If you like turkey but don’t want to cook it, Gartner’s Meats’ smoked turkey is the perfect choice. Our Smoked Turkeys are fully cooked, and here are tips for reheating them.
To Reheat: We recommend using a rack in your roasting pan. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan and cover the smoked turkey with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for approx. 10 minutes per pound, or until your meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.
Smoked turkey is a delicious meal that is commonly served during the holidays. Howeverleftover smoked turkey can easily dry out when reheated. Follow this simple guide to learn how to properly reheat smoked turkey without drying it out.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Reheating a fully cooked smoked turkey requires patience and the right techniques. Here are the steps to follow
Let the Turkey Thaw
If your smoked turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it properly before reheating. Do not try to reheat a frozen turkey directly from the freezer. This can lead to uneven cooking.
To thaw, place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator 24-48 hours before you plan to reheat it A turkey needs about 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of weight to thaw in the fridge. Once thawed, the turkey will feel soft, and the inner cavity will no longer feel icy.
You can also submerge the turkey in cold water to thaw it faster. Allow 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.
Remove the Packaging
Once thawed, remove any wrapping, bags or netting from the turkey before reheating. This allows it to heat more evenly.
Rinse the turkey under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This low temperature will prevent the turkey from drying out.
Use a Roasting Pan
Place the turkey in a roasting pan or baking dish. This allows the heat to circulate all around the turkey as it reheats.
The pan should be large enough to fit the turkey without crowding it.
Cover the Turkey
Cover the turkey tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure to seal the edges so steam can’t escape.
The foil traps moisture and steam to keep the turkey juicy.
Calculate Cook Time
Figure 10-15 minutes per pound to reheat the turkey thoroughly. A 12 lb turkey will need 120-180 minutes (2-3 hours) in the oven.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. You want it heated to 165°F at the thickest part.
Baste and Tent Turkey
Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with broth, water or turkey drippings to prevent drying.
Once the turkey reaches 165°F, remove foil and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow juices to settle before carving.
Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Slice and Serve
Carve the turkey and serve immediately for maximum juiciness. Enjoy your perfectly reheated smoked turkey!
Tips to Keep Smoked Turkey Moist
Follow these tips while reheating smoked turkey to lock in moisture:
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Brush turkey with oil or melted butter before reheating. This creates a protective barrier.
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Add broth, water or wine to the roasting pan. The simmering liquid infuses moisture.
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Rub herbs under the skin. Rosemary, thyme and sage add flavor and moisture.
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Reheat turkey breast-side down. The darker meat stays juicier. Flip over halfway through.
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Cover with gravy after serving. The rich sauce keeps meat tender.
What Not to Do
Avoid these mistakes when reheating smoked turkey:
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Do not reheat turkey at high temperatures over 350°F. This causes the meat to dry out quickly.
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Do not microwave thawed turkey to reheat it. The microwave produces an unevenly cooked turkey.
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Do not stuff the turkey cavity before reheating. This can promote bacterial growth. Cook stuffing separately.
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Do not reheat turkey without a roasting pan. Direct oven contact causes drying.
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Do not keep reheated turkey warmer longer than 2 hours. The meat will continue cooking and drying out.
How to Tell if Turkey is Dry
It’s easy to spot a dried-out turkey when reheating it. Signs include:
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The meat looks very dry and stringy rather than moist and tender.
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The skin looks very dry and crispy instead of browned and supple.
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The juices run clear with no traces of pink when you cut into the turkey.
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The meat does not look plump and pulls apart very easily when sliced.
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You need gravy or sauce to moisten the turkey when eating it.
If your reheated turkey shows these signs, it’s unfortunately overcooked and dry. Next time, try the techniques above to keep it tender and juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about reheating smoked turkey:
How long does reheated turkey last in the fridge?
Leftover reheated turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to store it in a shallow airtight container.
Can you reheat turkey in the slow cooker?
Yes, place turkey in the slow cooker with broth or sauce set to Low for 4-6 hours until heated through.
What is the best way to reheat turkey slices or pieces?
For single portions, cover with broth in a skillet. Heat on medium-low, turning occasionally, until hot.
Can you reheat turkey in the microwave?
You can use the microwave to reheat small portions of turkey for 1-2 minutes. But microwaving tends to dry out poultry.
Is it safe to reheat turkey more than once?
Only reheat leftovers once. Reheating turkey multiple times increases the risk of bacterial growth.
What are some good ways to use up leftover turkey?
Get creative with turkey sandwiches, turkey tetrazzini, turkey pot pie, turkey chili, turkey soup, casseroles, tacos, enchiladas, and more!
Enjoy Perfectly Reheated Turkey
Follow this simple reheating guide for deliciously moist and tender smoked turkey. With some patience and the right techniques, you can avoid a dried-out bird.
Reheating turkey low and slow is the key. Covering it, basting it with broth, and letting it rest before carving will lock in plenty of juicy flavor. Use these tips for the holidays or anytime you crave tender turkey meat.
