What to Stuff a Turkey With When Smoking – 10 Delicious Stuffing Ideas

Smoking a turkey is a fantastic way to infuse delicious smoky flavor while keeping the meat moist and juicy But what should you stuff it with? Stuffing provides extra flavor and aroma that permeates the turkey as it slow cooks

When smoking turkey, you want stuffing with bold flavors that can stand up to the smoke. Here are 10 delicious stuffing ideas to try for your next smoked turkey

1. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

A savory sausage and herb stuffing is a classic choice for smoking turkey. Try a combo of ground sausage, onions, celery, sage, thyme and parsley. The sausage provides a nice meaty flavor while the herbs give it freshness. Toast fresh bread cubes in the sausage drippings for extra richness.

2. Cornbread Stuffing

For a Southern style stuffing, use crumbled cornbread as your base. Sauté onions, celery and sage in butter or turkey drippings. Toss the cornbread with chicken or turkey broth and the sautéed veggies. You can also add roasted pecans, diced apple and fresh herbs.

3. Wild Rice and Mushroom Stuffing

Wild rice gives great texture and nutty flavor to stuffing. Cook wild rice and mix with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic and celery. Chicken or turkey broth and a dash of white wine make it extra moist. Finish with parsley and thyme.

4. Apple and Cranberry Stuffing

Tart apple and bright cranberry provide a fruity stuffing perfect for fall smoked turkey. Use diced granny smith apples, dried cranberries, onion, celery and poultry seasoning. Adding pecans or walnuts gives crunch. Fresh orange or lemon zest brightens it up.

5. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Stuffing

The smoky flavor of crispy bacon pairs perfectly with shredded Brussels sprouts in this unique stuffing. Cook bacon, remove, then sauté shallots and shredded sprouts in the drippings. Toss the sprouts with torn bread cubes and crumbled bacon.

6. Mexican Inspired Stuffing

Southwestern flavors like chili powder, cumin, corn and black beans make a tasty change from traditional stuffing. Sauté onion, garlic and jalapeño. Mix with roasted poblano peppers, cooked black beans, corn, cilantro and spices. Stuff corn bread cubes with the mixture.

7. Italian Sausage Stuffing

Italian sausage and sun-dried tomatoes give this stuffing robust flavor. Cook loose Italian sausage and onion. Combine torn bread cubes with the cooked sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, basil and Asiago cheese.

8. Oyster Stuffing

For an old school seafood stuffing, oysters are the star. Make this bread-based stuffing with sautéed celery, onions and oysters, flavored with parsley, thyme and sage. The briny oysters pair great with the smoky turkey.

9. Chestnut and Pancetta Stuffing

Roasted chestnuts and crispy pancetta make gourmet stuffing with nice texture. Cook chopped pancetta till crisp. Sauté shallots, celery and herbs. Toss mixture with cubed French bread, chicken stock and chopped roasted chestnuts.

10. Classic Bread Stuffing

You can never go wrong with a classic bread stuffing seasoned simply with onion, celery, butter, sage, thyme, parsley and chicken broth. Use sturdy bread like sourdough, French or ciabatta so it holds up during smoking.

Stuffing Tips for Smoked Turkey

Here are some tips for getting the most flavor out of stuffing when smoking turkey:

• Use bold flavors that can stand up to smoke like sausage, nuts, mushrooms, fruits and cheese
• Make sure stuffing ingredients are chopped small so flavors blend evenly
• Toast bread cubes or cornbread to help prevent sogginess
• Cook vegetables, sausage and aromatics first to build flavor
• Use broth, wine or butter/drippings to moisten
• Stuff loosely rather than tightly packed to allow smoke to permeate
• Insert stuffing right before smoking instead of the night before

And if you want to skip stuffing altogether, try inserting quartered lemons, oranges or onions stuffed with herbs into the cavity while smoking. The citrus and aromatics will slowly infuse the turkey with flavor.

How Long to Smoke Stuffed Turkey

Smoking time can vary a lot depending on the size of the turkey, temperature of the smoker and if stuffed or not. Plan for around 15-20 minutes per pound. A stuffed turkey usually takes a little longer than an unstuffed one.

Use a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. If smoking at 225-250°F, a 12 lb stuffed turkey can take 4-5 hours, 15 lb around 6 hours.

Should You Cook Stuffing Separately?

Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey does impart great flavor. However, since it’s difficult to ensure the stuffing reaches a safe 165°F, it’s best to cook stuffing in a casserole dish on the side to eliminate risk.

You can still use the same stuffing recipe and stick aromatic fruit, herbs or vegetables in the cavity while smoking. Cook the stuffing covered in the oven alongside the smoked turkey.

Enjoy Delicious Smoked Turkey

Smoking turkey produces incredibly juicy, tender and flavorful meat when paired with the right stuffing. Try one of these creative stuffing ideas to compliment the smokiness. Using flavorful aromatics, vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheese and herbs allows the stuffing to shine.

So fire up your smoker and get ready for amazing smoked turkey stuffed with your favorite flavors this holiday season. Just be sure to use a thermometer and cook thoroughly. What stuffing combo will you try with your next turkey?