Why Grill a Turkey?

The better question is: "Why wouldn't you grill a turkey?" Not only does this method result in wonderfully crispy skin and a smoky flavor that you can't get from roasting alone, it frees up oven space on the big day — so you'll have plenty of room to cook as many side dishes as you want.

Grilled Turkey Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make the best grilled turkey of your life:

· Turkey: This recipe calls for a 12-pound whole turkey. If your bird is larger or smaller, you'll have to adjust the grilling time.
· Oil: Vegetable oil seals in moisture, while giving the seasonings something to stick to.
· Seasonings: This grilled turkey is flavored with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

How to Grill a Turkey

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you grill a turkey:

1. Prepare the turkey: Remove and discard the giblets. Turn the wings back to hold neck skin in place, then return the legs to a tucked position
   2. Season the turkey: Brush the turkey with oil, then season the inside and outside with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   3. Grill the turkey: Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a metal grate inside a large roasting pan. Place the pan over indirect heat on the preheated grill and grill until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F.

How Long to Grill a Turkey

This recipe should result in a perfectly cooked 12-pound turkey in about two to three hours. You'll need to adjust the roasting time for larger or smaller birds.

Of course, you'll need to take the turkey's internal temperature before serving. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F.

Recipe Tip