How to Reheat a Smoked Turkey Perfectly Every Time

Like turkey, but not the effort it takes to cook? A smoked turkey from Gartner’s Meats is the perfect solution. Our Smoked Turkeys are fully cooked, and here are tips for reheating them.

To Reheat: We recommend using a rack in your roasting pan. Add a little water to the bottom of the pan and cover the smoked turkey with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for approx. 10 minutes per pound, or until your meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

Smoked turkey is a delicious, flavorful meat that is excellent for holidays and special occasions However, like with any leftovers, reheating smoked turkey properly is key to maintaining its texture and taste An overcooked smoked turkey can turn dry and stringy, while undercooked turkey poses health risks.

Follow this complete guide to learn how to reheat smoked turkey using various methods, along with tips for preventing dryness and ensuring food safety.

Why Proper Reheating is Essential

Smoked turkey requires slow, gentle reheating to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. This is because smoking infuses flavor deep into the meat while also drawing out some natural juices. Reheating too quickly with high heat dries out the turkey fast.

It’s also critical to reheat smoked turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Leftover turkey is especially prone to harmful bacterial growth.

So follow proper reheating techniques to enjoy delicious smoked turkey that is hot moist and safe to eat.

Oven Reheating Method

The oven provides an easy, hands-off way to evenly reheat smoked turkey without drying it out Here’s a simple oven reheating process

Preheat oven to 325°F. Higher temperatures risk drying out the turkey.
Place thawed turkey pieces or a whole bird in a baking dish or roasting pan. Tent loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for 10-15 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of breast meat reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Check temperature periodically and add broth or water if turkey seems dry.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving for juicier meat.

Microwave Reheating Tips

Microwaving is a quick way to reheat smoked turkey, but extra care is needed to prevent drying. Follow these tips:

Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep moisture in. Vent slightly.
Microwave turkey slices or pieces for 2-3 minutes on medium power until warmed to 165°F.
Microwave a whole smoked breast or other large pieces for 5-8 minutes, checking often.
Add a tablespoon of water or broth to the dish to create steam if turkey seems dry.
Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly.

Maintaining Moisture and Texture

Smoked turkey can dry out easily when reheated. Here are some useful tips for keeping it tender and juicy:

Cook or reheat with low, indirect heat like in the oven or a slow cooker. High direct heat from grilling, broiling, or pan-frying will cause drying.
Baste turkey pieces or a whole bird with butter, olive oil, broth or sauce during reheating.
Wrap in foil or cover dishes to trap in steam and moisture during oven or microwave reheating.
Add a bit of chicken or turkey broth to dishes to prevent drying in the oven or microwave.
Brush with glazes near the end of reheating for added flavor and moisture.
Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and stop heating at 165°F.

Can You Reheat a Pre-Cooked Smoked Turkey?

Yes, fully cooked smoked turkeys that are purchased ready-to-eat can be safely reheated using the oven or microwave methods above.

Follow USDA guidelines: reheat to 165°F within 2 hours, and refrigerate promptly after serving.

Pre-cooked turkeys have already been fully cooked to safe temperatures. Reheating simply warms them through. Handle raw turkey differently.

Other Uses for Leftover Smoked Turkey

Beyond enjoying hot sliced turkey again, consider these creative ways to use up leftovers:

Make turkey pot pie, casseroles, soups, or turkey tetrazzini with larger pieces.
Use shredded or diced turkey in tacos, nachos, pizza, wraps, or chili.
Make turkey salad sandwiches with mayonnaise.
Fry or bake turkey wings, legs and other parts into snacks.
Simmer turkey bones into broth for soup bases, gravy, or sauce.

With proper reheating techniques, you can safely enjoy moist, tasty smoked turkey again. Follow these oven and microwave tips to reheat turkey while preventing drying and preserving delicious flavors.

how do i reheat a smoked turkey

How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey

FAQ

How do you reheat a smoked turkey without drying it out?

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.

How do you keep a turkey moist when reheating?

Place the turkey pieces in a baking dish and drizzle with a few tablespoons of stock and/or butter. Cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the sliced turkey (cover with a damp paper towel) in a microwave-safe dish at 50% power in 1-minute intervals.

Can you reheat a smoked turkey in a cooking bag?

Your turkey has been packaged inside an oven safe bag to ensure it maintains its moisture during the re-heating process. Make sure the oven bag is sealed, and then place the pan with the turkey inside of the bag into your oven for 45-60 minutes (or until breast reaches an internal temperature of 165).

How do you reheat smoked meat without drying it out?

Bring a large pot of water to a slow rolling boil. Leaving the item in the plastic, place it in the water and allow the water to return to its original temperature. Allow the package of meat to warm in the water until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 160° degrees.