There’s nothing quite like the tradition of smoked turkey on Thanksgiving – not only does it make for a delicious dinner that night, but the leftovers make for amazing sandwiches, soups, and other meals the next few days!
But, let’s face it – there’s never a bad time for smoked turkey. Waiting to enjoy it once a year is depriving yourself for no reason. We enjoy it at least a few times throughout the meal for not just special occasions but anytime we want something tasty, tender, and outside of the norm.
Pre-smoked turkeys are a great choice because they save you time and stress while ensuring a delicious flavor and the perfect texture every time. The only challenge comes in reheating these to bring out their full potential – but we’re here to help.
Learn how to reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out below, as we cover the oven method (our preferred approach), other techniques, and general advice on making the most of your turkey.
First things first, though – buy smoked turkey here at Mahogany Smoked Meats for the tastiest bird and the simplest, most convenient process. It’s really this easy:
Place your order today, and while you’re anxiously anticipating its arrival, learn how to reheat a whole smoked turkey below!
Precooked smoked turkey breasts provide a quick and easy way to enjoy deliciously flavored turkey meat without spending hours preparing and cooking a whole bird With the right reheating technique, you can take the precooked breast from ready-to-eat to extraordinarily tasty. Follow these simple steps for getting the most out of your precooked smoked turkey breast
Selecting the Best Precooked Smoked Turkey Breast
You can find precooked smoked turkey breasts sold refrigerated or frozen at most supermarkets. When choosing one, keep these tips in mind:
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Opt for a breast between 2 to 5 pounds to feed 4-6 people. Larger ones may be too big for smaller gatherings.
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Look for a breast with a pink “smoke ring” around the edge, which indicates it was properly smoked.
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Make sure the packaging is intact with no tears or leaks.
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Check for consistent coloring with no odd spots or blemishes.
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Pick one with the latest sell-by date for maximum freshness.
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Consider lower-sodium options if limiting salt intake,
Once you’ve selected the perfect turkey breast it’s time to prepare for reheating.
Preparing the Turkey Breast for Cooking
Before cooking your precooked smoked turkey breast, follow these preparatory steps:
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Remove from original packaging and discard any metal skewers.
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Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Apply a light coating of olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs if desired.
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Place the breast in a roasting pan, ideally on a rack, to promote airflow.
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Add a small amount of broth or water to the bottom of the pan.
After prepping, choose from various cooking methods for optimal flavor.
Oven Method
The oven provides a simple, no-fuss way to reheat your turkey breast.
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Place turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Loosely cover with foil to prevent drying.
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Cook approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Baste with pan juices halfway through.
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Turkey is done at an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
The oven yields a classic roasted turkey flavor with little effort required.
Grill or Smoker Method
For an extra infusion of smoky essence, use an outdoor grill or smoker.
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Prepare grill or smoker to 325-350°F using cherry, apple, or hickory wood.
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Cook turkey breast over indirect heat for 1-1.5 hours with lid closed.
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Move directly over heat last 10 minutes to crisp skin.
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Baste with olive oil or butter during cooking.
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Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Grilling or smoking amplifies the smoky flavors in the precooked breast.
Sous Vide Method
Sous vide gently cooks the turkey breast to perfect tenderness before searing.
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Preheat water bath to 140°F.
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Seal seasoned breast in a sous vide bag.
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Cook in bath for 2-3 hours until 165°F internally.
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Remove bag, dry breast, and sear in oil 2 minutes per side.
The lower sous vide temperature keeps the meat incredibly moist. Finishing with a sear gives a crispy exterior.
Microwave Method
For hurried weeknight meals, the microwave provides quick reheating.
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Place turkey slices or pieces on a microwave-safe dish.
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Cover with a damp paper towel.
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Microwave in 1-minute intervals on 50% power just until heated through, about 2-3 minutes total.
While the microwave won’t brown the meat, it rapidly brings the temperature up for quick weeknight turkey.
