Smoked and Grilled Thanksgiving Recipes

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Thanksgiving is quite possibly one of the biggest dinners of the year, and did you know you can make every single part of the meal on your grill or smoker? That’s right, whether it’s the turkey, mashed potatoes, or pie, this post has all the Smoked and Grilled Thanksgiving Recipes in one place so you can shorten planning time, and get to cookin’!

collage of smoked turkey, smoked turkey gravy, and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving Dinner on the BBQ

Thanksgiving dinner is a big deal in my family. Whether we’re eating with the whole extended family, or we’re keeping it small with our nuclear family, we go all-out with appetizers, a big smoked turkey, tons of sides, and at least 3 desserts.

And since we’re the folks behind Hey Grill Hey, you can guarantee that pretty much every single item on the menu will be cooked on the BBQ. Food cooked over an open fire tastes better, so bust out that charcoal grill or pellet smoker, we’ve got some cooking to do!

If you’re needing some help coordinating prep and cook time for your Thanksgiving recipes, check out my post for Planning Thanksgiving Dinner on the BBQ for a full breakdown on steps to take to make sure all your food is cooked and ready at the same time.

Smoked and Grilled Thanksgiving Appetizers

I like to have a few appetizers ready for my guests when they arrive at my house. Nothing is worse than walking into a warm house with all the smells of Thanksgiving brewing, and forcing your guests to wait until the meal is ready for them to taste something delicious.

Five strawberry bruschetta with honey marscapone on a wooden cutting board.

Strawberry Bruschetta with Honey Mascarpone

A fresh and flavorful appetizer, this Strawberry Bruschetta with Honey Mascarpone is a great way to whet your appetite before you dive into your turkey dinner.

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Crescent dough crostini topped with smoked salmon and lemon dill cream cheese on a wooden cutting board.

Smoked Salmon Appetizer

For the perfect bite-sized hors d’oeuvre, this Smoked Salmon Appetizer will keep your guests happy while you’re finish up cooking dinner. A crescent dough crostini is topped with smoked salmon and lemon dill cream cheese for a snack you’re sure to love.

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Grilled brie cheese wheel topped with cranberry jalapeno relish.

Grilled Brie with Cranberry Jalapeno Relish

You just can’t go wrong with this Grilled Brie with Cranberry Jalapeno Relish as an appetizer for your holiday meal. The combo of melty cheese with a sweet and spicy relish is a match made in BBQ heaven.

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Overhead shot of smoked trout dip in a black bowl surrounded by crackers and sliced veggies.

Smoked Trout Dip

Keep your guests happy this holiday season with my recipe for Smoked Trout Dip. It’s a simple mix of smoked trout, cream cheese, lemon, and fresh herbs that pair great with crackers or fresh veggies.

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Pineapple cream cheese stuffed bacon wrapped pig shots on a cooling rack.

Pineapple Cream Cheese Pig Shots

Pineapple Cream Cheese Pig Shots are a little morsel of pork goodness that you’ve gotta try. Pop one of these perfectly portions shots in your mouth and you’ll be instantly hooked.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Now on to the main event: Turkey! I usually like to keep it simple with a good smoked turkey in an apple spice brine. The turkey comes out moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Spatchcocking a turkey is also a great way to flatten the bird to help it cook quickly and more evenly.

Whole smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh cranberries and whole apples.

Smoked Turkey

It doesn’t get much better than this recipe for Smoked Turkey . I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process needed to smoke the most delectable turkey to ever grace your Thanksgiving table.

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Whole spatchcock smoked Turkey on a cutting board next to a plaid kitchen towel.

Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Spatchcocking your turkey allows for more even cooking, and my recipe for Spatchcock Smoked Turkey provides a no-fuss process for delicious, juicy smoked turkey.

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Spatchcock smoke roasted turkey on a wooden cutting board

Roasted Spatchcock Turkey

For some good herb and turkey flavor, try my recipe for Roasted Spatchcock Turkey this Thanksgiving. There’s nothing more impressive that a golden turkey on the center of your table, and this one aims to please.

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Apple spice turkey brine being poured over a whole uncooked turkey in a large stock pot.

Apple Spice Turkey Brine

Start your turkey off on the right foot with my Apple Spice Turkey Brine. It’ll add some much-needed moisture, flavor, and tenderness to your Thanksgiving turkey.

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Spoonful of turkey rub resting on the edge of a wooden bowl full of the same rub.

Smoked Turkey Rub

I created this Smoked Turkey Rub to perfectly compliment the flavor of smoked turkey. It’s a brown sugar-based rub with a handful of herbs and spices to bring all sorts of flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey.

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More Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving

If you aren’t expecting a crowd on Thanksgiving, these turkey breast recipes are the perfect portion for a smaller group of folks while still maintaining all that good turkey flavor on the big day

Smoked turkey breast sliced and served on a wooden cutting board.

Marinated Smoked Turkey Breast

If you have a smaller group gathering for Thanksgiving this year, this recipe for Marinated Smoked Turkey Breast is the perfect portion with the maximum amount of flavor.

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Smoked turkey legs piled on top of peach butcher paper.

