Cooking Turkey and Ham Simultaneously in Your WSM: A Thanksgiving Feast Made Easy

The holidays are upon us, and many of us are gearing up for the big Thanksgiving feast. One of the biggest challenges can be juggling multiple dishes, especially when oven space is limited. But fear not, fellow grill enthusiasts! Your trusty Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM) can come to the rescue, allowing you to cook both your turkey and ham simultaneously, freeing up your oven for other culinary creations.

The WSM: Your Thanksgiving Hero

The WSM’s versatility extends far beyond just smoking meats. Its ability to maintain consistent temperatures and indirect heat makes it the perfect tool for tackling a Thanksgiving turkey and ham combo. With its two cooking racks, you can easily accommodate both meats, ensuring they cook evenly and to perfection.

Planning Your Thanksgiving WSM Feast

Here’s what you need to know to conquer your Thanksgiving WSM cook:

Ingredients:

• Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey, thawed and patted dry.
• Ham: A 9-10 pound pre-cooked ham from your local smokehouse.
• Seasonings: Your favorite turkey seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
• Fuel: Enough charcoal to maintain the desired temperature for the duration of the cook.
• Wood: Your preferred smoking wood, such as hickory, apple, or pecan.

Equipment:

• Weber Smokey Mountain (WSM)
• Two cooking grates
• Charcoal
• Smoking wood
• Thermometer
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the WSM: Set up your WSM for indirect cooking. Add charcoal to the charcoal ring and light it using your preferred method. Once the coals are hot and covered with a light layer of ash, add your chosen smoking wood chunks.
2. Season the Turkey: Season your turkey generously with your preferred seasonings. You can also inject the turkey with a flavorful brine or marinade for extra juiciness.
3. Place the Turkey and Ham: Place the turkey on the bottom cooking grate and the ham on the top grate. If the ham is already cooked, wrap it in foil to prevent it from drying out.
4. Monitor the Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature of 325°F (163°C) inside the WSM. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of both the turkey and ham.
5. Cooking Times: The turkey will take approximately 13-15 minutes per pound to cook. The ham, being pre-cooked, only needs to be warmed through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Rest and Serve: Once both the turkey and ham have reached their respective target temperatures, remove them from the WSM and let them rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips and Tricks for WSM Thanksgiving Success:

• Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to cook both the turkey and ham. Remember, the turkey will take longer than the ham.
• Use a Water Pan: Adding a water pan to the bottom of the WSM will help regulate temperature and prevent the turkey from drying out.
• Baste the Turkey: Baste the turkey with its juices every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Glaze the Ham: If desired, glaze the ham with your favorite glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Don’t Forget the Sides: While your turkey and ham are cooking, prepare your other Thanksgiving side dishes.

Cooking a Thanksgiving turkey and ham simultaneously in your WSM is a fantastic way to impress your guests and free up valuable oven space. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can ensure a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving feast. So fire up your WSM, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable Thanksgiving meal!