15 Southern Smoked Turkey Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 20, 2024
For many people, smoked turkey is a staple dish on Thanksgiving and other special occasions. There's something about the rich, smoky flavor and tender texture that just screams "celebration." But if you've never made smoked turkey before, the thought of it can be a bit intimidating. Don't worry, though – with this southern smoked turkey recipe, you can impress your guests with an amazing homemade dish.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Light Mayonnaise, Crusty
Add some smoky flavor to your classic club sandwich with this delicious recipe. Thinly sliced smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheese are sandwiched between two slices of bread, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of chipotle mayonnaise for an extra kick.
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Smoked Turkey Brie and Apple Panini
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Smoked Turkey, Brie Cheese, Apple, Red
Brie and apples are a classic pairing, and they work beautifully in this panini recipe. Slices of smoked turkey, creamy brie cheese, and thinly sliced apples are sandwiched between two slices of bread and grilled until crispy and golden. The combination of savory and sweet flavors is sure to please your taste buds.
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Smoked Turkey Cobb Wraps
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Tortilla, Romaine Lettuce, Smoked Turkey
These wraps are a healthier alternative to the classic cobb salad, and they're just as delicious. Layer slices of smoked turkey, avocado, tomato, hard-boiled egg, and crumbled bacon on a large tortilla, then roll it up and enjoy. Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
This traditional Southern dish is a must-try for any smoked turkey lover. Black-eyed peas are slow-cooked with smoked turkey and a variety of spices for a hearty and flavorful meal. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete and filling dinner.
Collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are slow-cooked with smoked turkey and chicken broth for a comforting and flavorful side dish. The smoky flavor from the turkey adds a unique twist to this classic Southern dish. Serve with a side of hot sauce for some extra heat.
For a more traditional take on Southern greens, try this delicious recipe. Collard greens are cooked with smoked turkey necks until tender, then seasoned with a variety of spices for a flavorful side dish. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
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Southern Smoked Turkey Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Chicken Broth, Turkey Parts, Yellow
This recipe takes Southern collard greens to the next level by incorporating the smoky flavor of smoked turkey. The result is a rich and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal. Serve with a side of hot sauce for some extra kick.
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Low-Carb Smoked Turkey and Cucumber 'Sandwiches'
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Cheese, Dried Dill, Smoked Turkey, Pepper
If you're looking for a healthier option, try these low-carb sandwiches. Slices of smoked turkey are sandwiched between two cucumber slices, along with your favorite sandwich toppings like cheese, tomato, and avocado. These make for a refreshing and tasty lunch or snack.
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Golden Corral Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Seasoned Salt, Hot Pepper Sauce, Collard
If you've ever been to Golden Corral, you know their collard greens are a must-try. Now you can recreate them at home with this easy recipe. Collard greens are slow-cooked with smoked turkey and a variety of seasonings for a delicious and comforting side dish.
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Black Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Smoked Turkey, Kale, Onion, Carrots
This hearty soup is perfect for a cold day, and it's even better when made with smoked turkey. Black-eyed peas are simmered with smoked turkey legs, carrots, celery, and a variety of spices for a flavorful and filling meal. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete dinner.
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Smoked Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Diced Onions, Celery, Carrots
This comforting soup has all the flavors of a classic pot pie, but in soup form. Chunks of smoked turkey are simmered with vegetables and a creamy broth, then topped with flaky pie crust for a unique and delicious meal.
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Smoked Turkey and Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Turkey Broth, Smoked Turkey, Diced Celery, Onion, Large
This twist on a classic comfort food is sure to become a family favorite. Tender smoked turkey is simmered with vegetables and topped with fluffy dumplings for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Smoked Turkey Chili
Main Ingredients: Oil, Chopped Garlic, Chopped Onion, Dried Oregano
Upgrade your chili game with this delicious recipe. Smoked turkey is combined with beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices for a hearty and flavorful chili. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Nigerian Smoked Turkey Stew
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Red Bell Peppers, Plum Tomatoes, Chicken
This authentic Nigerian dish is packed with flavor. Smoked turkey is simmered with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices for a rich and hearty stew. Serve over rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Smoked Turkey Chowder with Mushrooms and Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, Celery, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Fresh
This hearty chowder is perfect for a cozy night in. Smoked turkey is combined with mushrooms and sweet potatoes in a flavorful broth for a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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Creamy Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Carrot, Chopped Onion, Green Onion, Fresh
This creamy soup is perfect for a cold day. Smoked turkey is combined with wild rice and vegetables in a creamy broth for a satisfying and hearty meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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Smoked Turkey Wrap
Main Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
This wrap is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Slices of smoked turkey are wrapped in a tortilla with your choice of toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Serve with a side of chips for a complete meal.
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Smoked Turkey & Turmeric Omelette
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Turmeric, Salt, Black Pepper, Water, Diced Onion
This unique omelette is packed with flavor and nutrients. Slices of smoked turkey are combined with turmeric, spinach, and feta cheese for a delicious and healthy breakfast option.
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Smoked Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Smoked Turkey, Red Onion, Mayonnaise, Garlic Powder
This salad is a great way to use up any leftover smoked turkey. Simply toss together your favorite greens, sliced smoked turkey, crumbled bacon, and avocado for a tasty and filling meal. Top with your favorite dressing and enjoy.
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Smoked Turkey Mac n’ Cheese
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Onion, Butter, Flour, Milk, Sharp Cheddar
Elevate your mac n' cheese game with this delicious recipe. Smoked turkey is added to the classic cheesy dish for a smoky and flavorful twist. Serve as a main dish or as a side to your favorite protein.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Bird
When it comes to making smoked turkey, the most important thing is to start with a good quality bird. You want to look for a fresh, organic turkey that is around 12-14 pounds. This will give you enough meat to feed a crowd without being too overwhelming to handle.
Brining the Turkey
Brining is a crucial step in this recipe, as it helps to infuse the turkey with flavor and keeps it moist during the smoking process. To make the brine, mix together 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, 1 cup of brown sugar, and any desired herbs and spices (such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic) in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool completely. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it, making sure the turkey is fully submerged. Let it brine in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
Preparing the Smoker
Choosing the Right Wood
For a truly southern flavor, you'll want to use wood chips or chunks from fruit trees such as apple, cherry, or peach. These woods will give your turkey a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the brine.
Setting Up the Smoker
Before you start the smoker, make sure to remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, fill the smoker's water pan with hot water and add the wood chips. Preheat the smoker to 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Smoking the Turkey
Adding Flavor to the Smoke
To add even more flavor to your smoked turkey, you can add some herbs and spices to the wood chips. This will give the turkey an extra kick of flavor as it smokes.
Smoking Time
Place the turkey on the smoker's top rack, making sure to leave some space between the turkey and the sides of the smoker. Let the turkey smoke for 30-40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on the size of your turkey.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making for a more tender and flavorful turkey. Serve with your favorite southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole. Your guests will be blown away by the delicious, smoky flavor of this southern smoked turkey recipe. Enjoy!
