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!
Smoking a turkey is a great way to infuse it with delicious smoky flavor. However like any cooked meat smoked turkey needs to be stored properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Follow these tips to ensure your smoked turkey stays moist and flavorful until you are ready to enjoy it.
Refrigerate Within 2 Hours of Smoking
It’s crucial to refrigerate or freeze your smoked turkey within 2 hours of removing it from the smoker. Leaving it out too long allows bacteria to grow rapidly.
As soon as the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, take it out of the smoker. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb. Then, transfer it to the fridge or freezer immediately.
If you won’t be eating the turkey right away, go ahead and slice or carve it into smaller portions so it will chill faster.
Wrap Snugly to Prevent Drying Out
Smoked turkey can easily dry out in the fridge if it’s not stored properly Make sure to wrap it up tightly so no exposed areas are left to dry out
You can wrap the turkey or portions in plastic wrap, foil, or place in airtight containers. The key is ensuring no air can access the meat.
For extra moist turkey, spoon some of the pan juices over the meat before sealing it. The liquid will prevent it from drying out.
Use Shallow Containers
When storing smoked turkey in the fridge, use a shallow, airtight container. This allows for even and rapid chilling.
You don’t want to pack a large smoked breast or leg into a deep container. The middle will stay warm too long while the outer areas chill down.
Shallow containers allow the heat to dissipate quickly for safe, uniform cooling. Switch to a deeper dish or wrap in foil once chilled.
Label with Date
It’s crucial when storing any cooked meat in the refrigerator to label it with the prep or smoke date. This helps you know its age at a glance.
Simply write the date you smoked the turkey on a piece of masking tape and stick it on the foil, plastic wrap or storage container.
Also make note of what’s inside, such as “Smoked Turkey Breast.” This avoids mystery leftovers down the road.
Refrigerate for Up to 4 Days
Smoked turkey will last longer refrigerated than a roasted turkey since the smoke has some preservative effects. Still, it shouldn’t be kept refrigerated for more than 3 to 4 days.
To maximize freshness and quality, try to eat the turkey within 2-3 days if possible. But up to 4 days is still considered safe if properly handled and stored.
After this time, the texture and moisture levels can deteriorate quickly. So it’s best to freeze any leftovers you won’t use up.
Remove Meat from Bone
For easier fridge storage, remove the smoked meat from the bone before refrigerating. The bones can be saved to make stock.
Removing the breast, thigh and leg meat from the bone allows them to chill quicker. It also takes up less space.
And for reheating, you can portion out just the amount of meat needed rather than having to reheat the whole bone-in piece.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
Smoked turkey will keep 2-4 months in the freezer without compromising quality or taste. To freeze, wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
You can also vacuum seal smoked turkey portions for the best protection from freezer burn. Place the vacuum bags in the freezer right after sealing.
Clearly label bags with contents and date before freezing. Track freezer life and use within 4 months for best moisture and texture.
Thaw Safely in Fridge
Never thaw frozen smoked turkey at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow in the outer layers before the inner areas thaw.
Instead, thaw in the refrigerator. Place frozen turkey in a rimmed dish to catch drips as it thaws. Allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed smoked turkey. Cook immediately if not using soon.
Reheat Thoroughly to 165°F
Always reheat smoked turkey leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a food thermometer in the thickest part.
Use the oven or microwave to reheat to 165°F. Cover with broth or foil to prevent drying out. Discard any turkey with cold spots.
Only reheat smoked turkey once for food safety. Do not let sit above 40°F for over 2 hours total after reheating.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Raw poultry juices can spread bacteria around your kitchen if care isn’t taken. Always wash hands, utensils, dishes and surfaces after handling raw turkey.
Never place cooked smoked turkey on the same plate or cutting board that held raw turkey before smoking. Use clean dishes every time.
In the fridge, store smoked turkey on shelves above raw poultry. Wrap securely to prevent dripping juices from contaminating other foods.
By following safe storage, thawing and reheating guidelines, you can keep leftover smoked turkey fresh and delicious for several days after smoking. With proper freezing, you can enjoy your smoked turkey for months without sacrificing quality or safety.
Choosing the Right Reheating Method
There are three different methods you can use to reheat your turkey. We recommend the oven as it’s the most consistent and slow (which means it’ll preserve taste and texture), some prefer a slow cooker or sous vide approach.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower temperature helps heat the turkey gently without drying it out.
- Prepare the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. You can add a cup of broth or water to the pan to help maintain moisture during the reheating process.
