Smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. However, like any perishable food, smoked turkey has a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. Knowing how long smoked turkey lasts in the fridge is key to enjoying it safely and preventing foodborne illness.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about refrigerating smoked turkey. including
- Proper refrigerator temperatures
- Recommended storage times
- Ideal packaging methods
- Signs of spoilage to watch for
- Serving and reheating tips
Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to keep your smoked turkey tasting great for days after purchasing or preparation.
Proper Refrigerator Temperatures for Storing Smoked Turkey
To safely store smoked turkey in the fridge, the ideal temperature is 40°F or below. At this chilled temperature, bacteria growth is significantly inhibited, enabling longer safer storage.
To maintain proper refrigerator temperatures for smoked meats
- Set the temperature dial to 40°F or the closest cold setting.
- Use an appliance thermometer to regularly verify the interior temperature.
- Avoid overstuffing the refrigerator which can restrict air circulation and cooling.
- Clean the fridge coils every 3-6 months for optimal performance.
Maintaining consistent temperatures of 40°F or colder creates ideal conditions for storing smoked turkey for multiple days without risk of spoilage.
Recommended Refrigerator Storage Times for Smoked Turkey
When stored properly in the fridge at 40°F or below, smoked turkey will typically last 3-4 days before quality starts to decline. To get the most of this 3-4 day window:
- Store turkey in shallow, airtight containers. Wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil also works. This prevents drying out.
- Place smoked turkey on lower refrigerator shelves which tend to be coldest.
- Avoid cross-contaminating turkey juices with other foods like fresh produce.
- Use turkey within 3 days for peak freshness. At 4 days, inspect carefully before eating.
- Discard any turkey with an off odor, slimy texture, or unnatural discoloring even if before 4 days.
Freezing smoked turkey can prolong shelf life for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use. With proper refrigeration technique, smoked turkey keeps well for 3-4 days.
Proper Packaging for Refrigerating Smoked Turkey
How you package and wrap smoked turkey makes a significant difference in how long it lasts. Here are some storage tips:
- Place turkey in airtight containers like Tupperware or Ziploc bags, sealing thoroughly.
- Plastic wrap and heavy duty aluminum foil are also great wrapping materials to block air exposure.
- Wrap turkey tightly without gaps or air pockets, pressing out excess air before sealing.
- Layering turkey between sheets of wax paper before wrapping helps absorb excess moisture.
- For large batches, use turkey oven bags, removing excess air.
- Divide turkey into smaller portions for quick individual use to reduce repeat openings.
Proper packaging prevents dried out, freezer burnt turkey and contains juices for better food safety. Minimizing how much the refrigerator is opened also helps maintain chilled temperatures.
Signs Your Refrigerated Smoked Turkey Has Spoiled
Even when correctly stored, smoked turkey has a limited fridge life. Watch out for these signs that your turkey is past its prime and potentially unsafe to eat:
- Discoloration, dull or grey tones
- Slime layer on the meat surface
- Off odors like sourness or ammonia
- Weird streaking or spots
- Dry, cracked, or tacky meat texture
- Mold growth, which may appear fuzzy or discolored
- Cloudy turkey juices
- Turkey feels unusually light when lifted
- Liquid oozing from the turkey
When in doubt, remember – “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t take risks with questionable turkey.
Serving and Reheating Refrigerated Smoked Turkey
Once you’ve inspected the turkey and determined it’s still safe to eat, here are some quick tips on enjoying it:
- Slice turkey thinly to allow quick, even heating.
- Bring turkey to 165°F for safety when reheating.
- Moisten turkey by adding broth or water and covering during reheating.
- Use gentle reheating methods like baking instead of the microwave.
- Allow to rest 5 minutes after reheating so juices redistribute evenly.
- Refrigerate any leftovers promptly after serving.
How Long Can Thawed Smoked Turkey Stay in the Fridge?
Previously frozen smoked turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator can generally be kept for another 3 to 4 days in the fridge before use.
