This Thanksgiving, try this delicious and spicy Maple Bourbon Smoked Turkey if you want to deviate from the traditional turkey!
Looking for a way to elevate your turkey game? Look no further than the Pit Barrel Cooker Smoked Turkey Breast! This recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but it also delivers a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 turkey breast (2.35 lbs)
- Your favorite poultry rub
- Cranberries
- Butter
- Thyme
And here’s how you do it:
- Brine the turkey breast: Combine water, cranberry juice, orange slices, onion, cranberries, garlic, sugar, salt, rosemary, and pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then let cool. Add the turkey breast and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 12 hours).
- Get your Pit Barrel Cooker ready: Light it according to instructions and add your preferred smoking wood (applewood is a great choice for turkey).
- Season the turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Season generously with your favorite poultry rub, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
- Smoke the turkey: Hang the turkey in the Pit Barrel Cooker and cook for about 2.5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make the cranberry butter: While the turkey is smoking, mash some cranberries in a bowl. Melt butter in a pan and add the cranberries and thyme. Cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Baste the turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the cranberry butter until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Rest and enjoy: Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips and tricks:
- For an extra flavor boost, brine the turkey overnight.
- If the turkey is getting too much color, wrap it in foil until it’s done cooking.
- This recipe is perfect for any time of year, not just Thanksgiving.
- Leftovers can be used to make delicious turkey salad.
Additional resources:
- Pit Barrel Cooker Smoked Turkey Breast recipe: https://pitbarrelcooker.com/blogs/food/cranberry-smoked-turkey-breast
- Pit Barrel Cooker Smoked Turkey Breast recipe (Ole Blue Dog): https://olebluedog.com/pit-barrel-cooker-smoked-turkey-breast/
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your Pit Barrel Cooker and get ready to enjoy the most delicious smoked turkey breast you’ve ever had!
Smoked Turkey Breast | Pit Barrel Cooker Recipes | How to smoke a turkey breast
FAQ
How long to smoke turkey breast Pit Barrel cooker?
Let the turkey cook in the PBC for approximately 4 hours or until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast or thigh. If you are cooking at a lower temperature such as 240°F using a normal smoker, the time will be closer to 6 or 7 hours.
Can you use a Pit Barrel cooker as a smoker?
The 18.5″ Classic Pit Barrel® Cooker is the perfect solution for all of your grilling and smoking needs. Our Drum Cooker can cook anything from brisket to veggies flawlessly with ease.
How do you cook already smoked turkey breast?
Preheat oven to 350° F. Remove turkey breast from packaging and rewrap in aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, first spray aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray). Place foil-wrapped turkey breast in shallow roasting pan. Heat at 350° F for 1 hour and 20 minutes.