Holiday Grilling Tips from Pleasants Hardware

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with family and friends to share delicious food, and nothing adds a unique touch to your holiday meals like grilling outdoors. 

At Pleasants Hardware, we have all the essentials to help you create an unforgettable feast on the grill. Whether you’re cooking up a Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas sides, or holiday desserts — we have unique grilling ideas to elevate your festive meals this season.

For a succulent, smoky holiday turkey, the Big Green Egg is a fantastic choice. Start by heating your Big Green Egg to 325°F using indirect heat. Prepare your turkey with a rub of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a bit of olive oil, then place it on a rack over a drip pan to catch all those savory drippings. 

Adding a few applewood or hickory wood chunks will give your turkey a delicate smoky flavor. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. The result? A tender turkey with a beautifully crisped, golden-brown skin that’s sure to be a centerpiece your family will remember.

For a classic crispy turkey, the Bayou Classic Deep Fryer is an excellent choice, adding ease and flavor to your holiday spread. Start by heating oil to 350°F in your fryer set up safely outdoors. Lower your fully thawed and dry turkey into the fryer slowly and carefully. With about 3-4 minutes per pound, your turkey will develop a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining moist inside. 

Enhance it further by injecting a marinade made from butter, garlic, and herbs for a delicious, flavorful result. This quick, easy method frees up your oven and fills your backyard with irresistible holiday scents!

Grilling isn’t just for the main dish—use the Traeger Pellet Grill to prepare seasonal sides that pack in flavor. Try grilled sweet potatoes with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon or roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze. These hearty sides paired with the smoky flavor from a wood pellet grill will complement any holiday meal and bring out the best in your grilled turkey or ham.

Holiday ham is another show-stopping option that’s easy to prepare on a Weber Grill. We love to recommend Weber’s Holiday Ham Recipe — start by warming the griddle to medium and cook the ham slowly, glazing it with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup for a caramelized finish. Use indirect heat, letting the ham cook slowly to reach an internal temperature of 140°F. This creates a deliciously sweet crust while keeping the ham juicy and tender.

Grilled desserts are a perfect sweet and smoky finish to a holiday meal, bringing warmth and seasonal flavors to your table. Try stuffed grilled apples filled with pecans, oats, and cinnamon and easily grill by wrapping in foil. Don’t forget to drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence!

Any dessert cooked on a grill will capture the essence of the season with warm spices and delicious grilled flavors, perfect for rounding out a memorable holiday meal.

This season, count on Pleasants Hardware for all your holiday grilling needs and bring a new twist to your favorite traditions. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you’ll craft a holiday feast full of unforgettable flavors for family and friends to savor.