Thanksgrilling Turkey: A Smoky, Crispy Twist on Tradition

Some of my fondest memories of growing up in the Hudson Valley are spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my family in Rhinebeck. Each year, we make sure to honor our family’s cherished traditions while also adding new ones like exploring various ways to prepare Thanksgiving’s signature dish – the turkey! Over the years we’ve done it all – from roasting in the oven to deep-frying outside, but our absolute favorite way to prepare our turkey is on the grill.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the tried and true methods of cooking your turkey in the oven, but I say why not try something new this year? With great deals on grills and fryers from Williams Lumber & Home Centers, this is the perfect time to think about a non-traditional approach to the main dish this Thanksgiving. Sure, it might be a little chilly out, but grilling your turkey? Total game-changer.

I love grilling, because I can get this smokey, charred flavor you just can’t achieve in an oven. Plus, there’s more options and methods than you might realize to achieve a rich and robust flavor. With a Weber® rotisserie kit, you can crisp up the turkey skin while keeping the meat tender. Or you can mix things up with an abundance of pellet flavor options for a Traeger® smoker by going for something mild and sweet like applewood, or getting a bit bolder with hickory or mesquite.

Not convinced the grill is the way to go? A turkey fried up in a Bayou Classic® doesn’t just pack a punch with flavor, it’s also the fastest cooking method at just 3-4 minutes of cooking time per pound!* Another reason I think it’s worth trying your hand at grilling or frying your turkey this Thanksgiving? It frees up more space in the oven for pies, casseroles, and all those delicious sides.

Plan ahead – you’ll be thankful you did!

To minimize last-minute mishaps or scurrying to the store, I like to take some time a few days ahead of time to make sure I have everything I need to prepare the main dish. Whether it’s taking the frozen turkey out to thaw, or checking that I have all of the tools needed to cook the turkey safely, here’s the checklist I use to make sure I don’t miss anything:

Come up with a game plan: Start by choosing a recipe and method for cooking your turkey. Make sure your turkey has plenty of time to thaw (if frozen), and double check your pantry for all of the sauces, rubs and seasonings. Almost out of your special ingredient? Stock up on the essentials at Williams.
Check your fuel: Make sure that you have enough of the proper fuel to get you through the big day! Running low? Williams has wood pellets and charcoal for sale at every location. Propane refill services at the following locations:
Have your essential turkey tools on hand:
- Thermometer: Digital meat thermometer for checking the internal temperature of the turkey.
- Drip Pan: Place a drip pan beneath the turkey in the grill to catch juices to make gravy and prevent flare-ups.
- Basting brush: To apply butter, marinade, or oil to the turkey as it grills to help keep the skin moist and flavorful. Pro Tip: Add rubs or seasonings to your basting juices to help give your turkey extra flavor.
- Tongs: Long-handled tongs for adjusting the turkey or moving coals (if using a charcoal grill) without burning yourself
- Grill Gloves: Heat-resistant grill gloves like Carhartt mitts for handling hot grates, pans, or the turkey, especially when cooking at high temperatures. Note that snow gloves will not protect your hands from the heat!
- Foil: Aluminum foil to tent the turkey if it starts to brown too quickly
- Grill Thermometer: If not built-in, you should get a grill thermometer to monitor the ambient grill temperature, especially if using a charcoal grill. A grill thermometer ensures you’re maintaining the ideal cooking range of 300°F to 350°F
- Rotisserie Kit (optional): both Weber and Kamado Joe grills offer a rotisserie attachment, which you can use to cook the turkey evenly, allowing it to self-baste as it rotates, and brown and crisp the skin.

Staying Safe is a Recipe for Success

Safety is always one of my top priorities. Before I start cooking outdoors, I like to make sure the area surrounding my grill or fryer is cleaned up and free of debris such as leaves or twigs and that my grill or fryer isn’t near any structures such as my home or garage. These important safety measures help to minimize the risk of accidental fires.**

When lighting my grill, I make sure to keep the lid open to both help with oxygen flow and prevent flare ups. Whether grilling, frying or smoking meat, I always make sure someone is supervising the cooking in case quick action is needed.

Accidents happen so it’s important to have a plan in place in case they do. If your grill catches fire, attempt to turn off the burners, if you can do so safely, to cut off the flow of fuel that could continue feeding the flames. If the lid isn’t already closed, doing so can help reduce the amount of oxygen and help slow down the fire. I keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency situation where neither of those techniques works.***

After you’re done grilling, while the turkey is resting, turn the grill burner knobs to the off position. Close the valve on the propane tank by turning its knob clockwise until it stops. After grilling, also be sure to remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below the grill. Since I prefer to store my grill in my garage between uses, I let it cool off completely before putting it away.

Don’t Miss Out on the Great Deals Williams has Cooked Up!

Now’s the time to start preparing for Thanksgiving, especially since Williams is always cooking up great deals for our Hudson Valley neighbors. Check out our monthly promotions on grills and fryers from high-quality brands. Visit Williams today to get a jump on all the “fixings” for a delicious holiday turkey and NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

From my family to yours, have a fantastic and safe Thanksgiving!

– Kim Williams

*https://www.butterball.com/how-to/cook-a-turkey/deep-fry

**https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/where-to-place-a-grill

*** https://www.firstalert.com/us/en/safetycorner/how-to-put-out-a-grill-fire/

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!

Thanksgrilling Turkey: A Smoky, Crispy Twist on Tradition

Plan ahead – you’ll be thankful you did!

Staying Safe is a Recipe for Success

Don’t Miss Out on the Great Deals Williams has Cooked Up!

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!

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