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Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey

Plate of Thanksgiving smoked turkey slices with mashed potatoes, gravy and Brussels sprouts

A whole turkey rubbed with sage, smoked paprika and brown sugar a day ahead, then smoked at 275°F over apple and hickory and finished hot for crisp skin. The drip pan below collects smoky juices for an easy holiday gravy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rub

  • 3 tbsp kosher salt (about 30 g)
  • 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp dried sage
  • 2 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

For the Turkey

  • 1 whole turkey (about 12 lb), thawed, neck and giblets removed
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Drip Pan

  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Smoker and Gravy

  • apple wood chunks or pellets
  • a few hickory wood chunks (optional)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider in a spray bottle
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Pat the thawed turkey dry inside and out with paper towels; do not rinse it. Mix all the rub ingredients and season the turkey all over, including under the breast skin and inside the cavity. Refrigerate uncovered on a rack set in a rimmed sheet pan for 24 hours.
  2. Heat the smoker to 275°F (135°C) using apple wood, adding a few hickory chunks for depth if you like.
  3. Scatter the onion, carrots, celery and thyme in a large disposable roasting pan, pour in the cider and broth, and set the pan on the grate below where the turkey will sit.
  4. Tuck the wing tips behind the breast, tie the legs with kitchen twine and place the turkey breast side up on the grate above the drip pan. Close the lid and smoke for about 5 hours, spritzing the skin with cider once an hour.
  5. Monitor the breast temperature. When it reaches about 150°F (66°C), usually after about 25 minutes per pound, move on to crisping the skin.
  6. Brush the turkey all over with the melted butter. Raise the smoker to 375°F (190°C), or transfer the turkey to a 425°F (220°C) oven, and cook for the final 20 to 30 minutes.
  7. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thighs, without touching bone.
  8. Rest the turkey uncovered for 45 minutes. Strain the drip pan juices, skim off the fat, bring to a simmer and whisk in the cornstarch slurry, cooking 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and thick. Carve and serve with the gravy.

Notes

Refrigerate carved turkey and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered with a splash of broth at 325°F (165°C) until the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

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