Thanksgiving is almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about that perfectly golden, juicy turkey and all the delicious sides. But what if I told you this year, we could take it all to the next level—with the magic of smoke?
That’s right, let’s move beyond the oven and onto the grill! Grab your favorite drink, and let’s chat about how to smoke your way to the best Thanksgiving feast ever using Grillers Gold Premium BBQ Pellets.
The Star of the Show: Smoked Turkey
Let’s talk turkey (literally). Smoking your turkey not only makes it the star of the table, but it also frees up your oven for pies and sides—win-win! For Thanksgiving, I love using Grillers Gold Fruitwood Blend. They give the turkey a subtly sweet, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the herbs and spices.
Here’s how you do it:
- Brine the bird: This step is non-negotiable if you want that juicy turkey! Brine it overnight with a mix of salt, sugar, herbs, and citrus.
- Season to perfection: After the brine, pat it dry and coat it with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Smoke time: Fire up your grill with Grillers Gold Applewood Pellets and keep it steady at 225°F. Let the turkey smoke for about 30 minutes per pound, aiming for an internal temp of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
Oh, and don’t forget to baste it with butter or broth every hour for that Instagram-worthy golden skin!
Side Dish Spotlight: Smoked Sides, Anyone?
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—let’s give those sides the smoky treatment too!
- Smoked Stuffing: Instead of baking your stuffing in the oven, spread it in a cast-iron skillet and pop it on the grill for 45 minutes. The smoky flavor takes it from good to unforgettable.
- Smoked Sweet Potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes in half, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Smoke them until soft, then top with marshmallows for a smoky twist on the classic.
- Smoked Green Beans: Toss fresh green beans with olive oil, garlic, and chopped bacon, then smoke them in a grill basket. They’ll be the side dish no one saw coming!
Pro tip: Use Grillers Gold Cherry Pellets for sides—it adds a light, fruity smoke that won’t overpower the flavors.
Yes, You Can Smoke Dessert!
We’re not stopping at turkey and sides, folks. Thanksgiving desserts can get the smoky treatment too! My favorite? Smoked apple crisp.
Here’s how you do it:
- Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a splash of bourbon.
- Top with a buttery oat crumble and pop it in a cast-iron skillet.
- Smoke with Grillers Gold Hickory Pellets for about an hour, until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden.
It’s warm, cozy, and the perfect way to end the meal. (Bonus points if you top it with vanilla ice cream!)
Tips to Make It Easy
- Plan ahead: Smoking takes time, so start early. But hey, that’s what makes it fun—crank up some music, sip a drink, and enjoy the process.
- Get your pellets ready: Trust me, Grillers Gold has you covered. With flavors like Fruitwood, Cherry, and Hickory, you can mix and match for every dish.
- Don’t peek too often: I know it’s tempting, but every time you open the grill, you let out the heat and smoke. Be patient—it’s worth it!
Cheers to a Smoky Thanksgiving!
Friends, this year let’s do Thanksgiving differently. With your grill and Grillers Gold BBQ Pellets, you’ll impress your guests, make your neighbors jealous, and have a feast that’s smoky, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Now, who’s ready to fire up the grill? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re smoking for Thanksgiving—I can’t wait to hear your ideas!
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy grilling!