- Cover the turkey: Use aluminum foil to tent the turkey and trap steam. Again, this helps prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Reheat: Place the turkey in the oven and heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The time required will depend on the turkeys size, but generally, it should take about 10 minutes per pound. So, think anywhere from 90-120 minutes.
- Set up your slow cooker: Place the turkey slices or smaller sections into the slow cooker. Add a mixture of broth and butter, or a sauce of your choice, to enhance the moisture.
- Cook on low: Set the slow cooker to low and let the turkey reheat slowly for 2 to 4 hours. This method is excellent for keeping the turkey moist and tender.
- Check for doneness: Ensure the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Vacuum seal the turkey: If not already packaged, place the turkey in a vacuum-seal bag with some broth or sauce.
- Set the sous vide: Preheat your sous vide cooker to 165°F (74°C) and place the bagged turkey in the water bath.
- Reheat thoroughly: Allow the turkey to reheat for about 2 to 3 hours. This method ensures even heating without any moisture loss, making it ideal for maintaining the quality of your smoked turkey.
The oven is the best way to reheat a whole smoked turkey because it’s the most consistent method. You won’t have to worry about compromising the texture and moisture of the bird when you follow our advice on covering, temperature, and timing.
Make no mistake, we love using slow cookers and sous vide machines – they’re just not our go-to solutions for reheating a smoked turkey. If your oven is out of commission or is being used to prepare other components of your meal, you can certainly rely on these alternatives.
That being said, we’ll offer some more tips on how to reheat a smoked turkey below to maintain moisture and flavor.
You may consider adding a cup or two of chicken/turkey broth, or even water, to the base of your roasting pan before placing your turkey in it. This will create a steamy environment in the oven to help keep the bird moist.
Or, you can consider basting the turkey periodically with its own juices or additional broth to not only add moisture but enhance the flavor.
Remember to loosely tent your turkey with aluminum foil for the majority of the reheating time. This traps steam around the turkey but allows enough heat circulation to ensure even reheating.
It’s important that you remove the cover for the final 30 minutes or so of the reheating process to let the turkey’s skin crisp up. This results in a delicious, satisfying bite while still prioritizing moisture retention.
Just as with the beef jerky smoking temperature, there’s a fine line between over drying your turkey and not warming it efficiently. Our advice is to set the oven to 325°F. This temperature is high enough to heat the turkey thoroughly without drying out the meat.
Now, similar to how long to dehydrate beef jerky, you need to make sure to pull your turkey out at the ideal time. Like we mentioned earlier, 10 minutes per pound is a safe estimate – but you should always default to your meat thermometer to assess doneness. Make sure the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F for food safety.
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.
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FAQ
How to store turkey after smoking?
To maximize freshness you should store the turkey in shallow, airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.Jun 13, 2024
How long can smoked turkey stay in the refrigerator?
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.
How do you reheat a smoked 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 to keep smoked turkey warm without drying out?
After the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F, as measured with a food thermometer, you can keep it warm covered with foil in an oven.
How do you store leftover smoked turkey?
Store leftover smoked turkey after the meal in a plastic food container in your refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freeze leftover turkey that you do not intend to eat within three to four days in well-sealed plastic freezer storage bags for up to four months.
How long does a smoked turkey last in the fridge?
Properly sealing and refrigerating smoked turkey is key for maximizing its shelf life. When stored in the refrigerator smoked turkey will generally stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. To get the full 2 weeks of fridge life it’s important to store smoked turkey correctly Store in airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Does smoked turkey need to be stored properly?
Smoking a turkey infuses it with delicious smoky flavor. However, like any type of cooked meat, smoked turkey needs to be stored properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Follow these tips to make sure your smoked turkey stays moist and full of flavor until you are ready to enjoy it.
How long can smoked turkey sit out?
No, smoked turkey should never sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. Bacteria multiply quickly at temperatures between 40-140°F. How long can cooked smoked turkey last in the fridge? Cooked smoked turkey will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to store in shallow, covered containers and check for spoilage before eating.
Can smoked turkey dry out in the fridge?
Smoked turkey can easily dry out in the fridge if it’s not stored properly. Make sure to wrap it up snugly so no exposed areas are left to dry out. You can wrap the turkey or portions in plastic wrap, foil, or place in airtight containers. The key is making sure no air can get to the meat.
How long can you keep a cooked turkey in the fridge?
If it is longer than two hours, you should store your turkey in a refrigerator. According to the National Turkey Federation, uncooked turkeys can be refrigerated for one to two days or frozen for 12 months, and cooked turkeys are good for three to four days in the refrigerator and can store in the freezer for up to three to four months.