How to Reheat a Smoked Turkey Perfectly Without Drying It Out

Smoked turkey is a delicious flavorful treat but like any meat, it can dry out and become tough if not reheated properly. Luckily, there are some simple tips and tricks to follow that will keep your leftover smoked turkey moist and tender.

Why Proper Reheating is Key

Smoked turkeys are already cooked when you purchase them, so they just need to be gently reheated. The goal is to heat the turkey thoroughly without overcooking it. If too much heat is applied too quickly, the meat will dry out.

Reheating at a low temperature over a longer period ensures the turkey warms through gradually. This gives the collagen in the meat time to break down and redistribute moisture High heat can cause moisture loss and result in a dry, tough finished product

Letting the Turkey Thaw

If your smoked turkey is frozen, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating. This can take 24 hours or more for a large turkey.

Rushing the thawing process with hot water or a microwave can cause uneven thawing and potential bacterial growth in warm moist spots. Refrigerator thawing keeps the turkey at a safe 40°F temperature.

Once thawed, pat the turkey dry with paper towels before reheating. You want the skin and surface as dry as possible to promote browning and prevent steaming.

Selecting the Proper Cookware

Choose an oven-safe pan or dish that fits the turkey snugly with little extra room. This helps retain moisture and allows the turkey to reheat more efficiently.

Stainless steel, aluminium, or ceramic bakeware all work well. Darker pans may promote more browning. Avoid glass or Pyrex dishes which retain less heat.

You can place the turkey directly in the pan or set it on a roasting rack for airflow underneath. This elevates the turkey from collected juices, keeping the bottom from becoming soggy.

Preheat the Oven Low and Slow

Turn your oven to 325°F before reheating the turkey. This relatively low temperature will warm the turkey gradually without drying it out.

Preheating also ensures the oven is fully up to temperature when you place the turkey in. Starting from a hot oven prevents the initial drop in temperature that can lead to uneven cooking.

Maintaining Moisture is Key

There are two simple ways to keep reheated turkey moist:

Cover with foil
Baste or brush with broth

Tenting foil over the turkey traps in natural moisture released during heating. Foil should be tented loosely so some steam can still escape.

For extra insurance, you can add moisture by periodically basting the turkey with chicken or turkey broth while it reheats.Brush overtop the foil if covered, or directly on the meat if uncovered.

Allow Plenty of Reheating Time

Plan on reheating smoked turkey approximately 10-15 minutes per pound. So a 10 pound turkey will need 100-150 minutes in a 325°F oven.

The large thermal mass of a whole turkey requires time for the heat to fully penetrate into the center without overcooking outer portions. Rushing the process leads to uneven doneness.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature in a few places. You want to reach an internal temperature of 140°F throughout the breast, thighs and legs.

If needed, tent with foil or baste with broth in the last 30 minutes to keep the turkey from drying out.

Let It Rest Before Carving

Once your smoked turkey has finished reheating to a safe internal temperature, let it rest tented in foil for 15-30 minutes before carving.

This resting period allows juices that were moved around during reheating to redistribute back into the turkey meat before cutting. Slice into turkey immediately after reheating and those juices will spill out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.

Serving Suggestions

Your properly reheated smoked turkey is now ready to serve and enjoy! Consider these serving suggestions:

Carve into slices or shred for sandwiches
Pair with your favorite barbecue sauce
Chop and add to soups, tacos, casseroles
Slice off pieces and serve on a hearty salad
Mix shredded turkey with mayo, celery and cranberries for an easy sandwich filling

With the right techniques, you can revive leftover smoked turkey to be just as juicy, delicious and satisfying as the first time it was served. Just be sure to reheat slowly at a low temperature, keep it moist, and allow plenty of time for the heat to evenly penetrate. Your patience will be rewarded with fork-tender smoked turkey ready for round two!

how do i reheat a smoked turkey

How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey

FAQ

How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

How to heat a fully cooked smoked turkey breast?

Place foil-wrapped turkey breast in shallow roasting pan. Heat at 350° F for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and carefully remove foil. Place turkey breast back in pan and return to oven and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

Can you reheat a smoked turkey in a cooking bag?

Yes. You can heat cooked foods, such as leftovers, in a FoodSaver® bag. All of our meat by the pound is sold frozen* in vacuum-sealed bags, which allows for extended storage in either the refrigerator or the freezer, but also allows for very easy reheating in the bag. Simply boil water, reduce heat, and submerge.

Is a smoked turkey already cooked?

Butterball Smoked Whole Turkeys are fully cooked and ready to eat. They can be used in recipes calling for cooked turkey without prior heating. The pink color of the meat comes from smoking and curing and is not a sign of undercooked meat.

How do you reheat a smoked turkey?

The oven method is the top choice for reheating your smoked turkey leftovers and maintaining their original quality. To keep the moisture intact and prevent dryness during the reheating process, wrap your turkey pieces in foil.

Can You reheat a smoked turkey in the microwave?

Set the oven temperature to 300°F. Place the turkey on a wire rack over a cookie sheet or baking dish. Add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom and cover tightly with aluminum foil Reheat for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Pros Reheating leftover smoke turkey in the microwave is FAST!

Can You reheat a smoked turkey in a slow cooker?

* To reheat a whole smoked turkey in a slow cooker, place the turkey in a slow cooker. Cover the turkey with liquid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * To reheat a whole smoked turkey sous vide, place the turkey in a sous vide bag. Add liquid to the bag and seal it.

How do you reheat a frozen turkey?

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If your turkey is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before reheating. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the turkey cook evenly. Place the turkey breast-side up on a baking sheet.

What temperature should a Turkey be reheated?

Aim for an oven temperature of approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re pressed for time and want to speed up the process while still keeping the turkey moist, the highest temperature limit should be around 325 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s vital to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the turkey as it reheats.

How do you reheat a Turkey on a grill?

Place the turkey in a foil-lined baking dish or an oven-safe baking bag. If desired, baste the turkey with additional liquid to prevent it from drying out during reheating. Preset your grill for medium heat (around 300°F – 350°F /150°C -175°C). Wrap the turkey tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a disposable aluminum pan.