Where to Buy Smoked Whole Turkey: A Complete Guide

Smoked whole turkey is a delicious and flavorful centerpiece for any holiday meal or family gathering. The smoky, savory flavor pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas sides. While you can certainly smoke a turkey yourself, buying a pre-smoked whole turkey can save you time and effort. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying a smoked turkey, from the different types available to the best places to purchase.

Overview of Smoked Turkey

Smoking is a process of slowly cooking meat indirectly in a smoker using wood chips, chunks, or sawdust to produce smoke. The smoke infuses the turkey meat with a rich, smoky flavor while also cooking it gently. Smoked turkey is fully cooked, so it just needs to be reheated before serving. The meat is moist, tender and infused with delicious smoky notes – far superior to a basic roasted turkey.

There are a few different types of smoked turkey you can buy:

• Whole smoked turkey – This is an entire turkey that has been smoked The whole bird feeds a crowd and makes an impressive centerpiece Whole smoked turkeys range from 10 to 20+ pounds.

• Boneless smoked turkey breast – For smaller groups, a smoked turkey breast is a good option. The breast meat is removed from the bone, smoked, and sold boneless. Breasts are 3-7 pounds.

• Smoked turkey legs – Individual smoked drumsticks are also available Kids love these.

• Sliced smoked turkey – Some stores sell smoked turkey breast sliced into deli-style pieces for sandwiches and recipes.

Where to Buy Smoked Turkey

You have several options for purchasing smoked turkey, from grocery stores to online retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy smoked whole turkey:

Grocery Stores

Many grocery store chains will stock smoked turkeys around the holidays:

• Costco – Costco has the popular Kirkland Signature Smoked Turkey Breast and Whole Smoked Turkeys seasonally. Their prices are very reasonable for the quality.

• Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s sells frozen fully cooked smoked turkey breasts in their seasonal holiday sections.

• Publix – Publix often carries boneless smoked turkey breasts and whole smoked turkeys under their Publix and private GreenWise brand.

• Wegmans – High-end grocer Wegmans has smoked turkey breast, turkey legs, and whole smoked turkeys during the holidays.

• Metro Market – This Wisconsin and Minnesota chain has smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Check your local grocery store’s holiday promotions and you may find smoked turkeys for sale leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Online Mail Order Companies

If you can’t find a pre-smoked turkey locally, purchasing online is a convenient option. Online retailers ship frozen smoked turkeys nationwide:

• D’Artagnan – This gourmet food company sells free-range smoked organic turkeys and turkey breasts. Their birds are smoked over fruitwood for premium flavor.

• Harry & David – Around the holidays, gift basket company Harry & David offers mail order smoked turkeys like their Pacific Northwest Turkey.

• Cracker Barrel – The restaurant Cracker Barrel has an online store selling their popular hickory-smoked spiral sliced half hams and whole turkeys.

• Double R Ranch – This meat purveyor ships smoked turkey breasts and whole turkeys, like their popular hickory-smoked Cajun turkey.

• Nueske’s – Nueske’s applewood smoked meats are legendary. They have smoked turkey breast available online.

Direct from Smokehouses

You can also purchase smoked turkeys shipped directly from smokehouses and meat companies. Some top-rated smokehouses include:

• Wright Brand Bacon – This Arkansas smokehouse has hickory and applewood smoked turkeys available for nationwide shipping.

• Burger’s Smokehouse – A Missouri smokehouse crafting smoked turkeys for over 60 years. Their boneless breast and whole turkeys ship year-round.

• Southside Market – With origins back to 1882, this Texas smokehouse has award-winning smoked turkeys for mail order.

• Pueblo Lindo – Based in California, they offer smoked turkeys in mesquite and other premium hardwood flavors.

• Virgil’s – Try turkeys smoked over Texas post oak at this gourmet online butcher shop.

For the highest quality smoked turkey, going directly through a smokehouse is your best bet. The mail order turkeys may cost more but they typically arrive ultra-fresh.

Buying Considerations

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your smoked turkey:

• Allow enough time for thawing – If buying frozen, make sure to leave several days for the turkey to thaw in the fridge before Thanksgiving or your event.

• Determine the right size – Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. An 8-10 lb turkey feeds 8-10 people. Go bigger for leftovers!

• Understand prep needed – Smoked turkeys only require reheating, but read preparation instructions closely. Some may need additional seasoning.

• Check for hormone and antibiotic info – If these are a concern for you, select a smoked turkey that is labeled hormone-free, antibiotic-free, organic, free-range, etc.

• Consider carved vs. whole – Carved breast meat saves you this step. Whole turkey makes a prettier presentation.

• Check smoker wood type – Hickory and applewood smoked turkeys have classic flavor. For a twist try pecan, mesquite, or other wood varieties.

• Examine texture – Bound or chopped turkey holds its shape better after carving. Sliced turkey breast gives a deli slice texture.

• Read labeling and ingredients – Check for added broths, seasoning, and binders to decide if it fits your preferences.

How Much Does Smoked Turkey Cost?

Smoked whole turkeys range from $2-7 per pound depending on size, quality, smokehouse brand and other factors. Here are some average price ranges:

• Smaller 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: $25-$40 for 4 legs

• Sliced smoked turkey breast: $7-$11 per pound

Organic and free-range turkeys from premium smokehouses and butcher shops are on the higher end while basic no-frills smoked turkeys are very affordable. Take advantage of holiday sales and bulk pricing for the best deals.

Get Creative with Leftovers

A smoked turkey makes amazing leftovers. Get creative with your leftover smoked turkey by:

• Making smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.

• Using diced turkey in soup, chili, pasta, and salad recipes.

• Piling sliced turkey on nachos and pizza.

• Creating smoked turkey casserole dishes and pot pies.

• Mixing turkey into breakfast skillets and omelettes.

With a little innovation, smoked turkey leftovers will become your new favorite way to enjoy this tasty bird outside of holiday meals. It’s a delicious and versatile ingredient.

Smoked Turkey Is a Crowd Pleaser

Smoked turkey is a fantastic alternative to basic roasted turkey for special gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The smoky flavor and juicy, tender meat is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Use this guide to find the perfect smoked turkey breast or whole bird for your next meal. Take the guesswork out of preparations with a pre-smoked turkey and save yourself time in the kitchen when it matters most.