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Traeger Turkey Recipe

4.9 from 150 reviews

This Traeger Turkey Recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey perfect for any holiday or special occasion. Using a blend of aromatic spices and olive oil or butter, this recipe offers an easy marinade option and simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the turkey, all cooked to perfection using a Traeger grill or any pellet smoker for a smoky, tender result.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 1014 pound turkey

Marinade (Optional)

  • 1 ounce injectable butter marinade per pound of turkey (optional, see notes)

Seasoning

  • ¼ cup olive oil or butter (or olive oil spray)
  • ½ teaspoon ground oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground thyme
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey: If using the injectable butter marinade, inject approximately 1 ounce of marinade per pound of turkey evenly throughout the meat to enhance moisture and flavor.
  2. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or melted butter with ground oregano, thyme, brown sugar (or sweetener), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a consistent seasoning mixture.
  3. Season the Turkey: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over the turkey, including underneath the skin where possible to maximize flavor penetration.
  4. Preheat the Traeger Grill: Preheat your Traeger or pellet smoker to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for smoking the turkey.
  5. Cook the Turkey: Place the turkey on the grill grate breast side up. Smoke for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This typically takes about 3 to 4 hours for a 10-14 pound bird.
  6. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute for tender, moist meat.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Carve your perfectly smoked Traeger turkey and serve with your favorite sides and sauces.

Notes

  • The injectable butter marinade can be a commercial product or homemade; it adds richness and keeps the turkey moist during smoking.
  • If you don’t have a Traeger grill or pellet smoker, this recipe can be adapted for an oven roasting method, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
  • Olive oil spray may reduce the amount of oil used, helping to reduce fat in the recipe.
  • Adjust seasoning amounts based on personal taste and turkey size.
  • Using a meat thermometer is essential for safe and perfectly cooked turkey.

Keywords: Traeger turkey recipe, smoked turkey, grilled turkey, holiday turkey, pellet smoker turkey