Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey With Bacon Stuffing And Homemade Gravy
  1. Remove turkey from packaging and clean out cavity, removing giblets and neck

  2. Spatchcock the turkey by removing the spine using poultry shears, cutting along both sides

  3. Tuck wing tips behind the bird and make a small cut in the breastbone to flatten

  4. Apply heavy layer of kosher salt all over the turkey for dry brining

  5. Place turkey on rack in refrigerator uncovered for 2-3 days

  6. Roast turkey bones, duck bones, pork bones, onion, celery, and garlic at 300°F for 1 hour until browned

  7. Transfer roasted bones and vegetables to pot, cover with water, and simmer for 3-4 hours with herbs

  8. Strain stock and set aside

  9. Mix softened butter with fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, cayenne, flaky salt, and parsley to make compound butter

  10. Remove turkey from refrigerator and rub compound butter under and over the skin

  11. Season turkey with granulated garlic and black pepper

  12. Place turkey breast-side toward fire on smoker at 300°F

  13. Cook turkey until breast reaches 160°F and thighs reach 180°F (approximately 2.5-3 hours)

  14. Cook bacon in cast iron skillet until crispy, then add diced celery, onion, sage, rosemary, and garlic

  15. Whisk together 2 eggs, parsley, and 1 cup turkey stock

  16. Combine cooked bacon mixture with egg mixture and bread cubes in large bowl

  17. Transfer stuffing to greased cast iron pan, cover with foil, and cook on smoker until done

  18. Remove foil from stuffing in final stage to crisp the top

  19. Make gravy by melting butter in saucepan and whisking in flour to create roux

  20. Gradually add turkey stock to roux while whisking until smooth

  21. Bring gravy to boil, add giblets, herbs, and soy sauce

  22. Simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper, then strain

  23. Let turkey rest before carving

  24. Carve turkey by removing legs, wings, and breasts

  25. Slice breast meat and serve with stuffing and gravy

Course🍽️Main Course

Diets🥩Carnivore...

Category🍽️Main Dish

Cuisine🇺🇸American

Occasions🎉Holiday🦃Thanksgiving

Season🍂Fall

DifficultyHard ⏰ 4h

Loading...