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How big a turkey for

timekpr1
timekpr1 Posts: 151
edited October 2012 in EggHead Forum
15 people?  I have been tasked with cooking this years Thanksgiving turkey.  Never having cooked a turkey, I have no idea how big of one I need to feed 15 people.  I was actually considering two smaller turkeys vs. one large.  Is there an average cooking time for turkey?  How big a turkey(or turkeys) can I cook on my large BGE at one time?  With so many people my wife will not let me go exotic with spices or rubs.  Just a plain old lightly spiced turkey on the grill.  I am going to sneak some apple wood in there though.  I plan a test run on a smaller turkey in the near future.  Thanks for the advice.
Mama always said, Grilling was like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get.

Comments

  • Little Steven
    Little Steven Posts: 28,817
    Biggest I've done is 24 pounds on a large. Don't think you could go a lot bigger.

    Steve 

    Caledon, ON

     

  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    Spatchcock 13 lbs direct raised at 400 about 90 min. Just do 2.
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • travisstrick
    travisstrick Posts: 5,002
    Darn you, Mickey! :ar!
    Be careful, man! I've got a beverage here.
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 32,671
    i always do a traditional stuffed bird in the oven and a lightly smoked one per the madmax directions with some twists in the egg. when you do the practice bird freeze any leftover gravey for tday
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    I've always fried one and smoked a in my off set. I'm going to spatchcock one and hickory smoke a breast in the egg this year. Would love to have enough drippings for the gravy...we'll see.
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • XLBalco
    XLBalco Posts: 607

    doing one in the egg and one in the deep fryer sounds like an idea for this year

    i have used  my deep fryer once - always sounds like a great idea until it is time to buy the oil and set it up.  ireally want to do a crawfish boil with it.

  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    The best part is the skin. But the last 2 years everyone likes the smoked breast better. We do a boil with shrimp added. Wife doesn't like mudbugs.
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    Sorry...got off subject. My fried 12 lb and smoked 8 breast are plenty for around that number. My wife also does a small ham.
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • timekpr1
    timekpr1 Posts: 151
    edited October 2012
    Thanks for all the input.  I think I will do 2 turkeys.  2 more drumsticks for people to fight over.  Question now is direct vs indirect?  I have a Woo2.  Raised direct vs. indirect.  I saw Mickey's suggestion and may give that one a try on my 1st test turkey.  I better buy some good scissors.  I am curious as to how others are Egging their turkeys though.
    Mama always said, Grilling was like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get.
  • DonWW
    DonWW Posts: 424
    XLBalco said:

    doing one in the egg and one in the deep fryer sounds like an idea for this year

    +1.  We have done this the past few years.  While I hate to recommend a method other than BGE, fried turkey is off the hook delicious.  Injected with a nice cajun marinade. 
    XL and Medium.  Dallas, Texas.
  • I wish I could host like a "guys" Thanksgiving, where we have smoked holiday ham and eggs for breakfast and  Turkey legs, beer, etc during day and watch football and play drinking games
  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    I'm there...
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • me too!

     

    Amazingribs.com has some good tips.  depends on what other meats are there and how long the shindig will last

  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    timekpr1 said:
    Thanks for all the input.  I think I will do 2 turkeys.  2 more drumsticks for people to fight over.  Question now is direct vs indirect?  I have a Woo2.  Raised direct vs. indirect.  I saw Mickey's suggestion and may give that one a try on my 1st test turkey.  I better buy some good scissors.  I am curious as to how others are Egging their turkeys though.

    I always buy extra legs to cook beside the bird.
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • I took Mickey's suggestion last week And cooked my turkey direct around 375 - 400 degrees. It was 13 pounds and cooked to 160 degrees in 1 hour 45 min. Also i spatchcocked it. Turned out very moist.
  • @ Mickey, good idea on extra legs.   Always good to have extra in hand so you don't have to split them.

    Where do you get your legs?