Smoked Turkey Legs

If you’re a fan of those huge turkey legs at Disneyland, you’ll love these Disney copycat Smoked Turkey Legs. They’re great for any occasion, but also make for a fun way to enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving.

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Bacon wrapped turkey breast roulade sliced and lined up on a wooden cutting board.

Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Roulade

For Thanksgiving dinner all wrapped up in a convenient bacon package, this Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Roulade is sure to be your new favorite way to cook up a Thanksgiving-inspired meal.

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Smoked and sliced cider brined turkey breast lined up on a wooden cutting board.

Cider Brined Smoked Turkey Breast

To ensure your turkey comes out juicy and full of flavor, I cannot recommend my recipe for Cider Brined Smoked Turkey Breast more. Simple techniques and ingredients make for a turkey entrée you won’t soon forget.

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Sauced and smoked bacon wrapped turkey bites on a round plate.

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Turkey Bites

Looking for a tasty turkey snack? These Smoked Bacon Wrapped Turkey Bites are a perfect turkey appetizer, especially if you’re planning on serving a different meat for the main course.

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Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Now that the turkey is underway, let’s talk about Thanksgiving side dishes. These guys make the meal, in my opinion. After all, not everyone LOVES turkey, so having a nice variety of sides allows your guests to fill their bellies with their favorites.

Smoked turkey gravy drizzled over sliced turkey with whole cranberries and mashed potatoes in the background.

Smoked Turkey Gravy

Skip that pre-made stuff, and whip up a batch of my homemade Smoked Turkey Gravy from scratch for your turkey and taters. Thanksgiving is not complete without the gravy, and making it yourself is a complete game-changer.

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Pad of butter melting into smoked mashed potatoes surrounded by asparagus and sliced pork tenderloin.

Smoked Mashed Potatoes

You’ve never tried a better potato before having my Smoked Mashed Potatoes. They’re creamy, fluffy, and infused with a smoky flavor that will perfectly compliment your smoked turkey.

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Smoked sausage stuffing in a wooden bowl.

Smoked Sausage Stuffing

The best way to enjoy your turkey this Thanksgiving is with a heaping side of my Smoked Sausage Stuffing. Cooked in a cast iron skillet right alongside your turkey, it’s easy to prepare with little fuss.

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Smoked green bean casserole in a 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Smoked Green Bean Casserole

The classic Thanksgiving casserole gets a facelift with my take on Smoked Green Bean Casserole. It has everything you love and expect, with the added bonus of tasty homemade onion strings.

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Spoonful of cranberry BBQ sauce resting on top of a glass mason jar of cranberry BBQ sauce.

Cranberry BBQ Sauce

For a tasty mashup of cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce this Thanksgiving, drizzle a little of this Cranberry BBQ Sauce on your smoked turkey for a new, exciting way to enjoy your turkey.

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Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

What would Thanksgiving be without some tasty, sweet potatoes on your plate next to the turkey and stuffing? Go classic this year with my candied sweet potato stacks (topped with marshmallow fluff – yum!), or cook up some whole smoked sweet potatoes complete with a maple cinnamon butter that will blow your socks off.

Two smoked sweet potatoes topped with maple cinnamon butter in a metal baking dish.

Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Cinnamon Butter

Smoked Sweet Potatoes are a breeze to make and lightly sweetened with homemade maple cinnamon butter for a simple side that is perfect for Thanksgiving.

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Wooden spoon taking a scoop out of a sweet potato casserole.

Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole

The added crunchiness of a candied bacon and pecan streusel topping really take this recipe for Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole to the next level. It’s sweet and savory and everything you’re looking for in a good sweet potato casserole this Thanksgiving.

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Candied sweet potato stack topped with marshmallow fluff and pecans.

Candied Sweet Potato Stacks

For something new and exciting this holiday, try my Candied Sweet Potato Stacks. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are cooked in a sticky glaze and topped with marshmallow fluff and pecans. They’re also cooked in a muffin tin for perfectly sized portions.

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More Thanksgiving Sides

A good collection of vegetables on your menu this year will add color and variety. I personally plan on making at least 2 vegetable sides for a small gathering, and many, many more if we’re planning dinner with a large crowd.

Oh, and since it’s Thanksgiving, let’s fancy these veggies up a bit, eh? All of these recipes take a simple vegetable (or more), and add big flavors that will rival everything else you have on your plate.

Stacked chantilly potatoes on top of a wooden spatula.

Smoked Chantilly Potatoes

Buttery, cheesy potatoes are a must-have this holiday season, and these Smoked Chantilly Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that are sure to be gone in a flash.

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Bacon wrapped green bean bundles stacked on a metal baking dish.

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

If you’re not a fan of green bean casserole, then these Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles should do the trick. Seasoned with a brown sugar soy sauce glaze, they are the savory side dish you’ve been looking for.

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Bacon wrapped maple glazed carrots lined up on a wooden cutting board.

Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Carrots

Food always tastes better when it’s wrapped in bacon, and these Bacon Wrapped Maple Glazed Carrots get some extra love from the addition of a maple syrup glaze while being grilled to crispy perfection.

