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Traeger Smoked Turkey

Transform a traditional holiday favorite into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to pull off.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 whole turkey 12-14 pounds
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 2 cups chicken broth for basting

Equipment

  • Traeger grill or similar smoker
  • Meat thermometer
  • Brining container
  • Wood pellets (hickory, apple, or your choice)
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. If brining, mix salt and water in a large container and submerge the turkey for 12-24 hours.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey.
  4. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary in a bowl and rub this mixture over the turkey, including the inside cavity.
  5. Set your Traeger grill to 225°F and allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes.
  6. Put the turkey on the grill grates, breast side up, and close the lid.
  7. Smoke the turkey for about 4-6 hours, basting every hour with chicken broth.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
  9. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Serve with homemade cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and rich gravy made from drippings.