How Long to Warm a Smoked Turkey for Maximum Juiciness

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 treat any time of year, not just for the holidays. The smoky flavor and moist, tender meat make it an indulgence. However, proper reheating is essential to avoid drying out the turkey and ruining all that luscious juiciness. When learning how to warm up a pre-cooked smoked turkey, low and slow is the way to go for best results.

Why Low Temps Are Key

Smoked turkey has already been fully cooked when you purchase it. The reheating process simply warms up the interior to a safe eating temperature You don’t need to actually cook it further High heat can easily dry out and toughen the meat. That’s why you should always reheat smoked turkey at a low oven temp of 250-325°F. Higher than that risks drying and overcooking the turkey as the exterior will heat faster than the inside. Take your time and have patience. A low oven ensures gentle, even warming throughout.

Reheating Time Based on Weight

The reheating time for a smoked turkey depends on the size and weight Here are general guidelines

12-14 lb turkey – About 1 1/2 to 2 hours
16-18 lb turkey – Around 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
20-24 lb turkey – Approximately 3 to 3 1/2 hours

At 250°F, expect reheating to take slightly longer At 325°F, the times will be a bit faster But don’t exceed 325°F or you’ll sacrifice moistness.

How to Warm a Smoked Turkey Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for warming a smoked turkey in the oven:

Preheat oven to 250-325°F.
Remove turkey from packaging and place breast side up on a roasting pan.
Tent turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit bone.
Roast turkey for 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours based on weight, until thermometer reads 140°F.
Allow turkey to rest 15-30 minutes before carving. The temperature will rise slightly as it rests.
Carve turkey and serve immediately for maximum juiciness. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

The key is bringing the internal temperature to around 140°F. Check often to prevent overcooking. Letting the turkey rest after reheating allows the juices to redistribute. Then carve and serve this luscious smoked bird immediately to your hungry guests!

Helpful Tips for Reheating Smoked Turkey

Follow these handy tips for the best results when warming up your smoked turkey:

Defrost fully if frozen before reheating. Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days.
Bring turkey to room temp before putting in oven. This shortens reheating time.
Use a probe thermometer for accurate temp reading. Check in a few places.
Add broth or stock to roasting pan to prevent dryness. Keep foil tent loose.
Carve only what you plan to eat right away. Slice the rest later as needed.
Store leftovers in shallow airtight containers. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30 second increments to prevent drying.
Add broth or gravy when reheating slices to keep them moist.

With proper technique, your reheated smoked turkey will be just as succulent as when you first got it. Juicy, smoky flavorful meat is fork-tender perfection.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Smoked Turkey

Smoked turkey leftovers present endless possibilities for creative recipes. Here are some mouthwatering ways to enjoy the leftovers:

Smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
Turkey pot pie with veggies and crust.
Soup with turkey, veggies, broth and pasta or rice.
Tacos, enchiladas or quesadillas with smoked turkey.
Turkey tetrazzini or casserole baked with cheese.
Turkey salad topped on greens or stuffed in avocado.
Turkey hash with potatoes, onions, peppers and spices.

With a bit of imagination, you can reinvent those tasty smoked turkey leftovers into all new delicious dishes. Get the whole family involved in brainstorming recipe ideas.

Smoked Turkey Is Simple Success

Smoked turkey makes an easy and impressive meal anytime. With the proper low-heat reheating method, you can ensure tender, juicy results every time. getting the internal temp to 140°F is the key. Now that you know how long to warm smoked turkey based on size, you can relax and enjoy perfect turkey and amazing leftovers.

how long do you warm 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 to warm up butterball smoked turkey?

Place turkey breast in 350° oven and heat until warm. 3/4 – 1.5 hours. Check temperature with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 140° F.

How do you keep a turkey warm after smoking?

Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil. This helps to retain heat without trapping steam, which could make the skin less crispy. Ensure the foil doesn’t touch the skin to preserve its texture.

How long do I heat up an already smoked turkey leg?

Reheating – To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with a loosely fitted piece of foil. Place in a 350°F oven and warm for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through. Turkey legs are cooked when an instant read thermometer registers to 165°F.