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Around the festive season, there’s a common sight: families huddled around their dining tables, sharing traditional Christmas dinners made in the cozy confines of a kitchen oven. But hey, who’s to say that the merry spirit of Christmas can’t be captured outside by a smoking grill or a barrel smoker puffing away with sweet hickory or mesquite? That’s right, Christmas BBQs are shaking up holiday traditions, allowing the grillmasters to shine with their tongs and aprons even during the winter chill.
When you think of Christmas, the first thing that might come to your mind is probably not the smoky aroma of a BBQ. Yet, it is an innovative way to prepare your Christmas feast, infusing the holiday with unique flavors that can’t be replicated in an oven. Imagine a succulent smoked turkey or a tender, glazed ham as the centerpiece of your holiday table, with the aromatic whiff of charred wood mingling with the evergreen scent of the Christmas tree.
The beauty of a Christmas BBQ lies in its versatility. The grill is not just a summer fling; it’s a year-long commitment that can bring a touch of warmth and a flame-kissed taste to any holiday dish. From roasting chestnuts on an open fire to grilling a variety of meats and vegetables, there are countless ways to incorporate the BBQ into your Christmas menu. Additionally, using the grill or smoker can free up much-needed oven space for other dishes, while also giving the chef some fresh air and a chance to show off those grilling skills to the gathering relatives.
The one unspoken rule of a great holiday BBQ is to make it unforgettable, and what better way to do that than to incorporate a spicy twist into some of the recipes? A spicy BBQ sauce can transform a classic dish into a talking point for years to come. The heat of the spices juxtaposed with the coolness of the winter air creates a multisensory experience that is both invigorating and comforting.
Enough appetizing talk — let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Here is a recipe for a Christmas BBQ smoked turkey with a spicy twist. The table below will guide you on the quantities and the steps below will take you through the process.
Ingredient Quantity Whole Turkey (thawed) 12–14 pounds Butter (unsalted) 1 cup Garlic (minced) 4 cloves Your Favorite Spicy BBQ Rub 3 tablespoons Cayenne Pepper 1 teaspoon Paprika 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar 1/4 cup Salt 2 tablespoons Black Pepper 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1 cup Apple Juice 1 cup Water 1 cup Onions (quartered) 2 Apples (quartered) 3 Fresh Thyme 1 bunch
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Begin by preheating your smoker to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together your melted butter, minced garlic, BBQ rub, cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper to create your spicy BBQ butter.
- Next, prepare your turkey by removing any giblets and excess fat. Rinse the turkey in cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat with your hands and rub a generous amount of the spicy BBQ butter under the skin and all over the outside of the bird.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered onions, apples, and fresh thyme for added flavor.
- Create a basting sauce by combining apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and water in a spray bottle.
- Place the turkey on the smoker and cook it for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cook, baste the turkey with your spray mixture every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
- Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Now, while the turkey is the star, don’t forget about the sides. Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, and zucchini can add a pop of color and a healthy balance to the meal. For a delectable sweet treat, try grilling slices of pineapple or peaches with a bit of cinnamon sugar; it’s a simple yet scrumptious end to a flame-grilled feast.
Remember, the magic of a Christmas BBQ is not just in the eating, but also in the togetherness it fosters. There’s nothing like gathering around a crackling fire, sharing stories, laughter, and good food. It’s an experience where you’re not just filling plates, but you’re also creating memories.
So for this Christmas, why not take a walk on the wild side and throw a festive BBQ that’ll have your guests dreaming of sizzling grills instead of sugar plums dancing in their heads? After all, the best Christmas gifts aren’t found under the tree; they’re smoked, grilled, and shared with the ones you love.
