Thanksgiving Turkey and Meal Ideas

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I have an idea to spatchcock and smoke 2 8 lb turkeys ... What would the wise minds of the FDB do in my shoes? ... how can I do it the best way possible....my grill(s) - It's gas, but I've had a lot of success smoking wings and ribs, and other things using foil packets. I also have a charcoal Weber but with the rain out here I think that's out of the question.

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I'm no expert, but I shoot from the hip here.

Use two bone in whole turkey breasts (two turkeys minus the legs, wings, and it's bag lunch.) Thaw and dry brine the day before. Using the gas grill and your foil packets with wood chips, cook 375F-400F on the opposite side of the lit burner. Turn them and swap places with them every 30 minutes or so. Pull them at a temp of 155F ish.

Most gas grills don't have room for two whole birds spatchcocked.

There are smarter people on here. Listen to their ideas also.

No cornbread dressing or sweet potatoes ?

I'll assume when you say "responsible for the meat and basically 3" that means 3 side dishes???

I'll also assume since you are having 12 present, it will be more of a "pot luck" meal where some guests bring dishes to go with the meal.

If so, get with them to see what they are planning on bringing so there's no duplicate dishes. No need for 3 green bean casseroles.

Like already mentioned, your grill is likely not big enough to spatchcock 2 birds, so maybe one on the grill and one in the oven????

For years I've hosted a big T-Day party at my house and have between 25-30 people show up and I do all the cooking for the party. I'll start getting things ready on Tuesday and have much of it ready to finish off on Thanksgiving day.

I'll have chicken/sausage gumbo, white rice to go with it, baked mac & cheese, giblet gravy, eggplant/shrimp/cheese casserole, sweet potato casserole, homemade herb bread and fry between 3-4 turkeys.

For drinks, I'll have beer, sodas, water, wine, liquor and set-ups for cocktails and coffee for those that want it.

Some guests will bring wine, liquor and things for desert like pecan pie, pumpkin pie and homemade cookies.

The last few years we have done two turkey breasts - one in the oven, one in the electric smoker. That easily allows us to feed five and have leftovers for a couple of more meals, so should be good for your 12.

For the one that goes in the smoker I make an injection of 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup oil; 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 fresh lemon juiced; 1 tsp ground sage; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp garlic salt; 1 tsp onion salt. Inject it the night before and smoke using apple wood.

For sides we do cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, sweet potato souffle, cranberry sauce, steamed broccoli & cauliflower with cheese, mashed potatoes, and rolls.