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Thanksgiving Prep List

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We’ve got you covered this Turkey Day with Traeger’s Thanksgiving Prep List. This step-by-step guide will ensure that everything is in place to easily serve your family wood-fired flavor this year.

Let’s start with the smoke itself. You’ll want to start your planning and prep with making sure to stock up on the right pellets for the different meals you’re creating. It’s always a safe idea to buy more pellets than you think you’ll need, because once Thanksgiving Day rolls around, you don’t want to be scrambling, looking to buy more pellets when all the stores are closed.


GOT WOOD?

THE BIRD

THE SIDES

THE SWEET FINALE

Moving on to grills. We’ve listed out our grills capacity to hold turkeys below, so that you can plan your cook accordingly. Looking to upgrade your grill for the big day, shop our entire selection here.


THE SMOKE SHOW

Timberline 1300 With enough space to hold 6 turkeys, you can Traeger a feast to feed the whole neighborhood.

Timberline 850 This grill can hold up 4 turkeys, or easily take on a turkey and all your sides.

Ironwood 885 With room for three turkeys, you won’t have any trouble feeding a big group with this model.

Ironwood 650 Play it safe and throw a second turkey on this grill so that everyone gets enough.

Pro Series 780 The larger of the Pro Series, this grill can tackle 4 birds at a time.

Pro Series 575 The 22 can grill two birds with one stone.

Tailgater Small but mighty, this grill can handle a bird up to 15 lbs., or a larger bird if you spatchcock it.

GrillSize

GET EQUIPPED

GEAR UP

LOOK GOOD TO GRILL GOOD

GREASE DEFENDERS

From pouring the pellets into the hopper to carving your turkey and serving up pie, make sure your Thanksgiving features flavor all day long.


FLAVOR MATTERS

THE GOODS

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

by Mandy Tanner

Prep Time

30 Min

Cook Time

30 Min

Serves

8

Pellets

Turkey Blend

Not only do these mashed potatoes offer the convenience of making them ahead, they’re also pre-portioned and look great on the plate. Feel free to experiment with the herbs in the garlic butter: chopped parsley, sage, or chives are also good options.

Ingredients
3 PoundYukon Gold or baby yellow potatoes
4 Tablespoonunsalted butter
1/4 Cupheavy cream
1/4 Cupwhole milk
2 TeaspoonKosher salt
1/2 TeaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
Cooking oil spray, such as avocado oil, for greasing
4 Tablespoonunsalted butter
1 Clovegarlic, grated or minced
1/8 TeaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
1/8 TeaspoonKosher salt
2 Sprigfresh thyme
    Steps
  • 1

    Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold water with enough to cover them. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook potatoes until they are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, then drain well.

  • 2

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, milk, and cream, and stir until the butter has melted.

  • 3

    Rice the potatoes into their empty cooking pot (or return them to the pot them and mash with a masher to the desired consistency). Add the milk and cream mixture and the salt and pepper and stir to combine. Let the potatoes cool.

  • 4

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the inside of a ½ cup measuring cup with cooking spray. Using the cup, scoop even portions of mashed potatoes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Reapply the cooking spray between portions to keep the potatoes from sticking.

  • 5

    If serving right away, you can cook the potatoes on the Traeger as directed in the next step. Or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. (Or freeze the portions until rock solid, transfer the frozen portions to a resealable bag or airtight container, and store in the freezer for up to one month.)

  • 6

    When ready to cook, preheat the Traeger to 425°F with the lid closed; this will take at least 15 minutes.

  • 7

    Meanwhile, make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, pepper, salt, and thyme and stir to combine.

  • 8

    If necessary, remove the portioned mashed potatoes from the refrigerator or from the freezer and place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet if necessary. Brush the potatoes with the garlic and herb butter.

  • 9

    Place the baking sheet directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and heated through, about 30 minutes.

  • 10

    Remove the baking sheet from the grill and serve warm. Enjoy!

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Top Traeger Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Discover the ultimate Traeger turkey experience with our mouthwatering recipes. From succulent smoked turkey thighs to perfectly spatchcocked birds, we'll show you how to transform your turkey into a masterpiece.


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Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks


Traeger Thanksgiving Guide


Your wood-fired feast starts here. Discover turkey tips from the pros, browse wood-fired Thanksgiving recipes, find family fun, connect with our community, and more.