Be sure to check for signs of spoilage like odor and sliminess. And if it has been thawed for more than 2 days already, consume within 1 to 2 days for best quality.
Follow the same storage guidelines for keeping thawed smoked turkey fresh – use airtight containers, keep at 40°F or below, and watch for spoilage signs.
Can I Refreeze Thawed Smoked Turkey?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed smoked turkey if it has sat for more than 2 days in the fridge. At that point, bacteria may start multiplying faster, making it unsafe.
However, if thawed smoked turkey was kept for less than 2 days, you can safely refreeze it. Be sure to wrap it tightly in freezer bags, freezer paper, or airtight containers before returning to the freezer where it can keep for 1 to 2 months.
Key Takeaways on Refrigerating Smoked Turkey
To recap, following proper procedures from refrigerator temperatures to storage times will ensure your smoked turkey stays fresh and delicious for days after purchase or preparation.
- Maintain a 40°F or lower refrigerator temperature.
- Use airtight containers and wrapping materials like foil or plastic wrap.
- Store for no more than 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
- Refrigerate thawed turkey for just 1 to 2 more days.
- Only refreeze thawed turkey if refrigerated for under 2 days.
With the right techniques, you can safely enjoy scrumptious smoked turkey well beyond just same-day meals without having to freeze it. Just be vigilant about cold temperatures, air-tight storage and looking for spoilage signs. Before you know it, your refrigerated smoked turkey will become a go-to item to build quick, tasty meals around night after night.
StepsMethod
- 1 Plan to store the turkey within 2 hours of smoking it. If the turkeys temperature stays between 40 and 140 °F (4 and 60 °C), dangerous bacteria grow quickly. Clear space in your fridge and get out plastic wrap or shallow containers so youre ready to store the smoked turkey.[1]
- 2 Cut the turkey into portions or slices to make it easier to reheat. This also gives you more flexibility when you warm up the turkey, since you can reheat just as much meat as you need. For example, cut the breast meat into slices, cut off the legs, and remove the thighs. Then, warm just the portions that you want for a single meal.[2]
- If youre preparing the turkey ahead of time to serve to a crowd, you can leave it whole. Cover the turkey tightly with plastic wrap before you refrigerate it.
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3 Put the turkey into shallow airtight containers or seal it in plastic wrap. Food storage containers are convenient, but the turkey can leave a lingering smoky smell even after you remove the turkey and wash them. If youd rather use something else, cover the turkey with plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in foil.[3]
- If you want to refrigerate the turkey with gravy, spoon enough gravy over it to cover the meat. This keeps the turkey moist as it chills.
- 4 Label the container or foil with the date. Its really easy to forget when you put something in the fridge, which can make it harder to determine if the smoked turkey is safe to eat. Stick a label on the container that says, “smoked turkey” and the date that you put it in the fridge.[4]
- If you divided the turkey into several containers, remember to label each one.
- You dont need to buy special labels for your containers. Just tear off a piece of masking tape and write the information on it.
- 5 Chill the smoked turkey in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Smoked turkey lasts a little longer than roasted turkey since the smoke helps preserve the meat. Since the turkey will dry out the longer its stored, its still best to use the meat soon after you smoke it.
- If youve had the smoked turkey in the fridge for less than 2 weeks and find that you cant finish it all, store the rest in the freezer.
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Reheating Smoked Turkey
- 1 Thaw the turkey in the fridge if you stored it in the freezer. When youre ready to enjoy smoked turkey, take it out of the freezer and set it on a baking dish or rimmed sheet. Dont unwrap the turkey; just place it into the fridge and let it thaw slowly until the meat doesnt feel hard. It takes about 1 day to defrost 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kg) of smoked turkey.[8]
- Once youve thawed the smoked turkey, eat it cold or reheat it. Use the meat within 4 days.
- 2 Heat the turkey in the oven at 325 °F (163 °C) until the meat reaches 165 °F (74 °C). For a gentle reheating method, put your smoked turkey slices or pieces into a roasting dish and pour about 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of water or broth into it. Preheat your oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and cover your turkey with foil. Then, heat the meat until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) with an instant-read thermometer.
- Plan on heating a pan full of turkey for about 20 to 25 minutes before you check its temperature.
- 3 Microwave your turkey until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Place the smoked turkey on a microwave-safe container and put a microwave cover over the food. If you dont have one of these, cover the container loosely with plastic wrap, but dont let the plastic touch the meat. Then, microwave the meat 1 minute for every 1 pound (0.45 kg) youre making. Stick an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey to see if its reached 165 °F (74 °C).
- If the smoked turkeys not up to temperature, keep heating it in 30-second increments until its hot enough.
- Chemicals from the plastic can transfer to your turkey if the plastic wrap touches the food while youre microwaving it.
- 4 Dont reheat the food more than once to prevent bacteria growth. Once youve warmed your smoked turkey in the oven or microwave, plan on eating it quickly. You shouldnt keep reheating leftovers or you could encourage bacteria growth.[9]
- This is why its a good idea to divide the turkey into small portions so you can reheat only what youll eat in 1 sitting.
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How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
How long will a smoked turkey last in the refrigerator?
Today’s smoked turkeys are less salty, more moist, and far more palatable than any cured product our ancestors ate. The milder cured and smoked meats today need only be stored under refrigeration. This fine smoked turkey may be kept in the freezer up to 6 months or in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks–enjoy!
How long can butterball smoked turkey stay in the fridge?
Leftovers: Carve leftover turkey into pieces before refrigerating to speed cooling. Refrigerate carved leftovers within 2 hours of eating. Use leftover turkey within 3 days.
Is turkey still good after 7 days in the fridge?
- Safe timeframe: 3-4 days in the fridge
- Signs of spoilage: Unpleasant smell, slimy texture
- For longer storage: Freeze leftover turkey within a few days for later use.
How long can a fully cooked turkey stay in the fridge?
USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.
How long does a smoked turkey last in the fridge?
Properly sealing and refrigerating smoked turkey is key for maximizing its shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator smoked turkey will generally stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. To get the full 2 weeks of fridge life it’s important to store smoked turkey correctly Store in airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Is it dangerous to quit vaping nicotine cold turkey?
Quitting vaping nicotine ‘cold turkey’ is not dangerous, but it can be very unpleasant. This is because nicotine alters the way your brain functions such that your body feels dependent on it. Some of the unpleasant side effects of quitting abruptly are tremors, headaches, and nausea. These side effects can make it very hard to quit and often cause people to relapse. Fortunately, these unpleasant side effects can be partially or completely avoided by gradually cutting down your use instead of quitting abruptly. Your primary care physician can help you design a plan to quit vaping nicotine.
How long can smoked turkey sit out?
No, smoked turkey should never sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly at temperatures between 40-140°F. How long can cooked smoked turkey last in the fridge? Cooked smoked turkey will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to store in shallow, covered containers and check for spoilage before eating.
What temperature should smoked turkey be stored?
The ideal temperature to store smoked turkey is 40°F or below. At this chilled temperature, bacteria growth is significantly slowed, enabling safe storage. To keep your refrigerator at the proper temperature for smoked meats: Set the temperature dial to 40°F or the closest cold setting.
Can you freeze smoked turkey after cooking?
Absolutely. Freezing smoked turkey after refrigerating enables enjoyment for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to freeze within the safe refrigerator window of 3-4 days maximum. Properly storing leftovers ensures you can continue enjoying smoked turkey for days after cooking.
How long do smoked turkey legs last?
An unopened smoked turkey will last 2-3 weeks past its “sell by” date as long as your refrigerator temperature remains below 40°F. Always inspect for spoilage when opening. Can you freeze smoked turkey legs or wings?