Did you place an order for the holidays? Use the instructions below to help with reheating:
Smoked turkey is a delicious and convenient choice for holidays and gatherings. The rich, smoky flavor and moist, tender meat make it an instant crowd-pleaser. However, properly reheating smoked turkey can be tricky. You want to make sure it’s heated through without drying out the meat.
Here is a complete guide on how long you should warm up a smoked turkey to get it perfectly juicy and safe to eat.
Factors That Affect Reheating Time
The reheating time needed for a smoked turkey depends on several factors
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Turkey Size – A small 10 lb. turkey will reheat faster than a large 20 lb one. Check the size to estimate time.
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Oven Temperature – The lower the temp, the longer to reheat. Higher temps speed up the process but can dry out the meat.
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Frozen or Thawed – A frozen turkey will take significantly longer. Defrost first for quicker reheating.
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Whole or Parts – Reheating a whole turkey takes longer than just reheating portions,
Recommended Reheating Times
As a general guideline, these are typical reheating times:
- 10-15 lb turkey at 325°F: About 1.5 to 2 hours
- 15-20 lb turkey at 325°F: Around 2.5 to 3 hours
- Whole turkey at 250°F: Approximately 4 hours or longer
- Turkey breast at 325°F: 45 mins to 1 hour
- Leftover slices at 350°F: 15-20 minutes
Monitor the turkey’s internal temperature and adjust oven time up or down to reach the safe final temperature.
Best Oven Temperature for Reheating
250-325°F is ideal for safely and thoroughly reheating smoked turkey without drying it out. Some key tips:
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For whole turkeys or large pieces, 250-275°F is best. The gentle, low heat reheats the center without overcooking the outer meat.
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For smaller portions like slices or shredded meat, 325°F works well. The higher heat quickly warms these thinner pieces.
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Never exceed 350°F, as this dries out turkey meat very quickly.
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Make sure to cover the turkey or pieces with foil. This prevents drying and helps hold in moisture.
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Allow a rest time of at least 15-20 mins after reheating so juices can redistribute evenly.
Finding the right balance of temperature and time ensures your reheated smoked turkey stays tender and juicy.
Proper Internal Temperature
Unlike cooking raw turkey to 165°F, you only need to reheat pre-cooked smoked turkey to 140°F internally. This is hot enough to kill any bacteria without over-drying the meat.
To check the internal temp, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast or thigh without touching the bone.
Once the thermometer reads 140°F, the turkey can come out of the oven. The temperature will rise another 5-10°F as it rests.
For optimal safety and texture, target an internal temp of 145-150°F after resting. Going above 155°F risks drying out the turkey.
Step-by-Step Guide for Whole Smoked Turkeys
Follow these simple steps for perfect whole smoked turkey every time:
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Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour before reheating so it starts closer to room temp.
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Preheat oven to 250-325°F. 325°F works for 10-15 lb birds, 250°F for larger turkeys.
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Cover turkey tightly in foil. Tent foil over breast and wrap around body.
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Place turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer in thickest part of breast.
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Roast turkey for estimated time based on weight and temperature. Start checking temp after about 1 hour.
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When the thermometer reads 140°F, remove turkey from oven. Double check temp in a few spots.
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Let turkey rest 20-30 mins loosely covered in foil. The temperature will rise and juices redistribute.
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Carve turkey and serve immediately for incredibly juicy, tender meat. Enjoy!
The low roasting temp and foil tent are key for keeping that smoky flavor and moisture locked in.
Reheating Leftover Pieces and Slices
Leftover individual pieces of smoked turkey like the breast, legs, wings, or slices reheat a bit differently than the whole bird. Here are some quick reheating methods:
Oven: Place pieces or slices on a sheet pan lined with foil. Cover with more foil. Bake at 325°F until warmed through, 15-25 mins.
Microwave: Put turkey portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on Medium, checking often, until 165°F, about 1-3 mins per serving.
Stovetop: Heat turkey slices in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter, broth or gravy until warm and crispy, 5-8 mins.
Slow cooker: Combine turkey pieces with sauce or gravy in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on Low 2-3 hours until 165°F.
These methods prevent dry leftover turkey. Just watch portions closely and reheat only until hot.
How to Tell if Smoked Turkey is Bad
If reheated properly, smoked turkey stays fresh 3-4 days refrigerated. But how can you tell if your turkey has gone bad? Watch for these signs:
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Slimy texture – Spoiled turkey feels sticky or slimy. Good turkey feels firm and dry on the surface.
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Odd odor – Discard turkey with a rancid, sour, or ammonia-like smell.
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Change in color – Grey, green, or blue discoloration indicates mold or bacteria.
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Expired sell-by date – Smoked turkey keeps 1 week past its sell-by date when refrigerated. Discard if older.
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating turkey that shows any signs of spoilage.
