How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger

good life eats

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

~ GOOD LIFE EATS

Brined Unstuffed Turkey

KEY INGREDIENT

– 12 pound Brined , Unstuffed Turkey (no more than 14 pounds)

INGREDIENTS:

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TOTAL TIME

Yield

BRINE FOR 1 1- 12lb TURKEY

9 HOURS 30 MINUTES

PREP TIME

HOW TO SMOKE A TURKEY ON A TRAEGER

10 MINUTES

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the turkey brine according to your chosen recipe instructions.

INSTRUCTIONS

2. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS

3. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS

4. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS

5. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS

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

INSTRUCTIONS

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

INSTRUCTIONS

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

INSTRUCTIONS

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

Visit Good Life Eats for more Notes and Tips on making the BEST Trager Smoked Turkey!

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Enjoy!

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