Holiday Grilling Tips from Taylor’s Do it Center

The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones and what better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill? At Taylor’s Do It Center, we offer top-notch grills and outdoor cooking equipment which are perfect for adding a smoky twist to your holiday feast. 

Whether you’re cooking up a holiday turkey, savory sides, or even dessert — here are our festive grilling tips that will make your holiday meals unforgettable.

One of our favorite ways to cook a holiday turkey is on the Big Green Egg. Known for its versatility, this ceramic grill delivers the juiciest, most flavorful results every time. 

To cook a turkey on the Big Green Egg, start by preheating it to 325°F, using indirect heat for best results. Season your turkey with a savory herb butter or your favorite dry rub, then place it on a roasting rack in a drip pan to catch those delicious juices. For an extra touch of flavor, add applewood or hickory wood chunks to infuse a subtle smokiness. Close the lid and let it cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. 

This method will keep your turkey tender and succulent with a crispy, golden-brown skin. Plus, cooking on the Big Green Egg frees up space in your oven for all those tasty sides!

For those craving a different approach, the Bayou Classic Deep Fryer makes frying a turkey quick, easy, and delicious. Start by setting up your fryer in a safe outdoor area and heating the oil to 350°F. Ensure your turkey is fully thawed and dried before placing it into the fryer slowly and carefully. Depending on the turkey’s size, it will take about 3-4 minutes per pound to cook thoroughly. When done, the bird will emerge with a mouthwatering crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. 

To enhance the flavor, consider injecting the turkey with a marinade of butter, garlic, and herbs before frying. Remember to follow safety precautions carefully to ensure a fun and safe cooking experience!

Holiday grilling isn’t just for the main course — impress your guests with perfectly charred side dishes and desserts using the Traeger Pellet Grill. A few of our favorite sides include grilled sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar or smoked Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper. These make wonderful accompaniments to your holiday meal and gain an added depth of smoky flavor from the Traeger wood pellet grill.

A holiday ham is another fantastic option for outdoor cooking; we love to recommend Weber’s Grilled Holiday Ham recipe. On a Weber Grill , simply heat it to medium and cook the ham with a maple and brown sugar glaze, allowing the sweet caramelization to bring out the flavors. Use indirect heat, letting the ham cook slowly to reach an internal temperature of 140°F. This forms a delightfully sweet crust that keeps the ham moist and tender.

Bring a delightful twist to holiday desserts by cooking them on the grill for added warmth and flavor. Try stuffed apples, packed with oats, pecans, and cinnamon grilled easily by wrapping them in foil. Be sure to add a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent finish!

Any desserts made on a grill will capture the holiday spirit with comforting spices and warm flavors, making them an unforgettable way to end your festive meal.

This holiday season, head to Taylor’s Do It Center for all your grilling needs and add an unforgettable twist to your festivities. With the right equipment and some culinary creativity, you’ll turn your holiday meal into a feast your family and friends will remember for years to come.