Safety Tips
Adhere to these safety guidelines when handling and cooking precooked smoked turkey:
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Refrigerate promptly and use within 4 days of purchasing.
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Defrost frozen breasts thoroughly before cooking.
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Wash hands and surfaces before and after contact.
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Use a food thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
Following proper safety measures ensures your turkey stays delicious and pathogen-free.
Serving Suggestions
Get creative with how you serve up your reheated smoked turkey breast:
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Slice and add to sandwiches, pitas, or wraps.
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Dice or shred for salads, rice bowls, or casseroles.
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Pair with classic Thanksgiving-style sides.
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Mix into soups, stews, or chilis.
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Add to omelets, hash, or breakfast tacos.
The possibilities are endless for how to enjoy this versatile and flavorful turkey meat.
With the right techniques, you can effortlessly transform a precooked smoked turkey breast into a mouthwatering centerpiece perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different reheating methods to find your favorite way to achieve tender, juicy meat brimming with smoky essence. Just follow these tips for cooking precooked smoked turkey breast, and you’ll have delicious mealtime solutions at the ready anytime.
Enhancing Flavor During Reheating
You won’t have to do anything to enjoy our pre-smoked turkeys. But if you just got your turkey at the grocery store, you can apply a glaze or sprinkle on seasonings such as herbs and spices in the last half-hour of reheating. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and improves the skins texture.
You can also consider placing carrots, and celery in the roasting pan. These vegetables will caramelize, enhancing the turkeys flavor profile.
Preparing to Reheat Smoked Turkey
If you’re reheating a frozen smoked turkey you need to give it ample time to thaw at room temperature. This can take a while, so be sure to give yourself plenty of runway before you need to serve the turkey. A 10-12 pound turkey can take well over a day to defrost in the fridge.
While you can certainly speed things up by putting the bird right in the oven or even placing it in a tub of hot water, this can cause thermal shock and affect the final product.
This is also a good time to check the turkey for any signs of spoilage, especially if you’re pulling it out of the freezer after long-term storage or out of the fridge after initially reheating it a few days ago.
How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
How to cook precooked smoked turkey breast?
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 …Oct 11, 2023
How to cook a turkey that has already been smoked?
A smoked turkey is already cooked by the process of having been smoked. I preheat my oven to 500 degrees, put the turkey in an uncovered pan. About a half-hour before I want to serve it, I put it into the oven and close the oven door.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast?
Turkey needs to be smoked for 30 minutes per pound of meat, at 225°F (107°C) until the meat internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Total cook time will depend on the size of your turkey breast fillet, but on average should take approximately 60-90 minutes. Mild fruit woods like apple, cherry, or pecan go best with smoked turkey.
How do you cook a smoked turkey breast?
Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and prevent the turkey from sticking to the pan. Optionally, cover the turkey breast loosely with aluminum foil. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the turkey from drying out. Seasoning the Pre-Smoked Turkey Breast:
How do you season a pre smoked turkey breast?
Seasoning the Pre-Smoked Turkey Breast: While pre-smoked turkey breasts are already seasoned, you can enhance their flavor by adding your own touch. Here are some ideas: Brush the turkey breast with melted butter or olive oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist and add a rich flavor.
Can you cook a pre smoked turkey?
Yes, you can use the same cooking methods for a pre smoked turkey as you would for a fresh turkey. However, it is important to take into account that pre smoked turkeys are already partially cooked, so the cooking time might vary slightly. What is the best way to reheat a pre smoked turkey?
How do you reheat a smoked turkey breast?
Reheating is the quickest and easiest way to cook a pre smoked turkey. Simply put the turkey in a baking dish and heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound. If you are cooking it from frozen, you will need to thaw it first. How do you reheat a smoked turkey breast without drying it out?
How do you cook a pre cooked turkey breast?
Tips for Cooking a Pre-Smoked Turkey Breast: For a crispy skin, remove the aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the skin to brown and crisp up. If you are concerned about the turkey breast drying out, you can add a small amount of broth or water to the bottom of the roasting pan.