Outdoor Turkey Pit Cooking Recipe

Preparing the Hole/Pit:

Dig a hole/pit big enough to fit all your rock/bricks and your cast-iron Dutch Oven.  Generally 2 to 3 times larger than your Dutch Oven is adequate.

Line the hole with flat river rocks.

Fill the hole with lots of fire wood.  Use hard woods (hardwoods, when burned, hold heat better).

Build a fire in the pit and let it burn rapidly for at least 1 hour.  Make sure that you burn all the wood down to a big bed of coals.  The pit should be almost filled with ashes and coals, approximately 2- to 3-inches deep.

You are now ready for the Dutch Oven with the prepared turkey to be placed in the hole.

Using a shovel or Hot Coal Shovel, make room for your Dutch Oven by moving some of the hot coals in the area around where the pot will be.

Preparing and Cooking the Whole Turkey:

Rub the inside and outside of the turkey with butter.  If desired, also rub with your favorite seasoning rub.

Place the prepared turkey in the Dutch Oven.  Cover with the lid.Make sure you use some heavy wire to attach the lid as this will keep dirt and ash out of your Dutch Oven.

Place the Dutch Oven, with the turkey, in place in the prepared hole.

Using your shovel, move some of the hot ashes and coals on top of the pot.  Also take some hot coals out so you can put them on top of the pot over the aluminum foil.  Make sure there is some air in the area around the pot.

Place aluminum foil over the entire hole. Finally, place some hot coals over the foil and bury the hole with dirt.

Cook the turkey for approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Estimate heat of oven – Place your hand about 6 inches over the coals on the lid and count one thousand one; one thousand two; one thousand three.  Remove your hand when it is uncomfortable – one is hot, two is moderate, and three is low heat – more you are just warming food not cooking.

Dig up the Dutch Oven, brush off the dirt and ashes, and remove the lid with a Lid lifter.  Be sure to wear oven mitts or Heavy Leather Gloves, as the pot will still be very hot.

Insert the meat thermometer into the fleshy part of the thigh without touching the bone. You want the internal temperature to reach 165 F (remember that the turkey will continue to cook after it is removed from the heat of the fire).  NOTE: The USDA has come up with a one-temperature-suits-all for poultry safety: 165 F. For safety and doneness, the internal temperature should be checked with a meat thermometer.

This is the type of cooking and meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking.  I get many readers asking what cooking/meat thermometer that I prefer and use in my cooking and baking.  I, personally, use the Thermapen Thermometer shown in the photo on the right. To learn more about this excellent thermometer and to also purchase one (if you desire), just click on the underlined:  Thermapen Thermometer.

If your turkey has not reach the internal temperature of 165 F. after removing it from the cooking hole, place the turkey (in the Dutch Oven) in a preheated 350 degree F. oven and continue to bake until the proper internal temperature is reached.  Be careful that you do not lose those wonderful juices.

Let the turkey rest, out of the pit or oven, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before carving.  Actually, once the turkey has cooled slightly, you can simply pull it apart with your fingers.