When you’re feeding a crowd, a whole grilled or smoked turkey is a great choice! It’s economical and surprisingly easy to prepare which makes it perfect for weekend get-togethers with family and friends, outdoor celebrations, parties, and picnics. Grill up some fresh corn and your favorite veggies in foil packets for easy peasy side dishes.
TURKEY ON YOUR GRILL OR IN YOUR SMOKER
- We suggest covering your turkey during roasting to keep moisture in, then uncover during the last hour of roasting to cook the skin and give it that golden finish. Rest the bird UNCOVERED.
- To bacon wrap or not to bacon wrap? Always a great flavor, but be careful with brines as the added. salt from the bacon may cause a saltier than desired turkey.
- Turkey Breast ONLY COOKING – 350 Degrees for 20 minutes, turn down to 275 until done.
- 4 – 6 Pounds 2 Hours
- 6 – 8 Pounds 3 Hours
- Allow the turkey to rest for about 15 minutes prior to carving to allow the juices to settle.
- Approx Traeger Cooking times per pound: 15 mins per pound, set at 325 degrees
- Approx Big Green Egg Cooking times per pound: 15 mins per pound, set at 325 degrees INDIRECT
- Approx Weber Grill Cooking times per pound 18 mins per pound, set at 350 degrees INDIRECT
- Save those pan drippings, they make the best gravy.
TURKEY COOKING PERFECTION
The National Turkey Federation also offers these safety recommendations:
- Do not roast the turkey in an oven temperature lower than 325° F. Poultry should be roasted at a Minimum of 325° F. or higher to avoid potential food safety problems.
- Do not roast the turkey in a brown paper grocery bag. Present-day grocery bags may be made of recycled materials and are not considered safe for food preparation.
- Do use a meat thermometer (available at most grocery stores and kitchen shops) to determine the correct degree of doneness. Turkey is done when the meat in the thigh reaches 180°F or (meat in the breast is finished at 170°F).
That said, here is an approximate turkey roasting timetable
| Unstuffed Turkey | Stuffed Turkey |
| 8 to 12 pounds — 2 3/4 to 3 hours12 to 14 pounds — 3 to 3 3/4 hours
14 to 18 pounds — 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds — 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours 20 to 24 pounds — 4 1/2 to 5 hours |
8 to 12 pounds — 3 to 3 1/2 hours12 to 14 pounds — 3 1/2 to 4 hours
14 to 18 pounds — 4 to 4 1/4 hours 18 to 20 pounds — 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours 20 to 24 pounds — 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours |