Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast - A Very Merry Grilled Christmas

With Christmas tunes on the radio and in your local coffee shop, the signs of the season are here. Christmas is a wonderful time to gather, have fun, give gifts, and grill, Baby! A Very Merry Grilled Christmas is back with Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast and ready to grace your table with classic and new takes on your favorite dishes during this holiday season.

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of gathering around the table to share delicious food with loved ones. Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the art of grilling and bring bold flavors to your holiday menu. Combining applewood's gentle sweetness with pecan's nutty aroma, this recipe offers a beautifully smoked and tender turkey breast perfect for Christmas dinner. Every bite infuses a rich, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides.

Smoking the turkey breast enhances its natural juiciness and creates an irresistible depth of flavor. The subtle blend of fruitwood and pecan creates a festive and unforgettable savory profile. Whether hosting a family gathering or planning a cozy meal at home, this dish will impress your guests and bring warmth to your table.

The A Very Merry Grilled Christmas series offers more than just recipes—it’s a celebration of creativity on the grill, proving that traditional holiday meals can shine with a twist. This Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast is no exception, showcasing how thoughtful grilling techniques can transform your seasonal cooking into something truly special.

Explore the complete A Very Merry Grilled Christmas collection for more inspiration. Make this holiday season one to remember with dishes that combine classic flavors with modern grilling magic.

Serves 5-6

Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast Ingredients

For the Smoker

  • Pecan pellets or chips
  • Tin Pan

For the Brine

  • 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Cup Kosher Salt
  • 4 Cups Apple Juice (*see note)
  • 1 Cup Orange Juice
  • 32 ounces Chicken Broth
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 5 lb Turkey Breast, bone in

For the Turkey Rub

  • 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chipotle Chili Pepper Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cumin
  • 6 Tablespoons Butter, softened
  • 3/4 Cup Pineapple Juice
  • 3/4 Cup Water

For the Gravy

  • 1-2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1-2 Tablespoon Water

Apple Pecan Smoked Turkey Breast Directions

For the Brine

  1. In a large pot, add the brine ingredients. Stir to combine.
  2. Rinse the turkey breast thoroughly.
  3. Place the turkey in the brine and put the lid on the pot. Refrigerate for 10-12 hours or overnight.

For the Smoker

  1. Remove the turkey from the brine, discard all liquid, and pat the turkey completely dry.
  2. In a bowl, combine the spice ingredients and stir to mix.
  3. Add the butter and stir again.
  4. Rub the mixture all over under and over the skin of the turkey.
  5. Heat a gas grill or smoker to 300 degrees F with pecan pellets or chips. (For gas grill setups, use smoker trays.)
  6. Put the turkey, breast side down, on the smoker rack, and close the lid.
  7. Smoke for 3 to 3 ½ hours, depending on your smoker.
  8. Remove the turkey to rest for 20 minutes under tented foil, reserving the drippings in the tin pan.
  9. Slice the turkey and serve with gravy.

For the Gravy

  1. Pour the drippings into a gravy fat separator.
  2. Heat a skillet to medium high heat and pour off the drippings, avoiding too much fat.
  3. Whisk together the cornstarch and water, and as the drippings begin to simmer, whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
  4. Continue to whisk as the gravy thickens, and serve immediately.

Turkey Basics

  1. A frozen turkey will need to thaw 24 hours for every 5 pounds.
  2. Turkey will need to smoke for 25-30 minutes per pound.
  3. The safe internal temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees F in the breast.

Turkey Timeline

  1. Remove turkey from freezer to thaw in the fridge: 2 days ahead of time
  2. Brine: 10-12 hours
  3. Turkey smokes: 3-3.5 hours
  4. Turkey rests: 20 minutes

Notes

  • You may use apple juice or apple cider. If you don’t have either, Place 1 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup and fill the rest with water.
  • Smoked turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months.

 

Taken from ohsweetbasil.com https://ohsweetbasil.com/the-most-amazing-apple-pecan-smoked-turkey-breast-recipe/