Ingredients
- 1 Pkg: Traeger Turkey Brine (Prepared)
- 1 Pkg: Traeger Turkey Rub
- 1 Ea: Turkey, Whole, Fresh (18-20 Lb Turkey)
- 1 ½ lbs: Bacon, Applewood, Thick Sliced
- 4 Tbsp: Oil, Olive, Blend
Grill & Cooking Supplies
- Traeger Grills Ace SKU – 8030466
- Reserve Blend Pellets Ace SKU – 8015887
- Traeger Turkey Pellet Kit Ace SKU – 8013985
Cooking Directions
- Prepare turkey by removing cavity contents and giblets package under front flap
- Rinse turkey inside and out and set aside
- Prepare the Traeger Turkey Brine according to package directions and cool completely
- Line a bucket with a brine bag and carefully place the turkey into the brine bag
- Add the brine solution and brine the turkey (under refrigeration) for 45 minutes per pound
- Load pellet hopper with Turkey blend pellets, set temp. at 190˚ and ignite Traeger
- While Traeger is heating up, carefully remove turkey from the brine. DO NOT RINSE
- Place the turkey onto a stable cutting board
- With heavy duty poultry shears or large chefs knife, cut along both side of the backbone and remove the backbone
- *** Watch for any shards of bone and remove
- Using poultry shears or the heel of your knife, split the breastbone/sternum and lay the turkey flat
- Rub turkey with olive oil blend and season to taste with Traeger Turkey seasoning
- Place the turkey cavity/bones side down into the Traeger and smoke at 190˚ for 1 hour
- While turkey is smoking, make your bacon blanket on a sheet of butcher paper or foil, keep cold
- After 1 hour of smoke, adjust Traeger to 400˚ and allow to come to temp
- Open the lid and carefully turn the bacon blanket over onto the turkey
- *** If you want to save drippings for gravy, add turkey to a pan, then cover with bacon blanket
- Add the wifire probe to the thickest part of the breast and set probe alarm for 160˚, carry over cooking will take turkey past 165˚ for final internal temperature
- Close the lid and let turkey cook for 1.5 – 2 hours
- Carefully remove the turkey from the Trager using heat proof gloves
- Remove the bacon blanket and save for snacking or chopped bacon needs
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes
- Slice turkey and devour!