Where to Buy Smoked Turkey: Top Places for Delicious Pre-Cooked Birds

Smoked turkey delivers incredible flavor in a convenient, fully cooked form. But where can you find high-quality smoked turkeys to serve this holiday season or anytime? Here are the best places to buy smoked turkey online and in stores.

Online Retailers for Smoked Turkey

Ordering smoked turkey online allows you to get delicious pre-cooked birds shipped straight to your door. Here are some top online sources:

• Burgers’ Smokehouse: This 100-year-old smokehouse offers hickory smoked whole turkeys from 10-24 lbs. Their smoked turkeys are uncured with no preservatives or injections.

• Harry & David: Famed for gift baskets, Harry & David sells fully cooked smoked turkey breasts in a variety of wood smoked flavors. Their hickory smoked turkey breast is hand-rubbed with spices.

• Goldbelly: Get gourmet smoked turkeys from famous BBQ joints shipped nationwide via Goldbelly. The site offers smoked turkeys from places like Black’s BBQ, Smokey John’s BBQ, and Central Texas-style birds from Snow’s BBQ.

• Rastelli’s: This online butcher sells natural, wood smoked whole turkeys in sizes from 10-16 lbs. Rastelli’s turkeys contain no antibiotics, hormones, steroids, or preservatives.

• D’Artagnan For premium quality try D’Artagnan’s all natural smoked organic and heritage breed turkeys shipped frozen. The 8-14 lb birds are smoked low and slow over fruitwoods.

• Nueske’s The well-known Wisconsin meat purveyor ships fully cooked applewood smoked turkey breasts nationwide Their smoked turkeys are minimally seasoned to let the smoke flavor shine

Grocery Store Smoked Turkey Options

Many grocery store chains now carry ready-to-eat smoked turkey in the poultry section. Here are some top picks:

• Kirkland Signature Smoked Turkey at Costco: Costco sells large 13 lb smoked whole turkeys under its Kirkland brand that customers rave about for quality and value. The hickory smoked birds are injected with broth for extra juiciness.

• Butterball Fully Cooked Smoked Turkey: This trusted brand offers pre-smoked whole turkeys from 10-24 lbs along with smoked boneless turkey breasts. The no thaw needed turkeys are smoked over hardwood and hickory.

• Eckrich Smoked Turkey: Look for Eckrich whole smoked turkeys and turkey breasts at Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and more. Hickory smoked in the U.S., they come fully cooked without preservatives or artificial ingredients.

• Boar’s Head Smoked Turkey: This premium deli brand sells high-quality smoked turkey deli meat along with bone-in smoked turkey legs and breasts at major grocery chains. Products are minimally processed without artificial ingredients.

• Plainville Farms Smoked Turkey: New Englanders can find this regional brand’s applewood smoked whole turkeys and turkey breasts at Stop & Shop, Shaws, Giant, and Market Basket.

Order from Your Local Butcher Shop or Deli

Beyond the major chains, many local butcher shops and delis now offer house-smoked turkey specialties. Here are some tips for finding them in your area:

• Check the deli counter at your local upscale market for house roasted or smoked turkey options. Many artisan meat departments now offer these specialties during the holidays.

• Search for “butcher near me” and call around about smoked turkey availability. Many local butchers will smoke turkeys to order during the busy holiday season.

• Look for BBQ restaurants or smokehouses in your area selling fully cooked smoked turkeys. These will offer superior flavor compared to mass market brands.

• Ask your farmer’s market vendors if any local farms smoke their own turkeys. Small scale farmers often develop special smoking recipes using local wood sources.

• Check restaurant guides and food blogs for recommendations on the best smoked turkey in your region. Many restaurants sell their ready-to-eat smoked turkeys.

What to Look for When Buying Smoked Turkey

To help you get the best quality smoked turkey for your meal:

• Seek out minimally processed options without artificial preservatives. Look for all natural and organic smoked turkeys when possible.

• Check the ingredient list for more than just “turkey” and salt.” Good smoked turkey relies on natural wood smoke for flavor.

• Opt for brands that smoke their turkeys slowly over flavorful wood like hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, alder or mesquite. This imparts the most flavor.

• Look for certified free range, pasture raised or heritage breed smoked turkeys for premium quality and taste.

• For whole birds, pick a size that fits your gathering, allowing about 1 pound per diner. Boneless breasts are more versatile.

• If buying frozen smoked turkey, ensure it thaws in time for your meal and hasn’t suffered freezer burn.

Storing and Serving Smoked Turkey

Follow these tips for storing and serving your smoked turkey perfectly:

• Keep frozen smoked turkeys stored below 0°F until ready to thaw. Transfer to the fridge 2-3 days before cooking.

• Refrigerate fresh smoked turkey no longer than 4 days before serving. Slice off portions as needed rather than thawing the whole bird.

• Let refrigerated smoked turkey stand 30 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute. Carve across the grain in thin slices.

• Pair smoked turkey with robust flavors like barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, spicy mustard and grilled veggies to complement the smoky taste.

• For leftovers, slice smoked turkey breast and legs off the bones. Refrigerate carved meat in shallow airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Use leftovers for sandwiches, tacos, soup, casseroles, pizza, pasta, eggs dishes, salads and any recipe calling for cooked turkey.

Smoked turkey brings incredible convenience along with mouthwatering flavor. With so many excellent options for pre-cooked smoked birds at national retailers, local suppliers and specialty food sources, you can serve up the perfect feast for any occasion!