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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. There are so many new dishes you can make with the components of a Thanksgiving menu! Ree Drummond especially loves to put leftover turkey to good use—just check out her recipes for turkey tetrazzini, leftover turkey shepherds pie, and leftover turkey soup. But if you just want to keep it simple and eat a big plate of leftovers, then youre probably wondering how to reheat turkey.
If youve ever zapped a slice of leftover turkey in the microwave only for it to come out unpleasantly dry, you probably realize that there are, indeed, right and wrong ways to reheat turkey. Do it the right way and your bird can taste freshly roasted days after Thanksgiving! Speaking of, did you know you can make a Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time and reheat it on the big day? Talk about a life saver! Below youll find all the advice you need to keep your Thanksgiving turkey perfectly juicy for the big feast and beyond.
Cooking a juicy and flavorful turkey is one of the highlights of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering. But keeping it piping hot and moist after cooking can be tricky. You want to avoid serving dried-out, cold turkey while also following proper food safety guidelines.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices for keeping your turkey warm after cooking without compromising texture or taste.
Proper Cook Times Are Essential
To keep turkey warm after cooking you first need to ensure it’s cooked properly. According to the USDA an unstuffed turkey should cook at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound. A spatchcocked turkey takes less time, around 9-10 minutes per pound at 450°F.
Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying solely on cook times. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh
Undercooked turkey can harbor dangerous bacteria, while overcooked meat will be dry. Hitting the right internal temperature is crucial.
Follow the 2 Hour Rule
The USDA warns against leaving cooked turkey or other perishable foods out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria grows rapidly between 40-140°F.
After cooking, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving or warming to allow juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
If the turkey won’t be served within 2 hours of finishing cook time, take steps to keep it safe and warm.
Keeping the Turkey Whole vs. Carved
There are two options for keeping cooked turkey warm: leaving it whole or carving it first.
For turkey served within 2 hours of cooking, keep it whole and cover it with foil. Carving right away allows juices to escape and meat to dry out.
If the turkey is done more than 2 hours pre-meal, carve it into slices first, then refrigerate until ready to reheat and serve. Place slices tightly together on a tray and wrap well before chilling.
5 Simple Ways to Keep Turkey Warm
Here are some easy, foolproof methods for keeping your holiday bird piping hot after cooking:
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Cover with foil and a towel – After cooking, let turkey rest 20 minutes. Then tightly cover with heavy duty foil and place a clean kitchen towel on top to retain heat. Keeps turkey warm for 1-2 hours.
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Keep turkey in a warm oven – After resting, cover turkey in foil and place in a 200-225°F oven. Add a pan of warm water for moisture. Keeps turkey hot for 2-3 hours.
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Use a crockpot – Transfer roasted turkey to a crockpot, add juices, and keep on low or warm setting for up to 4 hours.
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Reheat in broth – For pre-carved turkey, add warm broth before reheating to keep meat juicy.
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Hold in a chafing dish – Carved turkey can be kept hot in a chafing dish for up to 4 hours. Maintain a safe serving temperature of 140°F or higher.
Safety First When Reheating
If reheating previously cooked and refrigerated turkey, use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F throughout before serving.
Bring sauces, soups, sides, and other dishes to a full rolling boil when reheating as well to eliminate bacteria.
Don’t keep reheated turkey or other foods warm for longer than 2 hours total. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly after serving.
Moisture Is Key for Texture
To prevent your turkey from drying out after initial roasting, moisture is vital. Use broth, gravy, or a water pan when reheating to impart steam and keep meat juicy.
Basting the turkey with pan drippings during roasting helps ensure tender, flavorful meat all the way to the bones.
When carving cooked turkey in advance, cut slices 3/4 inch thick so they retain moisture better during storage.
Master the Balancing Act
With proper food safety practices, resting times, and the right warming techniques, you can keep your turkey piping hot for hours after cooking without drying it out.
The key is finding the right balance between holding the bird at a safe temperature and preventing moisture loss. Follow these tips for hot, juicy turkey throughout your whole holiday meal.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Yes you can! If roasting a bird on the big day sounds overwhelming, cook your turkey a day ahead. This easy trick will not only save you time on Thanksgiving, itll make the day a lot less stressful, too. The best part? No one will even know! Simply roast your bird as usual, let it cool completely, then carve it into large pieces. Remove the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, keeping the pieces whole with some skin attached. Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour a bit of stock (chicken, turkey, or veggie stock or broth will work) over the meat to moisten it. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through. Then carve the turkey into slices and serve!
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Quicker is not always better, and thats especially true when it comes to reheating turkey. The best way to keep leftover turkey moist and delicious is reheating it low and slow. Yep, that means stepping away from the microwave! Microwaves may heat turkey in record time, but they also dry out the meat and leave the skin unpleasantly chewy. Instead, turn to your oven return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy, just-baked perfection. 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. Before you know it, youll have fresh turkey once again!
How to Keep Turkey Warm
FAQ
How do you keep a turkey warm for several hours?
The turkey will stay warm for hours as if it’s in a warming drawer if you cover the turkey with aluminum foil and then place heavy beach-type towels over it.
What do I do if my turkey is done early?
If your turkey is done too early, things can get a little complicated, but it’s not the end of the world. If it’s done around an hour early, let it rest uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then cover your turkey with some foil and a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm.
What is the best way to reheat turkey and keep it moist?
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 long can turkey sit out after cooking?
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in shallow containers
- Use refrigerated turkey within 3 to 4 days
- Use gravy within 1 to 2 days
- If freezing, use leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality
- To prevent foodborne illness, follow the USDA’s four steps to food safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill