You’ll gobble till you wobble this Thanksgiving if you cook up these festive and exciting Thanksgiving recipes on your grill or smoker. Learn how to properly thaw a turkey and how to create moisture with a turkey brine. Plus, there are several recipes that explain how to smoke turkey on different grills. And don’t forget classic sides like green bean sausage casserole and my favorite grilled pumpkin spice cheesecake.

Smoked Turkey Recipes

Smoking a turkey is just as easy as roasting it in the oven, but you get the added kiss of smoke, making it even more delicious. You can smoke or grill a turkey on any type of grill. Below are a few recipes and techniques that will make you a rockstar this holiday.

Turkey Basics

As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, you’ll need to decide what size turkey to buy, how you’re going to cook it and how much time to plan for. Then, you have the option of a wet brine, dry brine or no brine at all. Brining does add moisture, so I highly recommend it.

What size turkey to buy?

For every person you’re feeding, plan on 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. This weight includes the bones. I don’t recommend cooking a turkey larger than 20 pounds. Even though a 20-pound birds look impressive, they take a long time to cook and still only limit you to two wings and two legs. With two 12-pound birds, you’ll have more dark meat to share.

Number of PeopleSize of Turkey
69-10 pounds
812 pounds
1015 pounds
1218 pounds
14Two 10 pounds
16Two 12 pounds
18Two 14 pounds
20Two 15 pounds
raw turkey stuffed and seasoned.

Why You Should Grill Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving Appetizers

Whether you’re watching football or hanging around the grill with friends and family while the turkey cooks, here are a few snacks you can offer up before the big meal.

bowl of bacon pumpkin seeds. Smoked Bacon Pumpkin SeedsBacon Wrapped Grilled Delicata Squash Rings on platter by jar of syrup. Bacon Wrapped Grilled Delicata Squash RingsBowl of pimento cheese with a cracker dipped inside. Homemade Pimento Cheese Spreadcube of grilled salmon with bourbon glaze. Bourbon-Glazed Salmon Appetizerplatter of inside out jalapeno poppers. Inside Out Jalapeño PoppersTailgate Cheese DipWhite Queso Dip

These are the Thanksgiving side dish recipes people keep coming back for over and over.

Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

While it’s fun to mix things up, don’t forget to cook up some of the classics.

Alternatives to a whole turkey

Maybe you’re only cooking for two or maybe you just don’t have the time and energy to whip up a full turkey. No problem, these recipes will still give you the essence of Thanksgiving with a little less work.

grilled butterflied turkey legs on platter with lemons. Grilled Butterflied Turkey LegsFive smoked turkey tails on a grill. Smoked Turkey Tailstongs holding smoked turkey burnt ends Turkey Burnt Ends with Cranberry Barbecue Saucegrilled whole chicken on butcher paper. Grilled Whole Chicken – Just 3 Ingredients2 grilled cornish hens on black plate next to grilled carrots and fresh herbs. Grilled Cornish Henssmoked pork prime rib roast on wooden platter near acorn squash slices Reverse Seared Pork Prime Rib Roast

Thanksgiving Desserts

Pumpkin spice and everything nice.

What to do with turkey leftovers

Leftovers are one of the best parts about Thanksgiving. Here are a few recipes you can make with that leftover turkey.

overhead view of pulled turkey tacos Pulled Turkey TacosPulled Turkey Sandwich with Alabama White Sauce Smoked Pulled Turkey Sandwich3 vertical rows of hot brown sliders topped with tomatoesSmoked Turkey Kentucky Hot Brown Slidersoverhead view of chopped turkey salad Chopped Turkey Salad with Honey MustardLoaded baked potato on table in pan. Loaded Baked Potato on a Grillcloseup of grilled quiche How to Bake Quiche on the Grill

All Thanksgiving Recipes