Hey there, grill masters and aspiring pitmasters! Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving game with a juicy, flavorful smoked turkey breast? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
Why Smoke a Turkey Breast?
Smoking a turkey breast on a Traeger is a fantastic way to achieve a moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful bird. The low and slow cooking process infuses the meat with a smoky aroma and a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched by traditional roasting methods. Plus, it’s a relatively easy process that even novice grillers can master.
The Two Traeger Turkey Breast Recipes We’ll Explore:
In this guide, we’ll delve into two fantastic Traeger turkey breast recipes:
- Traeger Brined Smoked Turkey Breast: This recipe features a flavorful brine that keeps the meat moist and tender, followed by a slow smoke and roast for a truly memorable meal.
- Roasted Herb Turkey Breast on Pellet Grill: This recipe skips the brine and focuses on a delicious herb butter rub that infuses the turkey with incredible flavor.
Let’s Get Started!
Before we dive into the specifics of each recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients and tools you’ll need for this smoking adventure:
Ingredients:
- For the Brined Smoked Turkey Breast:
- 8-quart water
- 1 cup + 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 7 fresh sage leaves
- Ice
- 8-10 lb turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- For the Roasted Herb Turkey Breast:
- 6-7 lb bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1 gallon + 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, marjoram, oregano)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Tools:
- Traeger grill
- Turkey breast
- Brining bag or container (optional)
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Roasting rack
- Shallow roasting pan
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Now, let’s dive into the two Traeger turkey breast recipes:
Traeger Brined Smoked Turkey Breast:
-
Brining the Turkey:
- In a large pot, combine the water, 1 cup of salt, brown sugar, molasses, garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and sage leaves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the ice. Stir until melted, then let the brine cool completely.
- Place the turkey breast in the brine and weigh it down with a couple of plates to ensure it’s fully submerged. Cover with a lid, plastic wrap, or foil and place in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
-
Preparing the Turkey:
- When ready to cook, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Spread the butter evenly over the skin, then season with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.
- Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast.
-
Smoking the Turkey:
- Set the Traeger temperature to 375°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Place the turkey directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, 2-2 1/2 hours.
-
Resting and Serving:
- Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes so the juices can redistribute before slicing and serving.
Roasted Herb Turkey Breast:
-
Preparing the Turkey:
- Remove any excess fat from the turkey breast.
- In a large stockpot, combine 1 gallon of water, the salt, and brown sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- Add the turkey breast to the brine and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. If necessary, weigh the turkey down with a bag of ice to keep it fully submerged.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels; discard the brine. Put the breast on a roasting rack set inside a shallow roasting pan. Pour the remaining cup of water into the bottom of the pan.
-
Making the Herb Butter:
- In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine the butter, herbs, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
-
Adding Flavor to the Turkey:
- Using your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon, loosen the skin over the turkey breast. Spread 2 tablespoons of the herb butter evenly under the skin on each side of the breastbone, pushing out any air pockets.
- Microwave the remaining herb butter on medium-low power until melted. Brush some of the melted herb butter over the outside of the turkey breast.
-
Smoking the Turkey:
- Set the Traeger temperature to 325°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Insert the probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding the bone. Place directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and roast until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, 2-2 1/2 hours. Baste with the remaining butter after 1 1/2 hours.
-
Resting and Serving:
- Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Tips and Tricks for Smoking a Turkey Breast on a Traeger:
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Overcooked turkey will be dry and tough.
- Baste the turkey regularly: This will help keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- Let the turkey rest before carving: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
- Experiment with different rubs and marinades: There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring your smoked turkey breast.
- Use wood chips for added flavor: Hickory, apple, and cherry wood chips all pair well with turkey.
Additional Resources:
- Traeger Turkey Breast on Pellet Grill Recipe: https://www.traeger.com/recipes/herbed-smoke-roasted-turkey-breast
- Smoked Turkey Breast – Traeger Grills: https://www.traeger.com/recipes/traeger-brined-smoked-turkey-breast
- Traeger Turkey Pellets + Turkey Brine Kit: https://www.traeger.com/shop/accessories/turkey-pellets-brine-kit
- Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub: https://www.traeger.com/shop/rubs-sauces/pork-poultry-rub
Smoking a turkey breast on a Traeger is a fantastic way to impress your guests and enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal. With these two recipes and a few helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Traeger turkey breast master. So fire up your grill, grab your ingredients, and get ready for a smoking good time!