Trash Can Turkey

Experience outdoor cooking like never before with the unique and crowd-pleasing **Trash Can Turkey** recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving, backyard parties, or rustic gatherings. This unconventional method combines simplicity and ingenuity by using a clean, unused steel trash can to create a roasting chamber that delivers tender, juicy turkey with irresistibly crisp skin. Rubbed with a flavorful blend of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and butter, this whole turkey cooks upright on a foil-wrapped stake, surrounded by glowing charcoal briquettes for even heat distribution. The eye-catching technique is not only a conversation starter but also a hands-off cooking approach that ensures your bird is cooked to perfection in just 90 minutes. Whether you're hosting an outdoor feast or looking for an innovative twist on a classic roast, this **Trash Can Turkey** guarantees delicious results to wow your guests. Don't forget to pair it with your favorite holiday sides for a truly memorable meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 12 lbs Whole turkey
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 4 tbsp Butter (softened)
• 20 lbs Charcoal briquettes
• 1 roll Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• 1 16-gallon steel trash can (clean, unused)
• 1 Wooden stake or rebar
• 1 Shovel or tongs (to handle hot coals)

Directions

Step 1

Clear a level, open outdoor area for cooking, away from flammable materials, and ensure you have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Step 2

Thoroughly clean the steel trash can and let it dry completely.

Step 3

Prepare the turkey by removing gizzards, cleaning it, and patting it dry with paper towels.

Step 4

Mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub the turkey generously with the spice mixture, including under the skin where possible.

Step 5

Coat the exterior of the turkey with softened butter to help retain moisture while cooking.

Step 6

Securely wrap the wooden stake or rebar with multiple layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil and insert it into the ground so it stands upright.

Step 7

Place the turkey upright onto the stake so it sits securely and covers the stake completely.

Step 8

Turn the steel trash can upside down and place it over the turkey, ensuring there’s enough room for the heat to circulate inside.

Step 9

Place an even layer of unlit charcoal briquettes around the base of the trash can and on top of the upside-down can.

Step 10

Light the charcoal carefully using a fire starter or lighter fluid, ensuring even ignition around the base and on top of the can.

Step 11

Let the turkey cook for approximately 90 minutes without lifting the trash can or disturbing the charcoal.

Step 12

After 90 minutes, carefully remove the charcoal using a shovel or tongs, and allow the trash can to cool slightly before lifting it off the turkey. Be cautious of hot surfaces and ashes.

Step 13

Check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. It should register at least 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thighs.

Step 14

Carefully remove the turkey from the stake and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Step 15

Serve and enjoy your beautifully roasted 'Trash Can Turkey' with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	15713.1 grams (15713.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7773

Total Fat 236.90g	304%
Saturated Fat 83.60g	418%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 3934mg	1311%
Sodium 17753mg	772%
Total Carbohydrate 3.50g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1.10g	4%
Total Sugars 0.30g
Protein 1307.70g	2615%

Vitamin D 36IU	180%
Calcium 621mg	48%
Iron 61mg	336%
Potassium 13099mg	279%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.9%

Protein: 70.9%

Carbs: 0.2%