Letting it Rest is Crucial
Allowing the smoked turkey to rest after reheating, just like after roasting, is vital. The resting period of 20-30 minutes outside the oven allows the juices that were heated and loosened to redistribute back into the turkey meat.
Skipping this resting step can lead to incredibly dry turkey as the juices run out when you cut into it. Be patient and let it rest for best results.
In Summary
Reheating smoked turkey so it turns out moist and delicious simply takes a low, slow approach. Use an oven temp of 250-325°F and heat until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Allow plenty of time based on the turkey’s size and use foil to prevent drying. Rest before carving.
Follow these guidelines and your leftover smoked turkey will taste just as amazing the second time around. You can enjoy those turkey sandwiches and soups without worry by properly reheating your smoked turkey.
Suggested Smoked Prime Rib Reheating Instructions
Defrost
Defrost your Meat U Anywhere BBQ Smoked Prime Rib Roast in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once thawed, slice it to eat cold, use for sandwiches, or place carved slices on microwavable dish and heat to your liking. Enjoy!
Reheating
*** NOTE: Smoked Prime Rib is prepared to Medium Rare. MUA cannot guarantee that reheating these items will not result in medium well to well done temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the cold (not room-temperature) Prime Rib Roast in roasting bag and seal bag
- Place in rigid roasting pan and cover the Prime Rib Roast with foil and place in oven
- Reheat Prime Rib Roast for approximately 5-7 minutes per pound. A 5-7 pound Prime Rib Roast would need to reheat for approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on oven
- Use caution when removing from oven and unsealing roasting bag
- Use a meat thermometer to check meat temperature. Although many people enjoy prefer Prime Rib Roast rare or medium rare, USDA recommends cooking and reheating all red meats to minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees
Suggested Smoked Ham Reheating Instructions
Defrost
If frozen, defrost Meat U Anywhere BBQ Smoked Ham in the refrigerator for up to three days prior to serving. Once thawed, slice and eat it cold, use for sandwiches or arrange carved slices on microwavable dish and heat to your liking. Enjoy!
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the cold (not room-temperature) Smoked Ham in roasting bag, seal, and place in rigid roasting pan.
- Cover the Smoked Ham with foil and place in oven.
- Reheat Smoked Ham for around 5-7 minutes per pound. A 4-5 pound Smoked Ham would need to reheat for around 15-25 minutes.
- Use extreme caution when removing from oven and roasting bag.
- Use a meat thermometer to check temperature. USDA recommends cooking and reheating all non-poultry meats to minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees.
How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?
Cook on low: Set the slow cooker to low and let the turkey reheat slowly for 2 to 4 hours. This method is excellent for keeping the turkey moist and tender.May 13, 2024
How do you heat up a fully cooked smoked turkey leg?
Reheating – To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with a loosely fitted piece of foil. Place in a 350°F oven and warm for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through. Turkey legs are cooked when an instant read thermometer registers to 165°F.
How long to reheat a 15 lb smoked turkey?
Cover turkey with aluminum foil and reheat 10-15 minutes per pound to an internal temperature of 135° F. on a meat thermometer. This will take 1-4 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. Remove the foil and heat turkey an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp the skin.
How long does it take to reheat a smoked turkey?
To keep your smoked turkey moist and tender, place it on a rack in a roasting pan with a little water in the bottom. Cover it with foil and reheat it in a low oven. It will take 2 to 3 hours to reheat a smoked whole turkey depending on the size of the turkey. The best way to tell when its done is to use a meat thermometer.
How long can you keep a smoked turkey warm?
Smoked turkey can be kept warm for up to 4 hours. After that, it is best to eat the turkey or store it in the refrigerator. What is the best way to reheat smoked turkey? The best way to reheat smoked turkey is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the smoked turkey on a baking sheet.
How do you reheat a smoked turkey breast?
The oven allows you to gently reheat a whole smoked turkey leg, drumsticks, or breast to retain moisture and texture. Pre-heat the oven to 225°F and place the fully cooked smoked turkey meat in a roasting pan. Cover with foil to prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast.
How long do you cook a smoked turkey in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the smoked turkey on a baking sheet. Cover the turkey with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Can I freeze smoked turkey?
How long do you cook a smoked turkey in a broiler?
Place your smoked turkey on the broiler try rack and tent securely with tin foil. Place the trayed smoked turkey in the middle of a 350° F oven and cook for about 1.5 – 2 hours (or until a meat thermometer reaches about 140° F in the center of the breast). Remove the turkey and carve for serving.
What temperature should smoked turkey be cooked to?
However, already cooked smoked turkey doesn’t need to get to 165. It just needs to get to the point of being out of the so-called danger zone. This is the temperature range that dangerous bacteria like to grow. Your chances of getting sick increase if your food is in this danger zone too long. The range is from 40-140 degrees.