Craving Smoked Turkey? Here’s Where to Find It Near You

Smoked turkey is a delicious, flavorful alternative to traditional roasted turkey. The smoking process infuses the meat with a tender texture and smoky, savory taste that takes turkey from boring to extraordinary If you’re looking to get your hands on some smoked turkey, here are the best places to find it close to home

Check Your Local Grocery Store

Many standard supermarkets will carry smoked turkey products, especially around the holidays. Here are some varieties to look for:

• Pre-smoked whole turkey – Sold frozen, ready to thaw and heat. Comes in a range of sizes from 12-16 lbs.

• Smoked turkey breast – Boneless skinless breast meat, vacuum sealed. Quick to slice and add to sandwiches salads and more.

• Smoked drumsticks – Full leg quarters, smoked until fall-off-the-bone tender.

• Deli-sliced smoked turkey – Found pre-packaged or sliced fresh at the deli counter. Ideal for sandwiches and roll-ups.

Be sure to check the frozen section, poultry department, and deli counter to cover all your bases. Name brands like Butterball, Jennie-O and Boar’s Head commonly offer smoked turkey.

Seek Out Specialty Meat Shops

For premium quality smoked meats, check your area for a local butcher shop, meat market, or charcuterie. These specialty stores often smoke many proteins in-house, including whole turkeys, breasts, legs, wings, ground turkey, turkey sausages, and more.

The on-premises smoking allows them to control the flavors and preparation. And they may offer unique wood-smoking options like hickory, pecan, applewood, mesquite, or oak. Though the price tag will be higher than the grocery store, the eating experience makes it worthwhile.

Order Online with Home Delivery

Another convenient option is to order smoked turkey online from services like:

• Schwan’s – Offers fully cooked, spiral sliced smoked turkey breast and smoked turkey drumsticks. Ships frozen.

• Omaha Steaks – Carries whole smoked turkeys, boneless breasts, turkey bacon, kielbasa, and more. Flash frozen and delivered.

• Rastelli’s – High-quality smoked turkey legs and wings available for nationwide delivery.

• Harry & David – Known for mail order gourmet baskets with smoked turkey options.

• Goldbelly – Specialty marketplace with smoked turkeys shipped from renowned BBQ joints and restaurants.

Check delivery costs and transit times, as shipping perishables can be pricier. Also look for any discounts, promotional offers, or monthly subscription savings when ordering online.

Hit Up Your Local Farmers Market

From late summer through Thanksgiving, local farmers markets can be great spots to score locally raised smoked turkeys and parts. Look for poultry vendors and family farms selling hormone and antibiotic-free turkeys smoked on-site.

Ask questions about their smoking process and wood preferences. And request to sample before you buy! Farmers markets let you connect directly with producers for the freshest smoked turkey.

See What Your Butcher Counter Has

Stop by the butcher case at warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. They often stock whole smoked turkeys, breasts, drumsticks, and wings in vacuum sealed packages. The quantity is larger than regular grocers, but so is the savings.

The club’s own in-house butchers smoke many of their turkeys. And the member-only prices can’t be beat for quality smoked turkey bought in bulk. Whole smoked turkeys are hugely popular holiday purchases.

Scout Out BBQ Restaurants

Local barbecue joints are an underrated source for excellent smoked turkey. Many BBQ restaurants offer smoked turkey specials during the holidays or year-round. And some will even sell you bulk smoked turkey by the pound or half bird.

Check their catering menus or call ahead to see what’s available for take-out. You can score restaurant-quality smoked turkey without having to tend the smoker yourself.

What If I Still Can’t Find It?

If smoked turkey remains elusive in your area, consider buying an uncooked turkey and making your own. You’ll need a charcoal or electric smoker, but the hands-on experience can be very rewarding.

There are also ways to “smoke” a turkey in a regular oven or grill using smoker boxes, wood chips, or liquid smoke. It takes more effort than tossing a pre-smoked bird in the oven, but the impressive results are worth it!

With so many sources – from supermarkets to specialty shops to farmers markets and more – smoked turkey is accessible just about everywhere. Use this guide to seek out the best smoked turkey options where you live. Your taste buds will thank you!