Can I cook the entire Thanksgiving meal outside?

Yes. Use indirect zones for turkey and sides, reserve direct heat for searing or finishing, and keep the oven inside free for pies and rolls.

Recipes & Guides

Why Outdoor Thanksgiving Cooking Is on the Rise

Q: What woods work best for turkey?

Mild woods such as pecan, apple, or oak. Blend a little hickory if you want a slightly bolder profile.

Q: What’s the easiest outdoor method?

Pellet smokers are the most hands-off. For faster cooks and crisp skin, try a spatchcocked turkey on a charcoal or gas grill.

Guide

Oct 14, 2025

Turkey Takeover ships free in the U.S., and code BRINE takes an extra 10% off. Order by Nov 19 to have it in time for Thanksgiving.

Why Outdoor Thanksgiving Cooking Is on the Rise

Thanksgiving is moving from the kitchen to the backyard, on purpose. With grills, smokers, and open fire rigs, you can unlock bigger capacity, deeper flavor, and a more social (and less stressful) holiday. From spatchcocked turkeys to smoked sides, outdoor cooking makes it easier to host like a pro, and look good doing it.

🔥 Why Take Thanksgiving Outside?

Capacity & timing: Free your oven for pies and rolls while your grill/smoker handles the turkey and hot sides.
Flavor upgrade: Wood-fired turkey = crisp skin, juicy meat, and subtle smoke. See our BBQ Fuel page for wood chips, chunks, and charcoal.
Less mess indoors: Keep drips, splatters, and roasting aromas where they belong, outside.
More social: The grill becomes a gathering spot (tailgate vibes, holiday edition).

Want the fast-track? Our Turkey Takeover Box includes Super Soaker Bird Brine, a heavy-duty brine bag, a marinade injector, Perfect Turkey Seasoning, Roasted Garlic Blend and six recipes chosen by our pitmasters to nail a Thanksgiving turkey outdoors.

🦃 Outdoor Turkey: Methods That Win

1) Spatchcocked Turkey (Faster, Crispier Skin)

Flatten the bird for quicker, even cooking and ultra-crisp skin. If you’ve never butterflied poultry, start here: How to Spatchcock a Bird.

2) Traditional Whole Turkey (Indirect Heat)

Set up for indirect grilling or smoking at 300 to 350°F. Use a mild wood like pecan or oak for a clean, classic profile.

3) Pellet Smoker “Set & Forget”

Dial in your temp, add a mild fruitwood, and let it cruise. Great when oven space is tight and guests are early.

Pro move: Track temps with a reliable probe thermometer. Browse grilling accessories for tools that simplify the big day.

▶ WATCH THE COOK

Watch: Turkey Takeover in 56 Seconds

▶ 0:56

Taking Thanksgiving outside? Watch a bird brined, injected, seasoned and smoked with the Turkey Takeover Box.

Take another 10% off with code BRINE at checkout. Free U.S. Shipping. Order by Nov 19 for Thanksgiving delivery.

Shop the Turkey Takeover Box

🥔 Sides That Love the Grill

Smoked mashed potatoes: Start the spuds on the smoker for 45 to 60 minutes; finish with butter and cream.
Cast-iron stuffing: Toast bread cubes on the grill, then bake in a cast-iron skillet over indirect heat.
Brussels & bacon: Toss with oil and your favorite rub from our Sauces & Rubs collection; roast until crisp-tender.
Smoked cranberry sauce: Smoke fresh cranberries in a pan, then simmer with orange zest and brown sugar.

Need flavor insurance? Grab a seasonal rub + glaze combo in the Pitmaster Shop, or go all-in with the Turkey Takeover Box.

🧑🍳 Timing & Game Plan

2 to 3 days out: Brine the turkey. The Turkey Takeover Box includes Super Soaker Bird Brine, a brine bag and directions.
Morning of: Preheat grill/smoker; set up indirect zones. Prep sides.
Cook: Start the turkey first; add sides to indirect heat as the bird nears target temp.
Rest & carve: Rest 20 to 30 minutes for juiciness; carve and serve.

Want a new pitmaster box all year long? See How It Works and earn 5% back on every order via Pitmaster Perks. Gifting this season? Give the Gift of BBQ.

🛒 Featured: Turkey Takeover Box

Everything you need to brine, inject and season an outdoor Thanksgiving turkey: Super Soaker Bird Brine, a heavy-duty brine bag, a marinade injector, Perfect Turkey Seasoning, Roasted Garlic Blend and an 8-page booklet with six recipes. It is $49.99 and ships free in the U.S.

Shop the Turkey Takeover Box

❓Quick FAQ

Can I cook the entire meal outside?

Yes: turkey, sides, and even desserts. Use indirect heat for roasting/baking and direct heat for quick sears and finishes.

What woods work best for turkey?

Milder woods like pecan, apple, or oak. If you want a touch bolder, blend a little hickory. Explore options on our BBQ Fuel page.

What’s the easiest outdoor method?

Pellet smokers are the most hands-off. For speed + crisp skin, try a spatchcocked turkey on a gas or charcoal grill.

🎉 Make It a Tradition

From smoke-kissed turkey to cast-iron sides, outdoor Thanksgiving is here to stay, and we’re here to help. Start with the Turkey Takeover Box, then keep the flavor rolling with a Grill Masters Club BBQ subscription.

Quick Summary: Why Outdoor Thanksgiving Cooking Is on the Rise

More families are taking Thanksgiving outdoors for bigger cooking capacity, better flavor (smoke, live fire, wood), and a more social, mess-free experience. Grills and smokers handle turkeys, sides, and desserts simultaneously while freeing the oven for pies and rolls. Want a turnkey setup? Try our Turkey Takeover Box packed with the seasonings, brines, tools, and pro tips you need for a flawless feast.