Smoking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition in my family! This whole smoked turkey recipe is way easier and quicker than you might think.
What’s Thanksgiving without a turkey? Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving is an American tradition. But, when I married into my husband’s family, I was surprised that they made turkey for other occasions, too!
In his family, big football games or any cold weather gathering were enough of a reason for them to fire up the smoker and throw on a whole turkey! For me, learning how to smoke a whole turkey took time, but I absolutely married into the right family to learn.
I think that my husband’s family was able to pull off having turkey for more than just Thanksgiving because they cooked it on the smoker. Smoked turkey takes on so much delicious flavor, the meat is moist and it’s just so dang good!
So, whether you’re using this smoked turkey recipe as your Thanksgiving turkey or “just because,” I know you’ll love it!
This perfect turkey recipe has been a favorite of ours for over 15 years now, and I am quite convinced that you will feel the same once you give it a try. Below, you can find detailed instructions on how to smoke a whole turkey for Thanksgiving (or any other special occasion)!
Smoking a turkey is a fabulous way to add delicious smoky flavor to your holiday bird. However, smoking a turkey does require some planning and patience to ensure it turns out juicy, tender and full of that wonderful smoked taste.
One of the most important factors when smoking a turkey is maintaining the right temperature in your smoker. The optimum temperature for smoking turkey is 275°F. This allows the turkey to cook slowly while absorbing maximum smoke flavor.
So how long does it take to smoke a 19 lb turkey at 275°F?
Calculating Cook Times for Smoking Turkey
In general, smoking times for turkey are around 15-20 minutes per pound at 275°F. This means a 19 lb turkey will take between 4.75 – 6.5 hours when smoking at 275°F.
To help narrow down the time, here are some more specific guidelines:
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At 235°F, turkey takes around 30-35 minutes per lb, so a 19 lb turkey will need 95 – 10.5 hours
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At 250°F, turkey takes 25-30 minutes per lb, so a 19 lb turkey will need 7.75 – 9.5 hours.
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At 275°F, turkey takes 20-25 minutes per lb, so a 19 lb turkey will need between 6.5 – 7.75 hours.
So when smoking a 19 lb turkey at 275°F, you can expect it to take about 6.5 – 7.75 hours for the turkey to reach the safe finishing temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.
Why 275°F is the Best Temperature for Smoking Turkey
Cooking the turkey low and slow at 275°F accomplishes several things:
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The lower temperature allows the collagen in the meat to break down slowly over time, resulting in very tender and juicy meat.
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The extended cook time allows the smoke to fully permeate the turkey, infusing it with delicious smoky flavor.
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The slower cook means less chance of drying out the lean turkey breast meat.
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There is more leeway at the lower 275°F temperature, making it easier for beginners to smoke a turkey without overcooking.
So while going with a higher temperature like 325°F may shorten the cook time, you sacrifice moisture and smoke flavor. 275°F gives you the perfect balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking a 19 lb Turkey at 275°F
Below are more details on how to smoke a 19 lb turkey at 275°F for ideal doneness and smoky flavor:
1. Thaw the Turkey Completely
Make sure your 19 lb turkey is completely thawed before smoking. This ensures even cooking. Place the turkey in the refrigerator 2-3 days before smoking to thaw.
2. Dry Brine the Turkey
Dry brining seasons the turkey and helps it retain moisture during smoking. Mix together 1 tbsp salt per lb of turkey with brown sugar, herbs and spices. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, sous the skin, and in the cavities. Refrigerate 12-24 hours.
3. Prepare the Smoker
Set up your smoker for indirect cooking at 275°F using your favorite wood chips or chunks. Apple, cherry, pecan and hickory are all good options. Let it preheat to 275°F before adding the turkey.
4. Smoke the Turkey
Place the brined turkey in the smoker breast-side up on a roasting/cooling rack inside a foil pan. Insert a probe thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. Close the smoker and smoke the turkey for about 6.5 – 7.75 hours until it reaches 165°F.
5. Let Turkey Rest
Remove turkey from the smoker once it hits 165°F and let it rest 30 minutes. The temp will rise to 170°F+ as it rests. The juices will redistribute through the meat, ensuring a flavorful, juicy turkey.
6. Carve and Serve
Carve the smoked turkey and serve it up with your favorite sides. Enjoy the incredibly juicy meat with a wonderful smoky flavor.
Helpful Tips for the Best Smoked Turkey
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Use a probe thermometer – it’s the best way to monitor turkey temp without constantly opening the smoker.
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Add a disposable foil pan filled with water to the smoker to help keep the turkey moist.
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Rub butter under and over the skin before smoking for even more moisture and flavor.
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Once the turkey reaches 150°F, wrap it in foil to power through any stall periods til 165°F.
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Let the turkey rest before carving – at least 30 minutes, up to 1-2 hours wrapped in a towel in a cooler.
The Takeaway on Smoking a 19 lb Turkey at 275°F
Smoking a turkey requires patience as the low and slow method takes several hours. But the rewards are incredibly worth it. Allow 6.5 – 7.75 hours for a 19 lb turkey smoked at 275°F. This results in succulent, tender meat with outrageous smoked flavor.
How Long to Smoke a Turkey Breast
Any other white meat lovers out there? I’m the lone one in my family, so if I was doing this smoked turkey recipe just for myself, I would throw on a turkey breast.
If you are smoking a turkey breast, prepare your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and smoke for 30 minutes per pound. If you choose an average 4 pound turkey breast, the cook time you would be about 2 hours.
Please do not skip the dry brine and butter rub for your smoked turkey breast. The low fat content of turkey breast makes it extra important to add fat so it’s good and juicy. Adding a butter baste or injection is smart for a turkey breast, too.
If you have an air fryer, you can always check out my Air Fried Turkey Breast recipe! It gets amazing reviews.
Or, add a ton of flavor to your turkey breast with my Juicy Grilled Turkey Breast. I marinate it in Italian dressing, then grill to perfection!
How to get Crispy Skin on a Smoked Turkey
Although the dry brine will help, it is difficult to get crispy skin on the outside of your turkey without using higher cooking temps.
To do get crispy skin, you can pull the bird off the smoker a few degrees early and finish it on the grill for a few minutes per side.
Or, pop it in a roasting pan, then broil under your oven broiler for a few minutes.
How long to smoke a 22 pound turkey at 275?
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 275 degrees?
Is it better to smoke turkey at 225 or 275?
How many hours does it take to smoke a 19 lb turkey?
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