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Smoked Apple Cider Turkey
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4.67 from 3 votes

Smoked Apple Cider Turkey

Smoked Apple Cider Turkey is one of the most tender, juicy and flavorful recipes to add to Thanksgiving Dinner. A quick salt water brine makes sure the turkey stays juicy while it is smoked and the apple cider marinade gives it delicious flavor.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Additional Time4 hours
Total Time7 hours 20 minutes
Course: Turkey
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider turkey, flavorful turkey recipe, hickory smoked turkey, how to grill turkey, juicy turkey recipe, Moist turkey, smoked turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 918kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 10- 12 pound Turkey

FOR THE BRINE: 

  • 4 quarts of warm water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 lemon cut into quarters
  • 1 tablespoons peppercorns
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Apple Cider Marinade recipe below

Instructions

  • Place thawed turkey in a large pan or bowl.
  • Mix warm water and kosher salt together until salt is dissolved. Pour over turkey.
  • Add lemons, peppercorns and rosemary. Cover and refrigerate 4- 8 hours.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the apple cider marinade and allow to cool.
  • Drain brine from turkey and discard brine.
  • Pat turkey dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet.
  • Truss the turkey by tying legs and around the middle to hold in the wings.
  • Use an injector to inject the marinade into turkey and between meat and the skin.
  • Prepare a grill fire to about 300° with hickory wood for smoke flavor.
  • Cook turkey for 1 1/2 hours with the lid closed. Check turkey and if the skin is getting too dark, you can wrap it in peach butcher paper and continue to cook. If it is just browning nicely, continue to cook about another 1 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165° in the thick part of the thigh near the bone.
  • We maintained a fire between 250° and 300°.
  • Remove turkey to a serving platter and allow to rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

How to store, freeze & reheat:
Remove turkey from the bones and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooked turkey can be frozen in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Serve sliced turkey cold on sandwiches or reheat in a pan with a few tablespoons of broth for about 5 minutes over medium heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 918kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 130g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 494mg | Sodium: 896mg | Sugar: 3g