The flavors from this Smoked Turkey Compound Butter really work well with the flavors from the smoking process! A compound butter is butter mixed with spices and herbs!
For a smoked turkey brine recipe (click here). After you brine your turkey, lightly pat it dry with a paper towel. Massage this butter mixture all over your bird and under the skin on the breast of the bird.
You can also baste the melted butter and drippings on the turkey towards the end of your smoking process.
Smoking a Turkey
The turkey is going to drip a substantial amount so to avoid flare ups place you turkey on a metal baking sheet or disposable turkey pan.
I smoke my turkey upside down with the breast on the bottom of the pan. It isn’t as pretty that way but it will help keep your turkey breast moist. If you prefer to smoke it with the breast up, it is also great that way too, it’s personal preference.
Leave the turkey uncovered during the smoking process and you can lightly cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over browning if it starts to get too dark for your liking.
Cold Smoking:
For an extra smoky flavor, you can do a cold smoke on the turkey before you begin actually cooking your bird. To do this; turn on the smoke option if using a pellet grill or do a cold smoke if using another smoker at about 140 F. and allow the turkey to take in the cold smoke for about 45 minutes.
To cook your turkey:
If you are not doing the cold smoke then skip to this step: Turn the temperature to 350 F. and smoke until the turkey’s internal temperature is 165. F. Plan on about 20 minutes per pound, ours usually take ~3 hours for a 12-14 pound bird.
After removing the turkey from the smoker or grill, cover with aluminum foil. Allow the bird to rest for 30 to 40 minutes. However, if you don’t have that kind of time, wait at least 20 minutes so the juices can recirculate.
What you need to make smoked turkey compound butter: (printable recipe is below)
Makes enough to cover a 14 pound turkey
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dry Ground Sage
- 1/2 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
Instructions
- In a bowl combine, softened butter, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, sage, and poultry seasoning.
- Pat your turkey off with a paper towel, massage the turkey with the butter mixture and pack butter under the skin on the turkeys breast.
Smoked Turkey Compound Butter
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter salted
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dry Ground Sage
- 1/2 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
Instructions
- In a bowl combine, softened butter, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, sage, and poultry seasoning. Pat your turkey off with a paper towel, massage the turkey with the butter mixture and pack butter under the skin on the turkeys breast.