This Thanksgiving take your turkey dinner outdoors by firing up the grill and trying some of these Thanksgiving grilling recipes! Try grilling turkey, acorn squash, and carrots for a unique spin on the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Turkey on the grill:
Although grilling a Thanksgiving turkey isn't the most traditional way, it might just be the most delicious! Here is how to do it based on a recipe from the Food Network that is definitely a must try!
- First prepare the turkey: remove the neck and giblets, rub the cavity with salt, and brush the turkey with olive oil, salt, and pepper or however you prefer.
- Ignite the grill, turn the burners on high, and preheat it 10 to 15 minutes to bring the grill to around 500 degrees.
- Place the turkey on a roast holder in a drip pan, breast side up, and turn the burners down to medium heat. Set the front and back burner at medium, and if you have a 3 burner grill, turn off the center burner.
- Cook 11 to 13 minutes per pound or until the thermometer (inserted into thickest part of the thigh not touching bone) reaches nearly 180 degrees.
- Let the bird stand at least 15 minutes, show it off with pride, carve it, and enjoy!
Acorn squash on the grill:
Replace mashed sweet potatoes with grilled acorn squash! It's different and delicious especially if you are already planning on mashed potatoes. This is a cheesy acorn squash recipe - a fan favorite!
- Cut the acorn squash down the middle lengthwise and remove seeds and strings.
- Over the stove, melt butter and mix in brown sugar, sage, onion, maple syrup, and salt and pepper. Brush the mixture all over the inside of the squash.
- Preheat the grill on medium-high heat, and place the squash in the grill with the sliced side up.
- Cook for 30 minutes, and then cover the squash with grated Asiago cheese. Cook until the flesh is very soft and the cheese is brown, about 30 more minutes.
For the full Asiago and sage acorn squash recipe directions, check it out on Serious Eats.
Carrots on the grill:
Carrots are easy, delicious, and an original side dish of Thanksgiving. Carrots are often left out, but if the weather outside isn't frightening, fire up the grill, and bring these heavenly grilled carrots back on the menu. Full recipe found here.
- Turn the grill on medium heat.
- Wash and peel carrots if desired. Melt butter or olive oil and add preferred seasoning. Brush mixture on carrots.
- Grill for about 20-30 minutes or until the carrots are soft. About halfway through, turn them over and apply more olive oil and seasoning.
With these grilling recipes, you are sure to impress your family and guests your Thanksgiving dinner and grilling skills! After a memorable, grilled Thanksgiving feast, sit and relax around a fire pit with your family!