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Sliced and fluffed grilled baked potato topped with salt, pepper, and a pad of butter.

Baked Potatoes on the Grill

Sometimes when looking at Thanksgiving recipes all you need is a simple baked potato. Cooking Baked Potatoes on the Grill wrapped in foil ensures they cook to soft, fluffy perfection.

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Close up of grilled brussels sprouts mixed with bacon.

Grilled Brussles Sprouts

The secret to delicious Grilled Brussels Sprouts is to wrap them in foil, season lightly, and cook them with bacon. If you’re looking to add some veggies to your Thanksgiving meal this year, this is the recipe for you!

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Grilled butternut squash slices stacked on a plate.

Grilled Butternut Squash with Browned Butter and Sage

The secret to tasty Grilled Butternut Squash this holiday is to slice it thin and cook it on the grill. Cook it in some decadent browned butter, and you’re in for a tasty squash treat.

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Grilled vegetables in a copper vegetable grill basket.

Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables

If you can’t deicide what veggies to cook on Thanksgiving, why not try them all! My recipe for Balsamic Marinated Grilled Vegetables is a tasty medley of 7 tasty veggies so your guests can each have something they like.

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Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Next up, let’s talk pie. I LOVE pie. And these three pie recipes are all made on your BBQ. While the smoker doesn’t add a lot of “smoky” flavor to the pies themselves, cooking over a fire makes them taste better than if they were just cooked in the oven. Plus, you can cook them right alongside your turkey or sides! Talk about convenient!

One slice of smoked dutch apple pie on a white plate in front of a metal spoon with a pie dish of apple pie in the background.

Smoked Dutch Apple Pie

This recipe for Smoked Dutch Apple Pie is sweet and delicious, and cooked on your grill! Topped with a crumbly streusel topping, this pie is a Thanksgiving favorite.

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Sliced pumpkin pie in a pie tin next to another whole pie and a small bowl of whipped cream.

Pumpkin Pie on the Grill

For the ultimate Thanksgiving win, this Pumpkin Pie on the Grill is made from homemade pumpkin puree for the most amazing pumpkin pie of your life.

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Close up of smoked pecan pie in a metal pie tin.

Smoked Pecan Pie

Add a smoky twist to your pecan pie by cold smoking the nuts in advance and cooking the whole thing in your smoker. Trust me, this Smoked Pecan Pie is so good, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make this for dessert.

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Thanksgiving Desserts

Alright, we’ve got our appetizers planned, our turkey brined, and our sides a cookin’. Next up, let’s plan out some tasty Thanksgiving desserts. Leave some room for these amazing desserts after the main course has been devoured.

Skillet bacon apple crisp topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel in a white bowl.

Skillet Bacon Apple Crisp

Sweet and salty make the most amazing combo in this recipe for Skillet Bacon Apple Crisp. It’s cooked in a cast iron skillet and topped with a creamy salted bourbon caramel for a desert you won’t wanna miss!

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Maple bacon shortbread cookies laid out on parchment paper.

Maple Bacon Shortbread Cookies

For a smaller-portioned dessert. try these Maple Bacon Shortbread Cookies. They’re melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with bacon and dipped in a maple glaze for a dessert that brings big flavor in a small package.

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Three cayenne caramels stacked on a wooden board surrounded by more caramels.

Cayenne Caramels with a Pretzel Bacon Crust

Bacon, pretzels, and caramel combine to make a bite-sized dessert you’ll fall head over heels for. A little added shake of cayenne pepper give these Cayenne Caramels the tiniest bit of heat that you didn’t know you needed.

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Four smoked chocolate chip cookies stacked on a metal cooling rack.

Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? Take your cookie-making skills to the next level by cold smoking your chocolate chips (and optional nuts) for a crazy-good take on Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies.

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Metal spoon taking a scoop out of a white bowl of caramel creme brulee.

Smoky Caramel Crème Brûlée

This Smoky Caramel Crème Brûlée will help you turn your normal Thanksgiving dinner into a fancy affair. Cream, caramel, and wood smoke are flavors made in dessert heaven, and I just know you’ll love this one!

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About

FOUNDER/BBQ BOSS LADY

Susie is the BBQ Brain behind the Hey Grill Hey website. Her passion for smoked meats and developing fun, new recipes have landed her on the Food Network, cooking turkeys with Shaq, and on a couple of Guinness World Records. When she’s not grilling, she is hanging out with Todd and their three kids, preferably outdoors!

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Reader Reviews

3 Reviews

  1. Colleen Read says:

    Hello Susie, My husband and I came to the demo you put on at Kents up in Ogden. I’m the one that kept asking you lots of questions. One of the things we talked about was a turkey that is already brined and how to un-brine it. I think you said to soak it in water for 12 hours to get the brine out. But I can’t remember if that was all. Can you tell me again what i need to do so that I can then use the brine that you suggest. Thanks for you help. We really enjoyed spending time with you and your husband. You have such a gift for what you do! You are just a natural with people and behind the camera.

    1. Hey Grill Hey says:

      I’m so sorry for the late reply! You are exactly right on the process.

  2. Mike says:

    So good mmmmm ‘