When Thanksgiving rolls around, I prefer to make my turkey on a smoker so that there’s plenty of room in the oven for side dishes such as slow cooker cranberry sauce, candied yams and Southern cornbread dressing.
Smoked Turkey Breast Ingredients
For this smoked turkey breast recipe you need to first make brine. You will need apple cider, water, salt, brown sugar, garlic, peppercorns, an orange and rosemary sprigs for the brine. After you brine the turkey you will need a turkey breast, BBQ rub and herbs for garnish to finish the turkey. When you want the perfect Thanksgiving recipe, pick an amazing main course like this smoked turkey breast, spatchcock turkey, whole smoked turkey or slow roasted prime rib.
How Do You Make Smoked Turkey Breast?
This recipe starts with a simple turkey brine. The turkey breast needs to sit in the brine for at least 8 hours to absorb all the flavors. After you brine the turkey, remove it from the brine. Pat the turkey breast dry, then coat it in a homemade spice rub. Place the turkey in a baking pan and put it in a smoker. Cook the meat at low heat until it is cooked through. Slice, garnish with herbs, then serve and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Turkey
Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs and fruit for an elegant presentation. It’s fine to use a fresh or frozen turkey, just make sure to thaw the breast before you place it in the brine. The turkey should stay in the brine for at least 8 hours, but no more than 12 hours or it can get overly salty. Feel free to use an aluminum foil baking pan for easy cleanup. Smoked turkey breast will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave, or place a covered pan of turkey in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through. I highly recommend using my homemade BBQ rub recipe or smoked turkey rub to coat your turkey. If you don’t want to make your own seasoning, you can purchase your favorite prepared BBQ rub instead.
Flavor Variations
While this recipe cooks up juicy and flavorful turkey breast, you can modify to fit your own taste.
Herb: Try adding to your rub a tablespoon of Italian seasoning which features thyme and rosemary or add some ground sage. Spicy: For a spicy kick, mix in a tablespoon of cayenne pepper into your rub. Cajun: Add 2 tablespoons of my Cajun seasoning to the rub. If you want to make a whole turkey, try my Cajun turkey!
Once you try this smoked turkey breast, you’ll find yourself making it for the holidays every year!
Smoked Turkey Breast Video
