Traeger Turkey Recipe

Learn how to cook a whole turkey on a Traeger grill with this easy recipe. This method of cooking makes for one of the tastiest birds we've ever had!

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 5 15

Author: Heather Painchaud

Servings: 1

Ingredients

12-20 lb turkey
2 Tbsp butter melted
¼ cup dry rub

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Instructions

Start with a completely defrosted or fresh bird that is 12-20 lbs.
Prepare the turkey in brine overnight.
Drain the brine solution from the turkey cavity, rinse the bird thoroughly with water and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Season the turkey meat with a turkey injector marinade recipe. This is an optional step, but trust us when we say it makes for the most tender meat.
Coat the skin with butter or olive oil, and add a turkey dry rub to the skin of the turkey.
Preheat the smoker to 165 degrees F.
Pin or tie the wings and drumsticks to the outside of the turkey if needed.
Place the whole bird in the lit smoker.
Smoke at 165 for 2 hours.
Adjust the temperature to 275 and smoke for an additional 3.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F.
In the last half an hour of cooking time, baste the bird with 2 Tbsp melted butter.
Remove the bird from the smoker to a cutting board. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

Total cook time will depend a lot on the size of the bird. Smaller turkeys will be done sooner and a large turkey will take longer. Use the meat thermometer attached to your grill to be 100% sure the meat is cooked properly.

Maintaining a consistent temperature in the smoker throughout the cooking process is important. Avoid lifting the lid of the grill too often.

Nutrition