Looking for a fully cooked and turkey for Thanksgiving? One option you might consider is the Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey at Costco! I bought this and it was good! If you haven’t had smoked turkey before, read on, because it’s not a traditional Thanksgiving turkey, but I do recommend it! It is the only whole, fully cooked turkey in-store at Costco. See my all the Costco Thanksgiving meal posts here or scroll down.
ProTip: The Costco whole smoked turkey is available seasonally in the late Fall. As of November 1, 2024 it’s back in my store and it costs over $1 per pound LESS than it cost last year! I love price drops!
With the holidays coming up, many shoppers turn to Costco for convenient, affordable meal options for feeding a crowd. One popular choice is Costco’s house-brand Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey. But is this pre-cooked bird worth your hard-earned dollars? I sampled it and have the scoop on how it looks, tastes, and compares to other turkeys.
Overview of Costco’s Smoked Turkey
- Fully cooked for easy reheating
- Offered frozen or fresh
- Prices from $2.99/lb to $4.99/lb
- Weights range from 10 lbs to 22 lbs
- Seasonally available in fall/winter
The process of smoking gives the turkey a lovely golden-brown color and imbues it with a smoky wood-fire flavor. It comes sealed in heavy-duty packaging to lock in moisture.
Sensory Evaluation and Flavor Notes
I carefully evaluated the sight, smell, texture, and taste of the smoked turkey Here are my findings
- Appearance – Beautiful mahogany skin with alluring smoke rings in the meat
- Aroma – Mesquite smoke scent when first opened
- Texture – Very moist, tender meat with juicy succulence
- Flavor – Distinct smoky flavor with savory, salty notes
The smoking imparts a delicious flavor that is much more intense than a roasted turkey The meat has a pleasant chewy texture while remaining very moist
How Does It Compare to Other Smoked Turkeys?
The Costco smoked turkey holds up well against higher-priced competitor brands. The meat has better moisture and tenderness compared to Butterball or Jennie-O smoked turkeys. The flavor complexity and smoke infusion are on par with premium deli brands.
Is It a Good Value?
With whole turkeys priced at $1.50-$2.50 per pound, Costco’s smoked turkey provides exceptional value. It averages half the price per pound of your local deli’s smoked turkey. The high quality rivals premium brands at a fraction of the price point.
Useful Tips for Preparing and Serving
- Defrost in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roast uncovered for 10-15 minutes per pound.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving for juicy results.
- Slice breast meat thinly across the grain.
- Pair with traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches, wraps, salads, and casseroles.
The Verdict: A Smashing Success
Costco’s house-brand smoked turkey earns top marks across the board. The flavor is out of this world, and the price simply can’t be beat. It’s moist, succulent, and seasoned to perfection. For shoppers wanting a fully cooked turkey with incredible taste, this Smoked Turkey Kirkland is a superb choice. I highly recommend it for your next holiday feast or any special gathering. You and your guests will be delighted!
Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Smoked Turkey
Many shoppers have questions about Costco’s popular smoked turkey offering. Here are answers to some common queries:
Is it healthy?
Yes! Smoking imparts lots of flavor but Costco’s turkey contains no added nitrites or nitrates. It’s low in fat and cholesterol compared to other meats.
How long does it last?
Sealed, it lasts 3-5 weeks refrigerated or 6-8 months frozen. Once opened, use within 3-5 days.
Can I freeze it after opening?
No, only freeze unopened in original airtight packaging. Once opened, refrigerate for up to one week.
Does it need to be thawed before cooking?
Yes, thaw in the fridge 2-3 days. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Is it pre
Costco Item Number & Price
Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey is Costco Item #47470 and costs $3.79 per lb. That’s over $1 per lb less than it cost last year!
Last price check: Nov 12, 2024
For a 11 lb whole smoked turkey, that shakes out to about $42+. Total price varies with size.
Historical Price Notes: In the Fall of 2023 this was $4.99 per lb. In the Fall of 2022 this was $4.49 per lb.
This whole smoked turkey is not available online at costco.com, it’s only in-store. Find it in the specialty foods aisle near the other holiday foods.
Nutritional Panel on Costco Whole Smoked Turkey
What does the Kirkland Smoked Turkey Taste Like?
Smoked turkey is…well…smoked. If you’ve never had smoked turkey, one idea might be to hit your local deli and ask for an 1/8 lb of smoked deli turkey and try it. It’s delicious but a distinct flavor, and it’s not ideally flavored for gravy in my opinion. If you love gravy on your classic Thanksgiving turkey, this might not be the thanksgiving turkey for you.
If you aren’t a huge fan of turkey and are more of a ham person, this might be a great fit – or if you appreciate meats that have been smoked for hours! Ham is often smoked, and the flavor has many similarities because of that. My kids LOVE ham and we’re big fans of bbq/smoked meats, so this was a good choice for our family. I have to say that I prefer a classic turkey preparation for my actual Thanksgiving meal and would prefer to eat this for another meal, but that’s entirely subjective and just my preference for that one specific meal – I think objectively the Kirkland Signature smoked turkey is really good as long as you understand this is a smoked turkey, not a roast turkey before you purchase it for a holiday meal.
ProTip: This goes GREAT with mac n cheese!!
Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey at Costco