Thanksgiving on the Grill - 26 Grilled Recipes for the Holiday (and counting)

Get ready to spice up your Thanksgiving this year with a unique twist - grilling your holiday feast! Take your cooking skills to the next level with our updated Thanksgiving on the Grill series, which features recipes and tips to help you pull off the ultimate backyard feast. Not only will you free up space in your oven, but your turkey and side dishes will have an irresistible smoky flavor that your guests will remember for years. 

Whether you're a seasoned griller or a first-timer, our guide will ensure this Thanksgiving is an unforgettable experience. So get ready to impress your loved ones and elevate your holiday menu with Thanksgiving on the Grill.

How to Use Your Outdoor Kitchen for Thanksgiving on the Grill

When it comes to Thanksgiving, we all know that the kitchen is the heart of the home. But what if you could take your cooking outside and avoid all the oven juggling? That's where your outdoor kitchen comes in! Don't let the chilly November air deter you; with a properly heated and equipped outdoor kitchen, you can grill up some delicious Thanksgiving classics. Think juicy turkey, crispy Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes that won't take up any valuable oven space. With some planning and these tips, you can impress your guests while enjoying the fresh air and scenery.

1. Get your grill ready for fall: Make sure your grill is clean and ready to go. This means giving it a good scrub down and ensuring all the parts are in working order.
2. What's on the menu: You want Thanksgiving to be remarkable. Consider what you'll be cooking and plan accordingly. If you're grilling the turkey, you'll need a different setup than just making side dishes.
3. Be prepared: One helpful tip for Thanksgiving is to prepare your food in advance. This simple step will significantly streamline your Thanksgiving day preparations.
4. Have a backup plan: Ensure you have a backup strategy for situations where the weather doesn't cooperate or your grill isn't malfunctioning.
5. Enjoy the day. And finally, relax and enjoy yourself! Thanksgiving is all about spending time with family and friends, so make sure you take some time to enjoy their company.

 

Thanksgiving on the Grill - 26 Fantastic Recipes for Your Holiday Menu

 

 

Easy Grilled Prime Rib

With just a simple garlic rub, you can serve up a dish that's both luxurious and delightfully easy to prepare. Team it with seasonal veggies and a zingy horseradish sauce, and watch as every bite turns into a joyous occasion.

 

 

Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs

Unwrap a fresh spin on tradition with these Blueberry Balsamic BBQ Turkey Legs, a bold creation that marries the tangy sweetness of blueberries with the rich depth of balsamic vinegar.

 

 

Smoked Rubbed Turkey with Apple Spice Brine

We've combined the smoky allure of grilling with a deliciously crafted brine and rub that results in a flavor-packed, crisp-skinned masterpiece. This isn't just about cooking; it's an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that turns holiday cooking into an outdoor celebration.

 

 

Orange and Pepper Jelly Glazed Double Smoked Ham 

This tantalizing dish smoked to perfection and glazed with a sweet-tangy mix of orange preserves, brown sugar, pepper jelly, Creole mustard, and soy sauce, is designed to reduce kitchen congestion and bring a unique smoky flavor to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy more and stress less this holiday season with our innovative and delicious grilled ham recipe.

 

 

Grilled Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

This succulent, marinated pork tenderloin offers a delicious alternative to the traditional turkey roast. Not only does it bring a unique flavor explosion to your table, but it also creates an enticing aroma that promises an unforgettable gathering.

 

 

Grilled Broccoli Rabe with Cider Vinaigrette

This delightful side dish pairs the smoky, robust flavor of grilled broccoli rabe with a zesty cider vinaigrette, promising to take your holiday spread from ordinary to extraordinary. Quick to prepare and cook on the grill, it not only adds a unique touch but ensures you won't miss out on the festive fun with your guests.

 

 

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Molasses Glaze

Let the smoky, deep flavor of grilled sweet potatoes wrapped in a bright molasses glaze be the unforgettable side dish on your table. Their vibrant, autumnal hues will complement your feast, and the flavor will leave your guests reaching for seconds. 

 

 

The Best Grilled Turkey Recipe

Featuring garlic, lemon, and herbs - The Best Grilled Turkey Recipe will get your turkey more golden, smokier, and moister than any indoor preparation. The preparation is similar to using a conventional oven. Still, as a fellow grilling enthusiast, you know the extra flavor and mesquite goodness that comes from roasting over a fire.

 

Barbecue Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey

With dark color, mesquite goodness, and bold flavor, this turkey will inspire some personal thanksgiving and show off some mad grilling skills. Barbecue Spice-Brined Grilled Turkey features a halved-turkey dry-brined in spices and salt that finishes moist and savory. 

 

Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast with Cider Bourbon Gravy

This dish features all the rich, smoky flavor of a whole roasted turkey without all the hassle. It's perfect for smaller gatherings and will surely be a hit with your guests.

 

Grilled Turkey With Citrus-Herb Salt And Sage Butter

This preparation will amaze your friends and palate while freeing up the kitchen for side dishes and desserts. The turkey finishes moist, savory, smoky, and gorgeous perfect for a centerpiece dish on a beautiful holiday.

 

Grilled Pork Roast with Fruit Compote

This flavorful pork roast is herb-spiced and grilled to perfection, making it a delicious alternative (or addition) to your traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

 

Grilled Holiday Honey Ham

Your guests will be absolutely in awe of this classic holiday favorite, made bold and dramatic with overnight dry rubs that tantalize the taste buds and a simple glaze that will make your mouth water. 

 

 

Yukon Gold Rush Grilled Pizza

Perfect for an untraditional and fabulous harvest-themed appetizer, this pizza is made with Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted garlic paste, and Gruyère cheese.

 

Flame Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fennel and Serrano Ham

These veggies caramelize and char beautifully by simply seasoning salt and pepper and tossing in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These simple ingredients make for an excellent side dish that complements whatever you're serving for your main course on Thanksgiving Day!

 

Grilled Herb-Fennel Pork Loin

Using five phases of preparation to make the best juicy, tender, and scrumptious pork, you may win the hearts of your Thanksgiving guests and leave the bird wanting.

 

Southwestern Grilled Spatchcock Turkey

Spatchcocking the bird allows it to lay flat on the grill for faster, more uniform cooking. With Southwestern spices and mesquite smoke wafting through your house, this Thanksgiving bird will be perfect!

 

Double Smoked Spiral Ham

Featuring cherry wood smoke and an addictive glaze of apple jelly and raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce, this s ham finishes sweet and smoky. It's sure to be a terrific addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

 

Grilled Bread Dressing with Cranberries and Leeks

 

 

Grilled Bread Dressing with Cranberries and Leeks begins with grilling rustic bread to infuse smoky flavor and adding sauteed leeks, apples, cranberries, and bacon that bring the taste of the season to this one-of-a-kind stuffing. 

 

Wine Smoked Turkey

Bring new life to the big bird with Wine Smoked Turkey featuring rich smoky flavor, herbal aromatics, and Zinfandel gravy for a rich smothering of goodness.

 

Grilled Rotisserie Turkey with Stuffing

Featuring a simple rub and lots of butter, the turkey will slow roast over an open flame while you enjoy a warm drink, the football mayhem, and precious time with loved ones from far and near.

 

Smoked Cajun Turkey

Featuring Black Magic spice rub from the spice experts at Spiceologist, this turkey simply requires butter, smoke, and time to bring the thankfulness from your grill to your table.

 

Barbecue Carrots with Yogurt and Pecans

Resembling a culinary autumn collage on a plate with rich colors, spices, and aromatics, these caramelized carrots and toasted pecans offer a wonderful contrast of textures with the smooth and tangy yogurt.

 

Grilled Turkey with Fresh Herb Butter

 

This succulent preparation features a collection of herbs, spices, and butter. When finished, the herb butter awakens a freshness and decadence in the turkey that is perfectly balanced by the crispy skin.

 

 

Orange-Glazed Grilled Acorn Squash

 

Served warm, this squash is a buttery-sweet rendition, combining flavors of the season into a beautiful side dish that melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and spice.

 

 

Grilled Rotisserie Turkey, Dry Brined with Orange and Spices

 

Many a traveler still sadly uses a conventional oven, and others more daring grill over an open flame. Yet for the true adventurer, using the rotisserie yields a prize beyond compare – moist and tender inside, surrounded by irresistibly crisp and crackling skin. 

 

 

Bonus Recipe: Black Friday Grilled Blackened Chicken

Black Friday has become an event of its own, and Black Friday Grilled Blackened Chicken is a tasty recipe that takes only minutes to prepare, so you can get back to finding all those insane deals. Finishing fiery and peppery from a combination of robust spices, this chicken will prepare your motor to finish this once-a-year shopping day.