Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering smoked turkey breast recipe! Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this dish is perfect for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home. We’ll marinate the turkey in a zesty blend of herbs, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that extra kick. Then, we’ll smoke it low and slow until it’s perfectly golden and infused with that irresistible smoky goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the smoky flavor that infuses every bite!
- This one’s a game-changer for your holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
- It’s super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
- Perfectly juicy and tender, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Leftovers? No problem! This turkey breast makes the best sandwiches ever!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Turkey breast – The star of the show, choose a fresh or thawed breast for the best flavor.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning adhere and adds moisture during smoking.
- Smoked paprika – Adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the turkey’s taste.
- Garlic powder – Provides a savory depth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Brown sugar – Balances the savory spices with a hint of sweetness, promoting caramelization.
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey.
- Apple juice – A great brine substitute that adds moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- Chicken broth – Keeps the turkey moist during cooking and adds extra flavor.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to embark on a delicious journey with your smoked turkey breast recipe! Follow these steps for a mouthwatering experience.
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start with a fresh turkey breast. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat for a cleaner smoke.
Step 2: Make the Brine
In a large bowl, mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and your favorite herbs. Stir until dissolved.
Step 3: Brine the Turkey
Submerge the turkey breast in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use applewood or hickory chips for a sweet, smoky flavor. Soak the chips in water for 30 minutes before using.
Step 5: Season the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Rub a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper all over the breast.
Step 6: Smoke the Turkey
Place the turkey breast in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once done, remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Brine your turkey breast overnight for maximum moisture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; aim for 165°F in the thickest part.
• Experiment with different wood chips like apple or cherry for a unique smoky flavor.
• Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
• Slice against the grain for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
How to Serve
Get ready to impress with these serving suggestions for your smoked turkey breast recipe!
- Slice it thin for a delightful sandwich with your favorite bread.
- Pair with cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
- Add a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
- Top with a zesty barbecue sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Include roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Make a turkey salad with mayo, celery, and grapes for a tasty twist.
- Use in wraps with lettuce and avocado for a healthy lunch option.
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy your smoked turkey breast recipe later without losing flavor. “smoked turkey breast recipe“
Storing Leftovers
• Allow the turkey to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container for extra protection.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
• Slice the turkey breast into portions for easier thawing.
• Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
• Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Place turkey in a baking dish with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs “smoked turkey breast recipe“
What type of wood is best for smoking turkey breast?
Hickory and applewood are excellent choices for smoking turkey breast. Hickory adds a robust flavor, while applewood provides a subtle sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other woods like cherry or mesquite for unique flavor profiles!
How long should I smoke the turkey breast?
Smoking time can vary based on the size of the turkey breast and your smoker’s temperature. Generally, aim for about 30 minutes per pound at 225°F to 250°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I brine the turkey breast before smoking?
Absolutely! Brining the turkey breast enhances moisture and flavor. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar can work wonders. Let it soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results, before smoking.
What should I serve with smoked turkey breast recipe?
smoked turkey breast recipe pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Consider adding cranberry sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce for an extra flavor kick!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own smoked turkey breast recipe masterpiece! It’s simple, rewarding, and bursting with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Picture the smiles around the table as you serve this delicious dish. So fire up that smoker, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every juicy bite. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter and love!
smoked turkey breast recipe
Equipment
- 1 Smoker Preheat to 225°F (107°C)
- 1 Large bowl For brining the turkey
- 1 Meat thermometer To check internal temperature
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 breast Turkey breast Fresh or thawed for best flavor
Brine
- 1 gallon Water For brining
- 1 cup Kosher salt For brining
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar For brining
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil Helps seasoning adhere
- 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika Adds smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder Provides savory depth
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder Enhances flavor profile
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper Adds heat
- 1 tablespoon Salt Essential for seasoning
- 1 cup Apple juice Brine substitute
- 1 cup Chicken broth Keeps turkey moist
Instructions
- Start with a fresh turkey breast. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat for a cleaner smoke.
- In a large bowl, mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and your favorite herbs. Stir until dissolved.
- Submerge the turkey breast in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use applewood or hickory chips for a sweet, smoky flavor. Soak the chips in water for 30 minutes before using.
- Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Rub a mixture of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper all over the breast.
- Place the turkey breast in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Slice the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!