Mon, 04 May 2026 10:40:11 +0000

You Won’t Believe How Long It Actually Takes to Smoke a Turkey If you’ve ever attempted the infamous “holiday turkey smoke challenge,” you know the term: it sounds simple, maybe even amusing—"smoking a turkey"—but what people often don’t expect is just how long it truly takes. Forget quick barbecue sessions; smoking a turkey is more like a weekend-long commitment, with preparation, slow cooking, and patience required every step of the way. ### The Truth About Smoking Time: A Surprising Timeline Most people assume smoking meat means hours, not days. But when you delve into the actual process of smoking a turkey, the duration hits hard—often stretching from 12 to 36 hours, depending on size, method, and desired pink curl. Yes, you read that right: 12 hours upwards for a properly smoked holiday turkey.