This smoked turkey recipe is the perfect turkey to serve on Thanksgiving or other special occasions. The turkey is delicious and tender, and the whole bird tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant. I can guarantee this smoked turkey will take your holiday meal to the next level!
Nothing beats a home-cooked turkey on Thanksgiving, and this smoked turkey recipe will help you get the best smoked turkey ever! Don’t feel intimidated by this recipe. Smoking a turkey can be just as easy as cooking it in your kitchen.
You can make a smoked turkey at home, no matter what kind of grill you’ve got on your deck. In fact, our first-ever smoked turkey was done on our old gas grill, and to date, is one of the most amazing smoked turkeys I’ve ever had (you never forget your first!).
Nowadays, I prefer to use my Camp Chef SmokePro pellet smoker because it maintains the smoke and temperatures for me so I don’t have to do as much babysitting. But you can make this smoked turkey on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or any type of smoker you have. The most important thing is to use a grill where you can create indirect heat, maintain consistent temperatures, and add in the element of wood smoke.
The post below is loaded with lots of information to help you get the best smoked turkey around. Please take the time to read through the entire post before you smoke your first bird. Following all the recommendations below will help you avoid any pitfalls on the big day.
Smoking a stuffed turkey is a great way to add delicious flavor to your holiday bird. When smoked correctly, the turkey emerges juicy, tender and infused with a lovely smoky aroma. However, smoking a stuffed turkey does require some special considerations regarding cook times. Here’s what you need to know about how long to smoke a stuffed turkey.
Average Cook Times
The general rule of thumb for smoking an unstuffed turkey is about 30 minutes per pound at a temperature between 220-275°F. So a typical 12-14 lb turkey would take 6-7 hours to smoke without stuffing
When stuffing is added, plan to add about 30-60 minutes of additional cook time. The extra thermal mass from the stuffing means the turkey will take a bit longer to come up to temperature
So for a 12 lb stuffed turkey, expect around 8 hours of total smoke time, give or take For a 14 lb bird, plan on 8-9 hours Monitor the temperature and use a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying solely on cook times.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors can increase or decrease the amount of time needed to smoke a stuffed turkey:
- Turkey size – Smaller birds cook faster than larger ones. An 18 lb turkey could need up to 10-11 hours of smoke time.
- Meat temperature – Ensure turkey is fully thawed before smoking. Frozen or partially frozen turkey will require longer cook time.
- Ambient temperature – If smoking in very cold weather, it may take longer for turkey to come to temperature.
- Smoker temperature – Keep smoker temp steady between 220-275°F for best results. Higher heat will decrease cook time.
- Stuffing ingredients – Dense, thick stuffings with a lot of bulk take longer to heat than lighter stuffings.
- Smoke absorption – The more smoke flavor desired, the longer the cook time.
- Stuffing location – Turkeys stuffed under the skin cook faster than cavity-stuffed.
Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
It’s critical to smoke the stuffed turkey to proper doneness, as determined by safe minimum internal temperatures:
- 165°F – The minimum safe temperature for stuffed poultry according to USDA guidelines. The center of the stuffing and thickest part of breast and thighs must reach 165°F.
- 170-175°F – For optimum quality, smoke stuffed turkey to 170-175°F in breast and 175°F in thighs. The stuffing should register at least 165°F.
- 185°F – The thigh joint area takes longest to come up to temperature. Check for 185°F in innermost joint area.
Use a good digital meat thermometer to check multiple areas. Temperatures can vary in different parts of the bird. Rest turkey for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips when smoking a stuffed turkey for best results:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor temps. Check in multiple areas.
- Maintain steady, even heat in the smoker between 220-275°F.
- Brine turkey first for added moisture and flavor.
- Choose a lighter, drier stuffing rather than heavy, soggy stuffing.
- Smoke stuffed turkey breast-side up to protect stuffing from direct heat.
- Tent turkey with foil if browning too quickly or drying out.
- Allow turkey to rest before carving so juices redistribute evenly.
- Cook any leftover stuffing to 165°F before serving.
With some simple planning, you can master smoking a moist, delicious stuffed turkey. For a 12-14 lb bird, expect around 8-9 hours at 220-275°F. Monitor internal temperatures and allow for carryover cooking during rest time. Maintaining proper heat and using a thermometer are keys for success. With the right technique, your smoked stuffed turkey will become a new holiday tradition.
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Catching the Smoked Turkey Drippings
Make sure you have a drip pan at the ready to catch the drippings as well as keep your smoker environment moist. I use an aluminum pan that I can position on the grill underneath my turkey.
Fill the pan with several cups of water at the beginning of the smoke. This water will likely evaporate during the smoking process, so be prepared to refill the pan and keep a few cups of water in there at all times. Once your turkey is done, use those lovely drippings to make the absolute best Smoked Turkey Gravy you’ve ever had!
How Much Turkey Per Person?
A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. Remember, you will be cooking a whole turkey with bones, skin, wings, etc. that won’t necessarily be consumed at the Thanksgiving table.
Personally, I estimate 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. This will ensure everybody gets enough, and you’ll have leftovers for sandwiches the next day.
Stuffed Smoked Turkey
How long do you smoke a Turkey in a smoker?
Smoke the turkey for 1 hour, then begin spritzing with chicken broth every 45 minutes for the remainder of cooking to give the bird a little moisture. After the first 3 hours of the turkey being in the smoker, it’s time to kick that temperature up.
What temperature do you smoke a stuffed turkey?
A: The ideal temperature for smoking a stuffed turkey is between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and slowly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. Q: How long does it take to smoke a stuffed turkey?
Can you put stuffing in a smoked turkey?
If you really love stuffing inside your turkey, there is a way to safely stuff a smoked turkey. First, prepare and cook the stuffing separately while the turkey smokes. Then, place the stuffing into the turkey once it is done smoking.
How long does it take to cook a stuffed turkey?
A: The cooking time for a stuffed turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound of turkey. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 10 hours to smoke.