Everything you need to put a smoked turkey on the Thanksgiving table on time: how big a bird, when to thaw and brine, when to light the fire, and what else to put on the smoker.
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days until Thanksgiving
The plan, step by step
2 to 3 weeks outDecide on the size and order the birdUse the turkey size calculator. Over 16 lb for one smoker? Order two smaller birds.
4 to 5 days outMove a frozen turkey to the fridgeAllow 1 day per 4 lb. A 16 lb bird needs 4 full days.
1 to 2 days outDry brineSalt the thawed bird all over and leave it uncovered in the fridge so the skin dries.
Day beforeCheck fuel, wood and probesEnough charcoal or pellets for the whole cook plus a spare hour. See the charcoal calculator.
Thanksgiving morningLight the smoker and put the turkey onThe turkey calculator gives you the exact time from your dinner time.
Last hourPull at 165F breast, rest 30 minutesUse the smoker for sides while the turkey rests.
Stuffing in a pan. Smoked separately, it picks up flavor and reaches a safe temperature without slowing the bird down.
A second protein. A spiral ham only needs reheating (see the smoked ham calculator), and a pork butt or brisket can cook the day before and reheat. The multi-cut planner lines up several cuts to one serve time.
Mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. Both take smoke well in the last hour at 275F to 325F, while the turkey rests.
Smoker versus oven: freeing up the kitchen
The biggest practical win of a smoked turkey is that it frees the oven for pies, rolls and casseroles. Plan the smoker for the turkey and one or two sides, and the oven for everything that bakes.
What time should I put my turkey on the smoker for Thanksgiving?
Work back from dinner: 30 minutes of rest, the cook time (about 18 minutes per pound at 275F for a whole bird), and 30 minutes to heat the smoker. For a 14 lb turkey and a 3 PM dinner, light the smoker around 9:45 AM. The turkey calculator does this for any weight and dinner time.
Can I smoke the turkey the day before Thanksgiving?
You can, but the skin will not be crisp when reheated. A better approach is to smoke the turkey on the day and cook make-ahead meats such as pulled pork or brisket the day before.
How do I keep a smoked turkey warm until dinner?
Rest it tented with foil for 30 minutes. For a longer hold, wrap it in foil and a towel and place it in an empty cooler. It stays hot for about two hours.
When is Thanksgiving this year?
US Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November. The countdown on this page updates automatically.