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Smoked Whole Turkey

Smoked Whole Turkey Recipe

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 lbs)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
  • Apple juice or cider vinegar in a spray bottle (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat smoker to 275°F. Mix butter, herbs, garlic, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. Pat turkey dry, loosen skin, and spread herb butter under skin. Rub outside with oil and remaining salt. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, and extra herb sprigs.
  2. Place turkey breast side up on smoker. Smoke for about 3 hours to an internal temperature of 150°F in the breast.
  3. Spritz with apple juice every 45 minutes during the smoke.
  4. Raise smoker to 375°F and cook 30 to 45 minutes more until breast reaches 160°F and thigh 170°F.
  5. Rest turkey 20 minutes, then carve and serve.

Notes

If you want to dry brine, rub the turkey with salt the night before and leave it uncovered in the fridge. Then just skip the salt in the herb butter. The resting time is not included in the cook or prep total above.