Applewood Smoked Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Way to Cook Your Thanksgiving Bird

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With this practically effortless turkey recipe on a pellet grill, Applewood Smoked Turkey for Traeger will make Thanksgiving a breeze! It’s so juicy! You’ll never bake a turkey in the oven again.

My friends, have I got the ULTIMATE turkey recipe for you today. For over 2 decades we have been making a traditional turkey in the oven. Though it tastes incredibly good,

Boy am I glad we did. We were getting ready for a camping trip the other day. Preparing a turkey was the ideal decision.

I love using the Traeger whenever possible. It not only keeps the mess out of my kitchen but also makes a ton of other uses for my oven possible. Really, though, how can you prepare all those delicious side dishes for the holidays in the oven while a large bird roasts inside?

We may have a professional range, but it is still a single oven. So baking more than one thing at a time just can’t happen. Because of this, I’ve developed resourceful methods for creating things we adore with all of my other appliances whenever I can. Like making our holiday turkey in the pellet grille.

The fact that our Traeger operates regardless of the weather is another feature I adore about it. Since it is electric, it will keep going even if there is a blizzard outside.

We don’t have to worry about maintaining the flame or having it blow around, which would prevent our food from cooking, unlike with our gas grill. We can set the temp & the Traeger does the work.

The fact that I can choose the kind of pellets I want is also very fantastic, as it definitely affects the flavor of the meat. I could really taste the sweet, smokey flavor in every bite of this turkey made with Applewood.

When I was a child, I could recall my mother waking up at an odd hour to finish all the holiday preparations. We are talking, prepping the bird, getting stuffing going & whatever else she was doing.

I never understood why such preparation was necessary for holidays or why the day had to begin at that particular hour. But never have I spent that kind of time in the kitchen for a holiday.

However, now that I have this Traeger turkey recipe, I genuinely only need a few minutes to prepare the bird. So freaking easy my friends! You will LOVE IT!.

Are you tired of the same old dry, boring turkey every Thanksgiving? Do you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and juicy bird that will have them begging for seconds? Then you need to try this Applewood Smoked Turkey recipe!

This recipe is not only incredibly easy, but it also uses the amazing flavor of applewood smoke to infuse your turkey with a delicious sweetness and smokiness. And the best part is, you can cook it on your Traeger grill, making it even easier to prepare.

What is Applewood Good for Smoking Turkey?

Applewood is a type of hardwood that is known for its sweet and mild flavor. It is a popular choice for smoking turkey because it imparts a subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the bird. Additionally, applewood burns clean and evenly, making it ideal for long cooks.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are many reasons why you should try this Applewood Smoked Turkey recipe:

  • It’s easy to make. This recipe is so simple, even a beginner can make it.
  • It’s incredibly delicious. The applewood smoke adds a unique and delicious flavor to the turkey.
  • It’s perfect for Thanksgiving. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable.
  • It’s versatile. You can use this recipe to smoke any type of turkey, including whole turkeys, turkey breasts, and turkey legs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (13-15 lb) turkey
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 12 ounces beer
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 apple, halved
  • 1/3 cup Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
  • Applewood pellets

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the turkey in a shallow roasting pan.
  3. Pour the beer and teriyaki sauce into the bottom of the pan.
  4. Rub the softened butter all over the turkey.
  5. Liberally coat the buttered turkey with the Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub.
  6. Cut the apple in half and place it inside the turkey cavity.
  7. Place the turkey on the grill and cook for approximately 5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

  • For a crispier skin, crank up the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • If you don’t have a Traeger grill, you can use a smoker or even a charcoal grill. Just be sure to use indirect heat and keep the temperature between 225 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • This recipe is also great for making turkey breasts or turkey legs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

This Applewood Smoked Turkey recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable. So give it a try this year, and you won’t be disappointed!

What pan works best for this recipe?

So, you CAN use a disposable pan when making this turkey. Just make sure you are putting some sort of baking sheet under it to give it support. Otherwise the pan will collapse under the weight when tryin to move it & you will have a big ol’ hot mess & a ruined dinner on your hands.

I like to use this roasting pan, which has a little rack in the bottom to keep the bird out of most of the juices. This allows for a bit of airflow & keeping the bottom of the turkey from getting soggy. Plus it has handles, making it easier to carry it.

You should be aware that using your braising pan in the Traeger will result in a layer of smokey soot remaining on it, even if you adore it. It wipes off with a wet washcloth & will definitely wash off with soap & water. Don’t freak out. It won’t permanently harm your pan.

Be sure to pair this with these awesome side dishes

Perhaps you’ve never cooked a turkey on a Traeger grill before, but this Applewood Smoked Traeger turkey recipe is incredibly simple and delicious. If you’re anything like me, you probably already have the majority of these ingredients on hand. Below is a list of the ingredients I simply must have in order to prepare this delicious supper.

If you are looking for the easiest turkey recipe for your holiday – this is definitely it!

AppleWood Whole Smoked Turkey

FAQ

Is apple wood good for smoking turkey?

Here is the best types of wood for smoking a turkey, whether you’re using wood chips or wood chunks: Apple – mild, sweet fruity flavor. Cherry – where we love this mild sweet wood, it is also great for adding a rich mahogany color to your meats. Pecan – nutty, rich flavor.

What does applewood smoked turkey taste like?

All Natural* JENNIE-O® Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast has a crisp, sweet smoky apple taste blended with deli turkey for a flavorful treat that’s packed with nutrition. Look for the familiar label in the deli section of your grocery store.

What is the best pellet flavor for turkey?

Those heavily smoky hickory and mesquite woods are lovely with brisket, but they might overpower the delicate white meat of a turkey on their own. Instead, turn to lighter woods — or a finely tuned blend of woods, as in our number one recommendation, the Traeger Turkey Blend Wood Pellets.

Is mesquite OK for turkey?

And honestly, it always yields the best bird—juicy, wonderfully aromatic from smoky wood chips, as lustrous as polished mahogany. Mesquite wood gives a traditional Mexican flavor, but for Thanksgiving I go easy on the wood chips, creating a light smokiness that complements my traditional dressing and mashed potatoes.

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