traeger turkey

With perfectly crispy skin, juicy &amp; tender meat, and incredible smoky flavor – you’ll want to make this smoked turkey for all your family gatherings.

How to smoke a turkey on a traeger

sea salt

butter

turkey

Preheat the Traeger grill to 225 degrees f with lid closed for 15 minutes.

While the grill is preheating, prepare the turkey and season inside and out generously with kosher or sea salt.

Place butter under the turkey skin. The butter will be used to baste the turkey periodically throughout the cooking process. And it makes an excellent gravy too!

Place the turkey inside of the roasting pan and fill with your favorite stuffing.

Add the turkey to the Traeger and smoke at 225 degrees for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Change the temperature to 350 degrees and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Baste the turkey with the butter and drippings periodically.

The turkey will be finished when the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165 degrees f and the internal temperature is 175℉ in the thigh next to the bone.

Remove from the grill and allow to rest for about 30 minutes before serving.

Turkey Smoked on a Traeger is one of my favorite ways to cook turkey for Thanksgiving. Come check out my tried and true method along with my 8 pro tips for the best smoked turkey!

How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger

Brined, Unstuffed Turkey (no more than 14 pounds)

Prepare the turkey brine according to your chosen...

Prepare the turkey brine according to your chosen recipe instructions.

For a liquid brine, rinse and pat the...

For a liquid brine, rinse and pat the turkey dry after the brine time. For a dry brine, there is no need to rinse (unless your recipe specifically tells you to). Simply pat it dry afterwards.

Prepare your smoker to a low heat setting....

Prepare your smoker to a low heat setting. On our Traeger, we use the "smoke" setting (around 150-160 degrees F) and we either use Oak, Hickory, Apple, Pecan or a blend of pellets for our wood.

Transfer the turkey to the smoker, insert the probe...

Transfer the turkey to the smoker, insert the probe of a digital meat thermometer that is safe for BBQing into the thickest part of the breast, and smoke on 150-160 degrees F for 3 - 4 hours.

After 3 - 4 hours, Increase the temperature...

After 3 - 4 hours, Increase the temperature to 225 degrees F and continue to cook until the the meat thermometer registers 150 degrees F in the thickest portion of the breast.

When the turkey reaches 150 degrees F, preheat...

When the turkey reaches 150 degrees F, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.

At the turkey temperature of 155 degrees F,...

At the turkey temperature of 155 degrees F, transfer your turkey to an oven safe roasting pan and transfer it to the oven.

Roast at 425 on the lower rack to...

Roast at 425 on the lower rack to crisp and brown the skin until the temperature probe inserted turkey breast reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove the turkey from the smoker and let...

Remove the turkey from the smoker and let rest, loosely tented with foil, on a platter for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/mqinqwzzhycn9hzhrw0k.mp4

THANKSGIVING RECIPES FROM GOOD LIFE EATS 

Turkey perfection is happening with this wet brined Traeger smoked turkey. Soaking the turkey in a brine bath will guarantee a juicy, tender, succulent turkey. The Traeger grill will make this the easiest, most amazing smoked turkey ever.

Wet Brined Traeger Smoked Turkey

turkey (18

kosher salt (or 3/4 cup table salt)

brown sugar

water

water (or enough to cover the turkey)

onion,

lemon

garlic

rosemary and sage (a few sprigs of each)

peppercorns

lemons, oranges, onions, and garlic

Remove the giblet and gravy package from inside...

Remove the giblet and gravy package from inside the cavity of the turkey. Remove or discard any plastic or metal cages or pop-up thermometers.

Get a container that is large enough to...

Get a container that is large enough to hold the turkey and enough water to cover the turkey. Mix the salt, sugar, and hot water until dissolved. Add cold water or ice to cool the brine down.

Place the turkey in the container and add...

Place the turkey in the container and add the brining liquid. If you want to add additional aromatics like peppercorns, sliced onions, lemons, and bay leaves, do that as well. 

Top the container with the cold water. Make...

Top the container with the cold water. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Open the grill lid. Turn the power switch...

Open the grill lid. Turn the power switch on and set the dial to smoke. Wait 4 to 5 minutes until the fire starts.

When the fire starts, set the temperature to...

When the fire starts, set the temperature to 225°F and close the lid. Let the Traeger pre-heat for 15 minutes.

Rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Place...

Rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with the softened butter. Make sure you get some of the butter underneath the skin.

Stuff the cavity of the bird with onion,...

Stuff the cavity of the bird with onion, lemon, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. Put the turkey in a roasting pan. 

When the Traeger is hot, place it on...

When the Traeger is hot, place it on the grill and stick a leave-in thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Close the lid.

Smoke the turkey until it reaches 110°F (this...

Smoke the turkey until it reaches 110°F (this usually takes about 1-1/2 to 3 hours depending on the size of your bird).

Increase the temperature on the Traeger to 350°F...

Increase the temperature on the Traeger to 350°F and cook until the temperature reaches 165°F (This usually takes 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours for an 18-20 pound bird) (see notes).

Remove the turkey from the grill, cover with...

Remove the turkey from the grill, cover with foil and let rest for 20 minutes. 

https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/pfd0modu9otbypvqhhtz.mp4

Top 3 traeger turkey recipes from across the web

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How to smoke a turkey on a traeger

How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger

Wet Brined Traeger Smoked Turkey

Top 3 traeger turkey recipes from across the web

The most viewed traeger turkey recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

How to smoke a turkey on a traeger

How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger

Wet Brined Traeger Smoked Turkey

The most viewed traeger turkey recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 6,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine