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
- [Hickory BBQ Wood Pellets]https://www.traeger.com/wood-pellets/hickory
- Mesquite BBQ Wood Pellets
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.
GET EQUIPPED
GEAR UP
- Folding Front Shelf - Your grilling tools needs a place to rest and so does your beer. Make sure they’re both all covered.
- Insulation Blanket – Does November bring colder temps to your backyard? Keep your grill temperatures high and burn through fewer pellets using one of our insulated grill blankets.
- Full-Length Grill Cover – Protect your grill from the elements and keep it in tip-top shape.
- MEATER 2 Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer: Get a good read on your bird. It’s all about that internal temp.
- Pellet Storage Bucket and Pellet Storage Lid & Filter Kit: Keep those pellets dry and they’ll keep your BBQ hot.
- Grill Hopper Magnetic Wooden Hooks: Don’t leave your accessories hanging… on second thought, please do.
- BBQ Grilling Spatula: Put a handle on your BBQ.
LOOK GOOD TO GRILL GOOD
GREASE DEFENDERS
- Bucket Liner
- Drip Tray Liner (for 20 Series, 22/850 Series, or 34/1300 Series)
- Grill Cleaner
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
Mashed Potatoes
| 3 Pound | Yukon Gold or baby yellow potatoes |
| 4 Tablespoon | unsalted butter |
| 1/4 Cup | heavy cream |
| 1/4 Cup | whole milk |
| 2 Teaspoon | Kosher salt |
| 1/2 Teaspoon | Freshly ground black pepper |
| Cooking oil spray, such as avocado oil, for greasing |
Garlic Butter
| 4 Tablespoon | unsalted butter |
| 1 Clove | garlic, grated or minced |
| 1/8 Teaspoon | Freshly ground black pepper |
| 1/8 Teaspoon | Kosher salt |
| 2 Sprig | fresh thyme |
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!
