It’s that time of year again! The time where families all across America come together to celebrate the holidays. And what would Thanksgiving and Christmas be without a delicious turkey as the centerpiece of the meal? But before you can sit down and enjoy that juicy bird, you need to make sure it’s properly prepared for transport. Here are a few tips to make sure your turkey arrives at its destination in peak condition!
Make sure your turkey is fully cooked before beginning to prepare it for transport. No one wants to eat food that’s not been properly cooked, and you certainly don’t want to be responsible for making anyone sick! Once your turkey is cooked, allow it to cool, but not for too long.
The holidays are a time for togetherness celebration and of course delicious food. For many families, the centerpiece of a holiday meal is a juicy, perfectly roasted turkey. However, if you need to travel to gather with loved ones, transporting the cooked bird can be a logistical challenge.
With some advance planning and the right techniques, you can keep your turkey safe fresh and ready to devour once you reach your final destination. Here are tips for how to properly transport a cooked turkey whether warming it for serving immediately or refrigerating it to reheat later.
Planning Ahead for Turkey Transport
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Cook it at your origin point – Roast the turkey at your home rather than counting on oven availability at your destination. This allows better control over doneness.
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Let it rest before transport – Never immediately pack up a piping hot cooked turkey. Let it rest 20-30 minutes so heat distributes evenly inside.
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Separate it from stuffing – Cook and transport stuffing in a different container to prevent bacteria spread.
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Cut up or leave whole – Slicing turkey makes packing easier but presenting a whole bird is impressive. Decide based on travel distance, vehicle room and personal preference.
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Gather supplies – Have ready coolers, ice/gel packs, foil, towels, thermometer, carving knives, and serving platters.
Keeping Turkey Warm for Serving Upon Arrival
If traveling less than two hours, aim to transport the turkey while still warm to serve immediately at your destination:
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Wrap entire turkey in foil then towels to insulate.
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Place wrapped turkey in cooler without any ice packs.
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Put towels over turkey and tuck in blanket or newspaper to fill gaps if needed.
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Drive safely and directly to your location.
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Check internal temp upon arrival and reheat if under 140°F before serving.
Chilling Turkey to Reheat Later
For longer trips or flexible serving times, chill and reheat the turkey:
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Carve turkey and cut into smaller portions if desired.
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Wrap portions individually in foil or plastic wrap.
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Place wrapped turkey in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
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Put containers/bags into a cooler with several ice or gel packs.
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Check cooler temp periodically; replenish ice as needed.
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Refrigerate immediately upon arrival and reheat within 2 days.
Reheating Leftover Turkey
To serve turkey that was chilled during transport, reheat it thoroughly to 165°F:
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In the oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 325°F about 5 minutes per pound.
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On the stovetop: Place turkey portions in broth or sauce in a saucepan and simmer until heated through.
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In the microwave: Put foil-wrapped turkey on a microwave-safe dish, heat at 50% power in 2-3 minute intervals until hot.
With the right preparations and handling, you can keep your treasured holiday turkey fresh, moist and full of flavor whether enjoying it promptly at your destination or a day or two later. Follow these turkey transport tips so your family can share in your delicious home-cooked bird no matter where you roost for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transporting Turkey
Still have some questions about getting your turkey to the holiday table? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long can cooked turkey sit out at room temperature?
Cooked turkey should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After this point, bacteria can multiply quickly.
Should I transport turkey bones and carcass?
For food safety, do not transport raw bones or carcass. Remove meat from bones and pack just turkey meat for transport.
What if my turkey won’t fit in my cooler?
Consider using a large insulated bag or wrapping turkey in blankets in a box for transporting if too large for a cooler.
Can I freeze turkey before transporting it?
Yes, freezing turkey makes transporting it easier and safer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is it safe to eat turkey that sat in the danger zone?
Turkey left between 40-140°F for over 2 hours could harbor bacteria and may not be safe to eat. Use your best judgement.
How should I reheat turkey during a power outage?
Without power, it is safest to keep turkey chilled in a cooler with ice packs and wait to reheat it until power is restored.
Can I transport prepared side dishes alongside turkey?
Yes, side dishes can be transported with turkey but should be kept in separate leak-proof containers and promptly refrigerated.
The secret to perfectly transporting turkey is careful planning, swift travel, and keeping the bird either piping hot or ice cold. With these handy tips, you’ll arrive ready to carve and serve a wonderful holiday feast.
Wrap the Turkey in Foil or Plastic Wrap
Wrapping the turkey prevents it from drying out, and it also keeps the juices locked in, so the turkey is just as delicious when I finally sit down to eat it. You can wrap it in several layers of foil, plastic wrap, or parchment paper. Make sure to let the turkey cool slightly before wrapping or transporting it.
Don’t Let Your Turkey Sit Out to Long
After you’ve spent hours roasting the perfect turkey, it can be tempting to let it sit out and enjoy the delicious aroma for a while before carving. However, it’s important to remember that cooked turkey can quickly become unsafe to eat if it isn’t kept at the proper temperature. According to the USDA, cooked turkey should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, leading to food poisoning. So, resist the temptation to let your turkey linger.