Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide on the Smoker

ultimate Thanksgiving guide on the smoker

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We’ve pulled together all of our best Thanksgiving recipes, tips, and tricks into one easy-to-browse page to help you pull off your best Thanksgiving ever.

Thanksgiving is often a stressful time of year, but I find that with a little planning ahead, it doesn’t have to be nearly as bad as you think.

Smoked Turkey Recipes

The main event. The turkey is what it’s all about for 99% of Thanksgiving meals. We’ve got

Smoked spatchcock turkey recipe

Spatchcocking is the best way way to smoke a turkey, and I’m prepared to fight anyone who disagrees. It cooks faster and more evenly, and you get a more even coating of rub.

Do not risk a dry turkey this year

Download our free step-by-step turkey smoking cheat sheet.

Inside, you’ll find clear timelines, prep guides, and pro tips that you can follow on any smoker, ensuring your holiday bird comes out juicy, evenly cooked, and stress-free.

Smoked whole turkey

Smoked whole turkey plated

If you really want that traditional “roast turkey” look, then not all hope is lost. This recipe will show you how to pull off a beautiful whole-smoked turkey.

Pellet grill smoked turkey

spatchcock pellet grill smoked turkey on serving platter

Smoking a turkey on the pellet grill is the easiest way to get a perfectly cooked bird with crispy skin and a subtle smokey flavor.

Deep fried turkey

lifting deep fried turkey out of fryer

While not cooked on the smoker, it’s still done outside, and this deep fried turkey is too delicious not to include.

Rubs and brines

​Easy Turkey Brine

turkey submerged in brine

Smoked Turkey Rub

smoked turkey rub

Non-Turkey Main Proteins

Smoked Ham With Hot Honey and Bourbon Glaze

hot honey and bourbon smoked ham

Twice-smoked ham with a sweet-savory seasoning finishing off with a kick from the sweet and spicy glaze.

Smoked Prime Rib Roast

smoked prime rib

The prime rib is a holiday classic. Keep it simple with a homemade rub, then smoke and finish with a sear at high heat for a beautiful crust.

When you need to keep the “it’s not Thanksgiving without turkey” person happy

If you’re entertaining a small family or group of friends you might not want to cook a whole turkey. But we’ve all got that one person in our life who won’t stop complaining if there’s no turkey.

These recipes will keep that person happy without you having to slave over a huge turkey.

Smoked turkey breast

Keep it simple and let the smoke provide the flavor. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic is all you need for our Texas-style smoked turkey breast.

Smoked Turkey Wings

Seriously delicious turkey wings seasoned with our homemade turkey rub and bbq sauce.

Better Than Disney Smoked Turkey Legs

Effortless smoked turkey legs, flavored with your favorite rub and coated with BBQ sauce.

Classic thanksgiving side dishes

Smoked carrots wrapped in bacon with maple glaze

bacon wrapped carrots on serving plate

Enhance the earthy sweetness of carrots by wrapping them in salty bacon, cooking them with smoke, and finishing off with a maple glaze.

Smoked cranberry bbq sauce

smoked cranberry sauce

Elevate your holiday turkey with this easy homemade smoked cranberry sauce, with optional extras.

Smoked green bean casserole

smoked green bean casserole

Ramp up the flavors of your green bean casserole with homemade fried onions and smoke!

Smoked sweet potato casserole

Smoked sweet potato casserole

Marshmallow-topped smoked sweet potato casserole is an essential side for your holiday feasting

Smoked Sausage Stuffing with Herbs

smoked sausage stuffing with herbs

Smoked sausage stuffing with breakfast sausage and aromatic herbs.

Easy smoked mac and cheese

Smoked mac and cheese

Perfectly gooey underneath yet crunchy on the top, this Mac and cheese is a one-tray wonder with a smokey twist.

Smoked Pumpkin Pie

smoked pumkin pie

Homemade pumpkin pie with a delicate creamy texture and slightly smoky yet sweet flavor.

Turkey 101

​Best Woods for Smoking Turkey

​How to Carve a Turkey (Easiest Method)

About Your Pitmaster

Joe Clements is the founder and editor-in-chief of Smoked BBQ Source, a leading barbecue resource that has helped tens of millions master grilling and smoking. Growing up in a vegetarian household, his love for barbecue was unexpected. Determined to master the craft, he launched Smoked BBQ Source in 2016 to document his journey from amateur to pitmaster.

Joe leads a team of expert barbecue creators and oversees the largest collection of in-depth grill reviews and a library of tested, foolproof recipes. Whether he’s firing up a pellet grill or charcoal kettle, he’s passionate about making barbecue approachable and enjoyable for all.

See more posts by Joe

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2 Comments

  1. Happy Thanksgiving to you Joe. I wanted to let you know the enjoyment I have had with the Backyard BBQ Cookbook that I got from you back in August. There’s some really good stuff in there! But I’m sure you already know that.

    My family is really excited to have me try some of the new recipes from your latest email. I’m sure they will all turn out to be awesome.

    Again, thank you for all the recipes and I wish the best of the holiday season for you and all of your family.