Smoked turkey is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches salads soups, and more. But like any cooked meat, it has a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. So how long can you safely keep smoked turkey in the fridge before it goes bad?
In general, smoked turkey will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. However, there are several factors that affect how long it stays fresh, which we’ll explore in this article.
We’ll cover proper storage methods signs of spoilage to watch for food safety guidelines, and tips for enjoying leftover smoked turkey before it expires. With the right techniques, you can keep your delicious smoked turkey tasting great for almost a week in the fridge.
Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness
To get the most out of your leftover smoked turkey in the fridge, follow these storage guidelines:
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Store turkey in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, pressing out excess air. Plastic wrap or aluminum foil also work well.
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Refrigerate smoked turkey within 2 hours of cooking/purchasing.
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Place turkey on lower shelves of the refrigerator, which tend to be coldest.
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Keep refrigerator temperature at 40°F or below. Monitor with a fridge thermometer.
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Use smoked turkey within 3 days for peak freshness and quality.
Proper storage is key to preventing bacterial growth and keeping your smoked turkey as fresh as possible. Now let’s look at how to recognize when it’s past its prime.
Signs Your Smoked Turkey Has Spoiled
Even with proper storage, smoked turkey has a limited shelf life. Watch for these signs that your smoked meat has spoiled and is unsafe to eat:
- Mold growth, which may look fuzzy or fuzzy
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Dull, graying or unnatural colors
- Strong, unpleasant odors
- Dry, stiff, or cracked meat
If your smoked turkey exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to discard it. Don’t take risks when it comes to food safety.
Food Safety Guidelines for Smoked Turkey
To enjoy smoked turkey safely and avoid foodborne illness, follow these food safety guidelines:
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Discard turkey if left out of the fridge for over 2 hours. Toss any turkey with an internal temperature above 40°F.
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Never defrost at room temperature. Thaw in the refrigerator.
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Avoid cross-contaminating turkey juices with other foods like produce. Use separate cutting boards.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of purchasing or smoking. Slice large pieces into smaller portions for fast chilling.
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Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating. Reheat thoroughly as well.
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Consume within 3-4 days for highest quality and safety. Discard if in doubt.
Handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, and temperature control are key for smoked turkey safety.
Tips for Enjoying Leftover Smoked Turkey
To make the most of your smoked turkey before it expires, here are some delicious ways to use it:
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Slice and add to salads, grains, or sandwiches for quick lunches.
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Dice or shred turkey to mix into casseroles, soups, chili, or pasta dishes.
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Spread smoked turkey slices with cream cheese or chutney for an easy appetizer.
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Toss with bbq sauce and pile on buns for pulled turkey sandwiches.
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Make turkey tetrazzini by combining with pasta, mushrooms, and cheese sauce.
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Add to omelets, breakfast burritos, or hash for a smoky morning meal.
With creative recipes, you can reinvent leftover smoked turkey into all sorts of dishes. Just be sure to consume within the 3-4 day window for safety and quality.
How Long Can Smoked Turkey Last in the Freezer?
While refrigerator storage is limited to 3-4 days, freezing expands the shelf life of smoked turkey significantly. Properly frozen, smoked turkey will last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality declines. Freeze turkey in airtight packaging with as much air removed as possible. Date packages and use oldest frozen turkey first.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Smoked Turkey?
Previously frozen smoked turkey can be safely refrozen provided it was thawed in the refrigerator, not left at room temperature. However, the quality may diminish with each thaw cycle. Refreeze within the 3-4 day refrigerator window for best results.
Signs Smoked Turkey Has Gone Bad
Relying on sight, smell and touch are better indicators of smoked turkey freshness than the date on the package. Be on the lookout for these signs of spoiled turkey:
- Mold or fuzzy growths
- Grey, dull or unnatural colors
- Odd odors like sourness
- Slimy texture or tacky feel
- Dry, stiff meat
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t risk getting sick from eating spoiled smoked turkey.
Storing Unopened Smoked Turkey
If still in the original vacuum sealed packaging, smoked turkey can typically last for 1-2 weeks unopened in the fridge. Once opened, use within 3-4 days. Vacuum sealing helps extend the shelf life by preventing exposure to contaminants.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigeration and storage, smoked turkey will last 3-4 days before the quality starts to decline. Keep your fridge below 40°F, store turkey in air-tight containers, watch for signs of spoilage, and enjoy it within this window for the best results.
Implement these tips and you can safely keep smoked turkey on hand for quick sandwiches, salads and other recipes for almost a week after purchasing or smoking. With the right techniques, smoked turkey in the fridge can become a go-to ingredient rather than a use-it-or-lose it food.
Putting Turkey in the Freezer
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1 Carve the turkey into portions and wrap each of them in plastic wrap. Cut large pieces of smoked turkey into smaller portions or slice the meat. Then, place the portions on plastic wrap and seal them closed. Get the turkey ready to freeze within 2 hours of smoking it so harmful bacteria doesnt grow.
- If you dont want to use plastic wrap, wrap the meat in butcher paper or freezer paper.
- Smaller portions of smoked turkey defrost faster than large portions, so divide the turkey if you want to save time. For example, wrap the legs in 1 portion and the sliced turkey breast in 2 separate portions.
- Dont freeze a whole smoked turkey since its difficult to safely thaw and reheat the bird.
- 2 Cover the plastic-wrapped turkey in aluminum foil. Tear off sheets of aluminum foil that are large enough to completely wrap around your turkey portions. Seal the edges closed to hold the plastic wrap in place and stop moisture from escaping as you freeze the turkey.[5]
- Wrapping the smoked turkey in several layers also protects the meat from freezer burn.
- 3 Place the wrapped turkey into a freezer bag and label it. Squeeze the air out of the freezer bag before you seal it shut and then write whats in the bag and the date on the outside. The bag gives an extra layer of protection and prevents the turkey from making other things in your freezer smell smoky.[6]
- For example, write, “2 pounds (0.91 kg) sliced, smoked turkey, 7/7/20.”
- 4 Freeze the smoked turkey for up to 4 months. Although frozen turkey keeps indefinitely, youll get the best texture if you use it within 4 months of putting it in the freezer.[7]
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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 long do you smoke a turkey breast per pound?
FAQ
How long is leftover smoked turkey good for?
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 do you know if smoked turkey has gone bad?
Some people I know go longer than that without any issues, however. Signs that the turkey has gone bad: Surface of the meat has discoloration or sliminess Smells off Tastes off (only try to taste a small piece after making sure the turkey looks and smells OK) If it looks, smells, and tastes OK, it is probably fine.
How long can smoked meat last in the fridge?
Refrigerate meat and poultry within 2 hours of removing it from a smoker. Cut the meat or poultry into smaller portions or slices, place it in shallow containers, cover, and refrigerate. Use it within 4 days or freeze for later use. For more information, see Smoking Meat and Poultry .
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 does smoked turkey last in the fridge?
Smoked turkey lasts four days in the refrigerator. Refrigerated smoked meat should be eaten within four days and no longer in the freezer than three months. Ensure the food is stored correctly in air-tight containers, in butcher’s paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. The passage also mentions the freezer storage duration, but the question asks specifically about the fridge.
Can smoked turkey be stored in the freezer?
Yes, smoked turkey can be stored in the freezer for two to three months. It is important to properly wrap the turkey to seal in the moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. What are the methods of preservation used for smoked turkey?
How long can you keep a cooked turkey in the fridge?
After it’s cooked, you’ll need to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and use them within 3 to 4 days. Tofurky is the brand name of a wheat- and soy-based turkey substitute sold in the form of a roast. It’s made from a combination of wheat gluten and tofu.