Traditional Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

The best Thanksgiving turkey recipe calls for simple spices & primal wood-fired flavor. Traeger is your recipe for success.

Traeger Kitchen

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 4 Hours

Serves: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Pound Butter
  • 6 Clove Garlic, Mincedr
  • 8 Sprig Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Tablespoon Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 20 Pound Turkey, Whole Birds (18-20 Lbs)

Steps

Set the grill temperature to 300℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, black pepper and kosher salt.

Prep the turkey by separating the skin from the breast creating a pocket to stuff the butter-herb mixture in. Cover the entire breast with 1/4" thickness of butter mixture.

Season the whole turkey with kosher salt and black pepper. Optional: Stuff turkey cavity with Traditional Stuffing recipe. When ready to cook, set the grill temperature to 300℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

Place turkey on the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours. Check the internal temperature, the desired temperature is 175℉ in the thigh next to the bone, and 160℉ in the breast. Turkey will continue to cook once taken off grill to reach a final temperature of 165℉ in the breast.

Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!