers in one dish. Mix together turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and any other leftovers you have, and top it with a layer of mashed sweet potatoes or cornbread. Bake until hot and bubbly for a comforting and easy meal after the holiday.
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The Best Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Coarse Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Black Pepper
If you want to impress your guests with a delicious and flavorful turkey, try making the best smoked turkey. Start by brining the turkey for several hours and then smoke it with your favorite wood chips for several hours until it reaches the recommended internal temperature. This method creates a tender and juicy turkey with a rich and smoky flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Thanksgiving Pie
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Garlic Clove
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a delicious dessert, and what better way to end the meal than with a Thanksgiving pie? Whether you prefer pumpkin, apple, or pecan, a homemade pie is the perfect sweet treat to end the holiday feast. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Prepping the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to choosing the perfect turkey for your barbecue recipe, you want to make sure it is the right size and type. A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 pound of turkey per guest. If you have a larger crowd, it's better to opt for two smaller turkeys rather than one large one. As for the type of turkey, it's recommended to use a fresh, organic, or free-range turkey for the best taste and texture.
Brining the Turkey
To ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey, it's crucial to brine it beforehand. Brining is the process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. For a barbecue turkey, you can add in other ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and spices to the brine for an extra kick of flavor.
Preparing the Barbecue
Choosing the Right Grill
When it comes to barbecue turkey, using a charcoal grill is recommended for a smoky flavor. However, a gas grill will work just fine as well. Make sure your grill has a lid and enough space to fit the turkey comfortably.
Setting Up the Grill
Before lighting the grill, make sure to clean the grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent the turkey from sticking. You'll want to set up a two-zone fire, with one side of the grill set to high heat and the other side set to low heat. This will allow you to sear the turkey and then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking.
Barbecuing the Turkey
Seasoning the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the turkey generously with your favorite barbecue rub or a mix of salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also add some melted butter or oil to help the skin crisp up.
Grilling the Turkey
Place the turkey on the high-heat side of the grill and sear it for a few minutes on each side, until it develops a nice char. Then, move the turkey to the low-heat side and close the lid. Let it cook for about 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Letting the Turkey Rest
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy turkey.
Serving the Barbecue Turkey
Once the turkey has rested, carve it up and serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides. The smoky and flavorful meat will be a hit with your guests, and you'll have a new go-to Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
In conclusion, barbecue turkey is a delicious and unique alternative to the traditional roast turkey for Thanksgiving. By following these simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your guests and become a new family favorite. So why not give it a try this year and add some barbecue flair to your Thanksgiving feast?
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