23 Smoked Turkey Recipes for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Meals

Hey, turkey lovers! 🦃 Let’s be real smoked turkey is life. Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or just because you’re craving that smoky, tender goodness, there’s nothing like the flavor a smoker can bring. But here’s the thing: most people stick to the same boring turkey recipe year after year. Boring is the enemy of delicious, my friend. That’s why I’ve rounded up 23 smoked turkey recipes that will make your smoker your new best friend.

I’ve tried a bunch of these myself (and yes, I’ve had some epic fails FYI, dry turkey is the worst). But after some trial and error, I’ve got a lineup that’s juicy, flavorful, and, honestly, Instagram-worthy. So grab your apron, fire up that smoker, and let’s get to it.

1. Classic Smoked Turkey

Nothing beats the basics, right? If you’re new to smoking, start here.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup apple juice

Instructions:

1. Brine the turkey in a salt, sugar, and water solution for 12–24 hours.
2. Pat dry, rub with butter, and season with spices.
3. Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke turkey for 30–40 minutes per pound.
4. Baste occasionally with apple juice.
5. Check internal temp it should hit 165°F. Let rest, carve, and serve.

Tip: I always sneak a slice while it rests. Don’t judge. 😏

2. Applewood Smoked Turkey

Applewood adds a sweet, subtle smokiness. Perfect if you like mild flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 cup apple juice
• Applewood chips for smoking

Instructions:

1. Rub turkey with olive oil and spices.
2. Soak applewood chips for 30 minutes.
3. Smoke at 225–250°F for 6–8 hours.
4. Baste with apple juice every 90 minutes.
5. Let rest 20 minutes before slicing.

3. Cajun Smoked Turkey

Feeling spicy? This Cajun twist packs heat without overpowering the turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cayenne
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Rub butter under skin and coat with Cajun spices.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Serve with your favorite hot sauce if you dare. 🔥

4. Honey Glazed Smoked Turkey

Sweet, sticky, and smoke-kissed this one’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Mix honey, butter, and spices.
2. Brush onto turkey every hour while smoking at 225°F.
3. Smoke 5–6 hours until internal temp hits 165°F.
4. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

5. Garlic Herb Smoked Turkey

For those of us who live for herbs and garlic. This is like a flavor bomb.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub under skin and all over turkey.
3. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
4. Serve with roasted veggies for max cozy vibes.

6. Maple Bourbon Smoked Turkey

Ever wondered what heaven tastes like? This maple bourbon glaze might be it.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (10 lbs)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix maple, bourbon, and butter.
2. Brush over turkey during smoking at 225°F.
3. Smoke 5–6 hours, basting every 60–90 minutes.
4. Slice and enjoy with bourbon cocktails (optional, highly recommended). 🍹

7. Lemon Pepper Smoked Turkey

Bright, tangy, and totally fresh lemon pepper is a classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub butter, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper under skin.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for extra zing.

8. Smoked Turkey Breast

Not everyone wants a whole bird. Turkey breast is quick, easy, and just as smoky.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast (5–6 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub oil and spices on breast.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 3–4 hours.
3. Slice thin and pile high on sandwiches.

Pro tip: Makes killer leftovers for wraps and salads.

9. Smoked Turkey Legs

If you want that game-day vibe, turkey legs are the move.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 turkey legs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub legs with oil and spices.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 2–3 hours.
3. Pull, eat, repeat. Ideal for backyard parties.

10. Smoked Turkey with Garlic Butter

Because honestly, everything’s better with butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub under skin.
3. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
4. Rest, carve, and prepare for compliments.

11. Apple Cider Smoked Turkey

Apple cider = fall vibes in a turkey. Cozy, sweet, and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brine turkey in cider and brown sugar overnight.
2. Pat dry, season, and smoke at 225°F.
3. Baste with cider every hour.
4. Slice and pretend it’s November.

12. Beer-Brined Smoked Turkey

Beer + turkey = match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1 can beer (lager works best)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Brine turkey in beer, salt, and sugar for 12 hours.
2. Pat dry and smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Serve with cold beer (obviously). 🍺

13. Smoked Turkey with Herb Butter

Another classic, but with extra herbs for that gourmet touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tbsp sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter with herbs and rub under skin.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Let rest, carve, and watch everyone fight over the drumsticks.

14. Southwest Smoked Turkey

Spicy, smoky, and bold. Southwest flavors are perfect for a turkey twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rub turkey with butter and spices.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Serve with tortillas for DIY tacos. Trust me, it’s amazing.

15. Pineapple Glazed Smoked Turkey

Sweet + smoky = turkey paradise. Pineapple glaze is underrated.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (10–12 lbs)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp ginger powder

Instructions:

1. Mix pineapple juice, sugar, butter, and ginger.
2. Brush on turkey during smoking at 225°F.
3. Smoke 5–6 hours. Sweet heaven awaits.

16. Smoked Turkey with Mustard Glaze

A tangy twist! Mustard gives a killer flavor punch.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix mustard, honey, and butter.
2. Brush on turkey every hour while smoking at 225°F.
3. Smoke 6–7 hours and enjoy that tangy goodness.

17. Italian Herb Smoked Turkey

All the Italian herbs, none of the guilt. Basil, oregano, and thyme = flavor explosion.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub turkey with olive oil and herbs.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Serve with roasted garlic bread (optional, but duh).

18. Sweet and Spicy Smoked Turkey

Sweet + spicy = best of both worlds.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, honey, and spices.
2. Rub turkey under skin.
3. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
4. Prepare for flavor fireworks. 🎇

19. Maple Smoked Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Perfect for holiday vibes any time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, maple, and cranberry sauce.
2. Rub under skin and over turkey.
3. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
4. Serve with cranberry sauce on the side because why not?

20. Smoked Turkey with Orange Glaze

Citrusy and refreshing, orange glaze brings brightness to smoked turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix orange juice, honey, and butter.
2. Brush turkey while smoking at 225°F.
3. Smoke 6–7 hours. That citrus aroma = instant happiness.

21. Smoked Turkey with Chipotle Rub

Smoky, spicy, and bold. Chipotle powder = flavor bomb.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 2 tbsp chipotle powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix butter with spices and rub under skin.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Prepare for compliments (and maybe a little sweating from the spice 😅).

22. Maple Pecan Smoked Turkey

Nuts and turkey? Yes, it works. Maple + pecans = sweet crunch heaven.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, maple, and pecans.
2. Rub turkey and smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
3. Carve and enjoy crunchy, sweet bites.

23. Smoked Turkey with Garlic Lemon Butter

Finish strong with this ultimate flavor combo: garlic, lemon, butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 lbs)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix butter, garlic, lemon, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub under skin and all over turkey.
3. Smoke at 225°F for 6–7 hours.
4. Serve and bask in smoky, garlicky glory.

Final Thoughts

Phew! That was a turkey marathon. But now you’ve got 23 different ways to smoke a turkey that are anything but boring. From classic smoked to sweet, spicy, tangy, or herb-filled, there’s something here for every craving.

A few final nuggets of wisdom:

• Always check your internal temp. Nobody wants dry turkey. 😬
• Rest your bird before carving. Patience = juicy meat.
• Experiment! Don’t be afraid to mix flavors half the fun is in the trial and error.

So, which one are you trying first? Personally, I’m starting with maple bourbon, because, well… bourbon. 🍹

Happy smoking, friends! Your taste buds will thank you.