Smoked turkey is a delicious flavorful centerpiece for holidays and special gatherings. The rich, smoky taste takes turkey from bland to grand. But finding a pre-smoked turkey can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to easily find smoked turkey for sale near you.
Overview of Smoked Turkey
Smoking infuses turkey meat with an irresistible smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Smoked turkey is fully cooked so it just needs gentle reheating before serving. Popular types of smoked turkey include:
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Whole Smoked Turkey – A fully intact smoked turkey, 10-20+ pounds. Feeds a crowd and makes a beautiful presentation.
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Boneless Smoked Turkey Breast – The breast meat is removed from the bone, smoked, and sold boneless. More manageable size for smaller gatherings.
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Smoked Turkey Legs – Individual smoked drumsticks, a hit with kids.
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Sliced Smoked Turkey – Deli-style sliced smoked turkey breast for sandwiches.
Where to Find Smoked Turkey for Sale
You have several excellent options for buying smoked turkey:
1. Grocery Stores & Supermarkets
Many grocery chains sell smoked turkeys seasonally:
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Costco – Look for the Kirkland Signature Smoked Turkey Breast and Whole Smoked Turkeys. Costco’s prices offer outstanding value.
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Trader Joe’s – Frozen fully cooked smoked turkey breasts are sold at Trader Joe’s during the holidays.
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Publix – Publix often stocks boneless smoked turkey breasts and whole smoked turkeys under their store brands.
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Wegmans – This upscale grocer carries smoked turkey breast, legs, and whole turkeys in-season.
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Metro Market – Check this Midwest chain for holiday smoked turkey specials.
Contact your local stores to ask when smoked turkeys will be available leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
2. Online Mail Order Companies
Ordering smoked turkey online is convenient if you can’t find it nearby. Online retailers ship frozen pre-smoked turkeys nationwide:
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D’Artagnan – This gourmet purveyor sells free-range smoked organic turkeys and breasts.
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Harry & David – Around the holidays, gift company Harry & David offers mail order smoked turkeys.
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Cracker Barrel – The restaurant Cracker Barrel has an online store with hickory-smoked spiral sliced half hams and turkeys.
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Double R Ranch – Try their hickory-smoked Cajun turkey shipped from this online meat market.
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Nueske’s – Nueske’s legendary applewood smoked meats include smoked turkey breast available for mail order.
3. Direct from Smokehouses
For peak freshness and quality, order smoked turkeys shipped directly from smokehouses and meat companies. Top smokehouses include:
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Wright Brand Bacon – This Arkansas smokehouse ships hickory and applewood smoked turkeys nationwide.
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Burger’s Smokehouse – A renowned Missouri smokehouse crafting smoked turkeys for over 60 years.
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Southside Market – This historic Texas smokehouse has award-winning mail order smoked turkeys.
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Pueblo Lindo – A California smokehouse offering smoked turkeys in mesquite and other premium hardwood varieties.
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Virgil’s – Try turkeys smoked over Texas post oak from this upscale online butcher.
Buying Considerations
Follow this advice when buying smoked turkey:
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Allow enough thawing time – Let frozen turkey thaw 3-4 days in the fridge before cooking.
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Calculate the right quantity – Estimate 1 pound turkey per person, so an 8 lb turkey feeds 8.
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Check preparation needs – Most are ready to heat and eat but read labels closely.
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Consider special designations – Select hormone-free, antibiotic-free, free-range, organic, etc. if these matter.
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Compare whole vs. carved – Carved breast meat skips the carving step. Whole turkey makes a prettier presentation.
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Examine wood smoking variety – Apple, hickory, pecan, and mesquite each impart a distinct flavor.
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Assess texture – Bound or chopped turkey holds its shape better when sliced. Sliced breast has a deli-style texture.
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Read ingredients carefully – Watch for added broths, seasonings, and binders.
What Does Smoked Turkey Cost?
expect to spend:
- Small 5-8 lb bone-in smoked turkey: $40-$60
- 10-15 lb whole smoked turkey: $60-$100
- Smoked turkey breast (3-7 lbs): $50-$90
- Smoked turkey legs for 4: $25-$40
- Sliced smoked turkey breast per pound: $7-$11
Free-range and organic smoked turkeys from premium smokehouses cost more. But holiday sales and bulk pricing can mean deals on smoked turkey.
Get Creative with Leftovers!
Smoked turkey makes amazing leftovers. Ideas:
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Smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
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Diced smoked turkey in soup, chili, pasta, salad
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Smoked turkey nachos and pizza
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Smoked turkey pot pie and casseroles
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Smoked turkey breakfast skillet
Smoked Turkey Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Smoked turkey takes turkey from bland to beautiful. With its rich smoky flavor and succulent meat, it makes holidays and gatherings special. Use this guide to easily source the perfect smoked turkey nearby. Simplify your entertaining with a ready-to-heat pre-smoked turkey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Costco’s smoked turkey?
Costco’s Whole Smoked Turkey is made exclusively for them by Stevison Meat Co. It is smoked to enhance natural flavor and texture.
Are store-bought smoked turkeys fully cooked?
Yes, store-bought smoked whole turkeys from brands like Butterball are fully cooked and ready to eat. The pink smoke ring color is normal.
Where can I buy a whole fresh or frozen turkey?
Whole fresh and frozen turkeys are available at major grocery store chains nationwide. Check with your local store’s meat department or butcher counter if you don’t see the size you need.
Can you eat a frozen smoked turkey without thawing?
No, even pre-cooked smoked turkeys need to be thoroughly thawed before reheating and eating for food safety. Allow 2-4 days to thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator. Do not thaw on the counter.
How do you know when smoked turkey is done reheating?
Use a meat thermometer to check smoked turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The meat should be steaming hot throughout. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
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