Smoking a turkey infuses it with deep, smoky flavor that roasting alone can’t achieve. And Butterball turkeys, with their plump juicy meat, are a perfect choice for getting deliciously smoked results. Follow this guide to learn how to smoke a Butterball turkey for your next special occasion.
Choosing Your Butterball Turkey
Butterball offers a variety of whole fresh and frozen turkeys ideal for smoking. When selecting your turkey, consider
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Size Choose a turkey that will feed your gathering allowing for about 1⁄2 to 1 pound per person. Fresh Butterball turkeys range from 8 to 24 pounds.
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Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in turkeys are the classic choice, but boneless turkey breasts or roasts allow for faster, more even smoking.
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Frozen or fresh: You can smoke either, but frozen turkeys require thawing first. Thaw turkey in the fridge 1 day for every 4 pounds.
Once thawed, fresh or thawed frozen turkeys can be kept refrigerated for 1-2 days before smoking.
Prepping Your Turkey
Before smoking, some simple prep ensures the best results:
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Remove giblets: Check inside the cavities and remove the giblets and neck. Discard or use for gravy.
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Dry the skin: Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Dry skin helps the turkey brown during smoking.
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Apply rub: For flavor, coat the turkey with olive oil then generously apply a spice rub inside the cavities and under the skin.
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Insert thermometers: Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness and a probe thermometer that stays in during smoking.
Setting Up Your Smoker
To smoke a turkey, you’ll need either a charcoal smoker or an electric smoker. Follow all manufacturer instructions to set up your smoker. Key steps include:
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Choose your wood: For turkey, use a milder wood like apple, pecan, or cherry to complement the delicate flavor.
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Maintain temperature: Keep temperature steady between 225-250°F throughout smoking.
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Use a water pan: The water pan helps maintain moisture. Fill with water, wine, broth or cider.
Smoking Your Turkey
Once your smoker is hot and filled with fragrant smoke, it’s time to add the turkey.
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Place turkey on racks: Use a rack inside a foil pan to elevate the turkey above the bottom. This allows for air circulation.
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Monitor temperature: Insert a probe thermometer into the deepest part of the thigh, without touching bone. Maintain temperature until it reaches 165°F.
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Rotate turkey: Occasionally rotate the turkey for even exposure to smoke.
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Add wood chips: Replenish wood chips or chunks throughout smoking to maintain consistent smoke.
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Baste (optional): For extra flavor and moisture, baste with melted butter or an oil-based mop sauce every hour.
Determining Doneness
Smoking times vary based on many factors, but estimate 30-45 minutes per pound at 225°F. Turkey is done when:
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Thigh probe thermometer reaches 165°F.
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Thickest part of breast reaches 170°F.
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Leg joint moves easily.
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Juices run clear when pierced.
If using an unstuffed turkey, the cavity temperature should reach 165°F. For stuffed turkeys, the center of stuffing must reach 165°F.
Letting Your Turkey Rest
Never slice into a turkey straight out of the smoker! Letting it rest is key for perfectly cooked meat:
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Tent with foil: Loosely cover turkey with foil right after smoking. This keeps it warm.
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Let sit for 30 minutes: The juices redistribute through the meat as it rests, ensuring moist, tender meat.
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Check temperature: Double check doneness, then carve and serve!
Now that you’re a pro at smoking Butterball turkeys, it’s time to fire up your smoker! Adjust cooking times as needed and use a thermometer for perfectly safe results. Infuse your next holiday bird or Sunday supper with mouthwatering smoky flavor.
FAQs about Smoking a Butterball Turkey
Get answers to common questions about smoking Butterball turkeys:
Should you brine a Butterball turkey before smoking?
Brining is optional but recommended. Butterball turkeys are already injected with a salt solution for juiciness. But soaking in a saltwater brine for 8-12 hours adds extra moisture and flavor.
What is the best wood for smoking turkey?
Mild fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan complement turkey best. Hickory and mesquite may overpower the delicate flavor.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey?
Estimate 30-45 minutes per pound at 225°F. A 15 pound turkey takes about 7-8 hours when smoking at this temp.
Can you smoke a frozen Butterball turkey?
Only smoke fully thawed turkeys. Frozen turkeys need 4-5 days thawing in the fridge before they can be smoked.
Should you stuff your turkey before smoking?
For food safety, it’s best to smoke an unstuffed turkey. Smoke the stuffing in a casserole dish so it heats evenly along with the turkey.
Can you smoke a turkey on a pellet grill?
Absolutely. Set up your pellet grill for smoking by maintaining 225-250°F with your choice of pellets. Cook turkey allowing 30-45 minutes per pound.
How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?
Dry turkey is no fun. Use these tips: brine the turkey, baste while smoking, spritz with broth/juice, cook to proper doneness and always let rest before carving.
What is the ideal internal temp for smoked turkey?
Cook until the thigh reaches 165°F and the thickest part of breast reaches 170°F. Cold spot in center of stuffing should hit 165°F.
Can you smoke a turkey at higher temperatures?
Yes, smoking between 250-275°F is fine. The turkey cooks faster so watch closely and use a thermometer. Plan for 25-30 minutes per pound.
How do you crisp up the turkey skin while smoking?
The low, slow heat of smoking won’t crispen the skin. After smoking, put turkey over direct heat on a grill for 5-10 minutes until browned and crispy.
Smoked Turkey Tips and Tricks
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If using a whole frozen turkey, be sure it is completely thawed before smoking. This takes 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
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For extra flavor, try injecting or soaking the turkey in a marinade before applying rub and smoking.
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Use a foil drip pan under the turkey to catch drippings. The drippings can be used for basting, making gravy or au jus.
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If the turkey starts to brown too quickly during smoking, tent it loosely with foil.
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Let guests get creative and make their own turkey sandwiches with leftovers! Provide buns, lettuce, cranberry sauce and other desired toppings.
Soak up the smoky goodness of a perfectly cooked Butterball turkey on your next occasion. Follow this guide for tenderly smoked results every time.
