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Smoked Turkey Recipe

A perfectly cooked, golden-brown smoked turkey resting on a white platter, ready to serve.
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A classic American recipe for a whole smoked turkey, perfect for holidays. This recipe focuses on infusing the turkey with smoky flavor using your smoker or grill, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–15 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • Wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. This is your dry rub.
  3. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin of the breast.
  4. Place the turkey on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  5. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225-250°F (107-121°C). Add your chosen wood chips according to your smoker’s instructions.
  6. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  7. Place the turkey directly in the smoker or on the grill.
  8. Smoke the turkey for approximately 30-35 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
  9. During the last hour of smoking, baste the turkey every 20-30 minutes with apple cider mixed with melted butter.
  10. Once the turkey reaches the target temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can place a pan of water or apple cider in the smoker.
  • Ensure your smoker or grill maintains a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process.
  • Hickory and applewood chips provide a classic smoky flavor that pairs well with turkey.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/smoked-turkey-recipe/