BBQ Turkey

BBQ Turkey Tips

When is the best time to put sauce on the turkey?

For this recipe, we recommend putting the sauce on the turkey after an hour of grilling—basting frequently for the last two hours while the turkey cooks. Basting every so often will keep the turkey nice and flavorful.

What's the difference between direct vs. indirect grilling?

Direct grilling is the “traditional” method that comes to mind when you think of grilling. Food is directly grilled over a charcoal or gas grill—leaving grill marks or a crispy exterior. It’s a very quick and easy technique. Whereas indirect grilling cooks foods for longer and at a lower temperature. To grill indirectly, you have one heat source (for charcoal grills that means placing the hot coals on one side of the grill and for gas grills you’d use half of the burners). Food is then placed on the opposite side of the heat source and grilled.

How can you tell when a turkey is finished cooking?

You can tell a turkey is finished cooking when it reaches an internal temperature between 170°-175°. Pierce the thigh with a meat thermometer to check. Make sure your meat thermometer isn’t hitting any bone (as this will give you a false high reading). Learn more grilling turkey tips!

What are some other BBQ sauce ideas?

Try one of our favorite regional BBQ sauce ideas like sweet and spicy Kansas City barbecue sauce or tangy South Carolina barbecue sauce. (Or try one of these other must-have barbecue sauces!) Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor