The Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share stories, and savor the flavors of the season. With the Big Green Egg, preparing a Thanksgiving turkey becomes more than just cooking—it becomes a cherished tradition. The EGG’s unique ceramic design and carefully controlled airflow lock in moisture, ensuring your turkey stays tender and full of flavor from the first slice to the last bite.
From cooking appetizers to smoking a turkey to baking desserts, the Big Green Egg is the ultimate cooker for your Thanksgiving feast. Our recipes are festive, yet simple, and with an EGG, outdoor cooking requires so little effort that you’ll be free to relax with family and friends. This Thanksgiving, gather with loved ones, savor the warmth of the season, and let the Big Green Egg be part of the tradition. Try these recipes to add a new flavor to your celebration and make memories around live-fire.
Which Method Is Right for You?
Thanksgiving Pro Tips
From savory stuffing to roasted veggies, create the ultimate Thanksgiving feast with flavorful side dishes.
Use Wood Chips for Added Flavor
Add a mix of apple and hickory wood chips for a smoky flavor that complements the turkey without overpowering it.
Cook to Temperature, Not Time
Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thighs for a safe, juicy turkey.Â
Enhance with the EGGspander
Save oven space and try roasting sides on the EGGspander alongside your turkey.
Entire Thanksgiving Meal on the EGG
Learn how to Spatchcock a Turkey
Smoked Turkey on the Big Green EGG
Your Turkey Cheat Sheet
BIG GREEN EGG COOKING TEMP
FINAL TURKEY INTERNAL TEMP
TURKEY TIMELINE
*COOKING TIME BASED ON A 18LB TURKEY
COOKING DAY
1 PM
- Light the Big Green Egg! Bring the temperature up to 325°F/163°C.
2 PM
- Open the dome and add the pecan smoking chips to coals.Â
- Add the convEGGtor to the EGG, legs up, then add the cooking grid.
- Spread the seasoning generously over the outside of the turkey.Â
- Load the turkey onto a Vertical Turkey Roaster or into a Roasting Rack, then place into a drip pan.
- Add the onion and celery to the drip pan.
- Fill the pan with chicken broth, wine, or water.
- Place the drip pan, with the turkey, on the cooking grid. Close the EGG.
3 PM
- Your neighbor smells what you’re cooking and asks to come over for dinner.
4 PM
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey for doneness. (USDA guidelines recommend an internal temp of 165°F/74°C. Remember that the turkey’s internal temp will continue to rise a few degrees after it’s removed from the EGG.)
5 PM
- When your turkey has reached the ideal internal temperature, remove the bird from the EGG, tent with aluminum foil and let it rest a few minutes so that the juices settle.
5:30 PM
- Get your turkey ready to carve, serve, and enjoy. Make sure to tag @BigGreenEgg on Instagram so we can see your turkey creations!
THE PERFECT TURKEY
INGREDIENTS
- One turkey, cleaned thoroughly
- Big Green Egg Savory Pecan Seasoning
- 1 Whole onion cut in half
- 1 stalk celery
- 2 cups chicken broth, wine, or water
PREP
If you plan to soak your wood chips, start the night before.
Load the charcoal into the EGG the night before, so everything is ready on Thanksgiving.
EGGCESSORIES
COOKING TIME ESTIMATES
Approximately 12 minutes per pound
6 – 10 lbs
1 1/2 – 2 hrs
10 – 18 lbs
2 – 2 1/2 hrs
18 – 22 lbs
2 1/2 – 3 hrs
22 – 24 lbs
3 – 3 1/2 hrs
Thanksgiving Sides
From savory stuffing to roasted veggies, create the ultimate Thanksgiving feast with flavorful side dishes.
Thanksgiving Desserts
End Thanksgiving on a high note with delicious, smoky desserts.
Must-Have Accessories
Stock up on all the grilling tools you need to pull off a successful Thanksgiving.
