Smoked Turkey

This Thanksgiving, wow your guests with a succulent and flavorful smoked turkey. Turkey is a holiday favorite because of its deliciously rich and smoky taste, which is achieved through the combination of spices and slow smoking.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey 12-14 pounds
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Wood chips for smoking hickory or applewood

Instructions:

Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels

In a bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub

Rub the dry rub all over the turkey, including under the skin and in the cavity

Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for the flavors to penetrate the meat

Preheat your smoker to 225F 107C and add soaked wood chips for smoke flavor

Brush the turkey with melted butter and place it on the smoker grates

Smoke the turkey for about 30 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165F 74C

Baste with butter every hour for a golden crispy skin

Once done, remove the turkey from the smoker, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving