19+ Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 3, 2024
The centerpiece of every Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. It is a beloved tradition that brings families together and fills homes with delicious aromas. Many families have their own unique way of preparing the turkey, but for those who are looking to try something new, a smoked turkey may be the perfect twist on a classic dish.
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Kosher Salt, Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
If you're looking for a flavorful and juicy turkey for your next Thanksgiving dinner, look no further than a smoked turkey. The smoky flavor and tender meat will have your guests raving and asking for the recipe. This top 20 beer can chicken recipe list wouldn't be complete without a smoked turkey option, so let's dive in and discover some delicious options for your holiday table.
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Honey Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chopped Fresh Sage, Ground Black Pepper, Celery
For a touch of sweetness, try a honey smoked turkey. The combination of honey and smoke creates a delectable glaze on the skin and infuses the meat with a subtle sweetness. Serve this dish alongside your favorite sides for the perfect balance of flavors.
Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with a smoked version. The smokiness adds depth and complexity to the traditional dish, making it a standout at your holiday feast. Don't be surprised if this becomes a new family tradition.
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Garlic Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Fresh Rosemary
For a flavorful twist on a classic turkey, try a garlic smoked turkey. The garlic adds a savory element to the dish, while the smokiness gives it a unique and delicious flavor. This is a great option for those who love garlic and want to add some extra punch to their Thanksgiving meal.
If you prefer a roasted turkey, but still want to incorporate some smoky flavors, try this beer can chicken recipe. The turkey is roasted with a beer can inside, infusing it with a subtle smokiness. This method also helps to keep the meat moist and tender.
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The Best Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Coarse Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Black Pepper
Looking for the best smoked turkey recipe? Look no further. This recipe combines the perfect blend of herbs and spices to create a flavorful and juicy turkey that will impress even the toughest critics. Plus, the smokiness adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
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Spatchcock Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Unsalted Butter
Spatchcocking a turkey (removing the backbone and flattening it out) allows for quicker and more even cooking. Combine this technique with a beer can chicken method and you have a mouthwatering spatchcock smoked turkey. The skin will be crispy, the meat juicy, and the flavors unbeatable.
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Whole Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Small Onion, Apple, Bay Leaf, Garlic Clove
If you prefer to cook your turkey whole, try this whole smoked turkey recipe for your next holiday gathering. The smoky flavors infuse the entire turkey, making for a delicious and impressive presentation. Plus, it's easier than you may think to smoke a whole turkey.
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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
Another great option for your Thanksgiving feast is a classic smoked turkey. The smokiness adds a unique twist to the traditional dish and will have your guests coming back for seconds. Serve it with all the classic sides for a memorable holiday meal.
If you're looking for a creative way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, try making these Thanksgiving croquettes. The smoked turkey adds a depth of flavor to the dish, making it a standout appetizer or side dish. Serve them with a dipping sauce for a tasty and unique treat.
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Pellet Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Kosher Salt
Pellet smokers are a popular and convenient way to smoke meats, and turkey is no exception. The pellets infuse the turkey with a rich and smoky flavor, creating a delicious and tender bird. Give this pellet smoked turkey recipe a try for your next holiday meal.
Another great way to use up your leftover smoked turkey is by making a pot pie. The smoky flavors will enhance the dish and add an extra layer of deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal after a busy holiday.
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The Ultimate Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Oranges, Lemons, Rosemary, Large Garlic Cloves
For a show-stopping smoked turkey, try this ultimate recipe. It combines the best of both worlds – a juicy and flavorful turkey with a crispy and smoky skin. This recipe takes a bit of time and effort, but the end result is worth it.
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BBQ Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Rub, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, Sugar
For a BBQ twist on a traditional smoked turkey, try this recipe. The turkey is coated in a delicious BBQ rub before being smoked, creating a mouthwatering combination of flavors. Serve it with your favorite BBQ sides for a delicious and unique meal.
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Cajun Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Warm Water, Kosher Salt, Lemon, Peppercorns
If you love a bit of spice, this Cajun smoked turkey recipe is for you. The Cajun seasoning adds a kick to the smoky flavors, creating a delicious and bold dish. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and add some excitement to your holiday menu.
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Bacon Bourbon Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Whiskey, Turkey, Rub, Melted Butter, Bourbon, Red
Bacon and bourbon – need we say more? This bacon bourbon smoked turkey recipe combines two fan favorites for a mouthwatering and irresistible dish. The bacon adds a smoky and salty element, while the bourbon adds a rich and complex flavor.
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Hickory Smoked Turkey with Lemon and Herbs
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chopped Fresh Rosemary, Chopped Fresh Oregano
For a lighter and fresher take on a smoked turkey, try this hickory smoked turkey with lemon and herbs. The citrus and herb flavors pair perfectly with the smokiness, creating a bright and flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a lighter option for their holiday meal.
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Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Black Pepper, Butter, Extra Virgin Olive
For a classic Thanksgiving dish with a twist, try this roasted turkey with stuffing recipe. The turkey is roasted with a beer can inside, infusing it with a subtle smokiness. And the stuffing is cooked alongside in the same pan, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
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Oven-Baked Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Onion, Garlic, Low Sodium
Collard greens are a staple side dish for many holiday meals, and this recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of smoked turkey. The smokiness adds a depth of flavor to the greens, creating a delicious and hearty side dish to accompany your turkey.
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Apple Brined And Hickory Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Apple Juice, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Oranges, Fresh
For a unique and delicious twist on your Thanksgiving turkey, try brining it in apple juice and then smoking it with hickory wood. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is sure to become a new holiday favorite.
Preparing the Turkey
When it comes to preparing a smoked turkey, it's important to start with a high-quality bird. Organic, free-range turkeys are a great option for those looking for a healthier and more flavorful option. Once you have your turkey, brining is essential for keeping the meat moist and adding flavor. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices for several hours before cooking.
Choosing the Right Wood
The type of wood you use for smoking the turkey will greatly impact the flavor. Hickory is a popular choice as it gives a strong, smoky flavor. Applewood adds a slightly sweet and fruity taste, while mesquite gives a bold, spicy flavor. Experiment with different types of wood to find the perfect flavor for your taste.
Preparing the Smoker
While there are many different types of smokers, the most common and traditional is the charcoal smoker. Start by lighting the charcoal and allowing it to burn until it turns grey. Then, add soaked wood chips to the charcoal to create smoke. Place a drip pan filled with water underneath the grill to keep the turkey moist.
Smoking the Turkey
Once the smoker is ready, place the turkey on the grill, breast side up. Keep the temperature between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit and add more wood chips every hour to maintain smoke. The turkey will take approximately 4-6 hours to cook, depending on the size of the bird. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the smoker.
Let it Rest
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Incorporating a smoked turkey into your Thanksgiving feast will surely impress your guests and add a new level of deliciousness to the meal. So why not give it a try this year and start a new tradition for your family? With these simple steps, you'll have a perfectly smoked turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
