This delicious Traeger Smoked Turkey with stuffing is incredibly juicy and flavorful! It’s the best way to make your Thanksgiving turkey with only 15 minutes of prep, and the result is moist, tender meat from a flavorful turkey stuffed with delicious apple stuffing and crispy, crunchy candied pecans.
Imagine the scene, right out of a Dickens novel: your guests gather around the table, eyes widening as you unveil a masterpiece – a flawless smoked turkey, its skin glistening with a deep mahogany hue. But the real showstopper? The aroma of candied pecans and apples from the perfectly cooked stuffing – promising a smoked turkey that knocks the classics out of the park.
We’ve combined the time-honored tradition of smoking with a stuffing with the simplicity of a pellet smoker. What you get is a turkey that’s moist and flavorful, with a stuffing so good, you’ll be tempted to make it year-round.
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?
How long to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill
A 12 to 17 pound turkey will take between 5 to 7 hours on a pellet smoker.
Watch : How to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill
Stuffed Smoked Turkey
FAQ
What do you put in a turkey cavity when smoking?
The cavity is stuffed with a variety of ingredients (cola, apple, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to infuse the bird with irresistible flavor from the …Oct 24, 2024
What should I put in the cavity of my turkey?
Place breast-side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff turkey cavity with 1/2 the onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and bay leaf. Scatter remaining vegetables and thyme in the bottom of the roasting pan; pour white wine over vegetables.
How do you keep turkey moist when smoking?
We swear by wet brining our turkey before smoking because it not only adds a ton of flavor but also helps the turkey retain moisture during the smoking process.Oct 17, 2022
What is the best binder for smoked turkey?
I use molasses usually but if you have to keep Temps under 250 which is the smoke point of molasses. But sugar will leave a bad taste. Same goes for things that contain molasses like some bbq sauces. Olive oil, molasses and apple juice is a nice binder too.
Should you stuff a Turkey on a smoker?
Although stuffing is often served alongside turkey, we don’t like to stuff the bird when it’s going on the smoker. Here’s why. A stuffed bird takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one. Since you’ll be putting the turkey on the smoker for several hours as it is, stuffing it will prolong the cooking time to an uncomfortable degree.
What can I add to a smoked turkey?
Onion, celery, granny smith apples, spinach, cauliflower, and small pumpkins can complement your herbs and spices. Many people add mushrooms to help soak up the taste of the herbs and spices, making the stuffing a complete compliment to the taste of the turkey. Can You Stuff A Turkey Before Smoking It?
What to put in a Turkey cavity when smoking?
Here are a few ideas about what to put in turkey cavity when smoking the entire bird. Fresh herbs, citrus fruit, and apples all make superb additions to a turkey’s cavity. Aromatic vegetables such as carrots, onions, celery, and garlic work well too.
Should you cover a Turkey while smoking?
Covering the turkey while it smokes can help to retain moisture and promote even cooking. However, you may want to uncover the turkey for the last portion of the cooking time to allow the skin to crisp up. 6. Can I stuff a turkey with cold stuffing? It’s best to use the stuffing while it’s at room temperature or slightly warm.
What is a good stuffing for a smoked turkey?
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
Can you add stuffing before smoking a Turkey?
Before smoking your turkey, you can add stuffing to it, choosing herbs and spices that work well with the smoking process. If the turkey has already been smoked and you are reheating it, you can add spices as a stuffing to add some complimentary bold flavors.