Smoking a turkey infuses it with delicious smoky flavor. However, like any type of cooked meat, smoked turkey needs to be stored properly to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Follow these tips to make sure your smoked turkey stays moist and full of flavor until you are ready to enjoy it.
Refrigerate Within 2 Hours of Smoking
It’s important to get your smoked turkey into the refrigerator within 2 hours of removing it from the smoker Leaving it out too long allows bacteria to grow rapidly.
As soon as the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, take it out of the smoker. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the juices to reabsorb. Then, get it into the fridge immediately.
If you won’t be eating the turkey right away, go ahead and cut or slice it into smaller portions so it will chill faster
Wrap Snugly to Prevent Drying Out
Smoked turkey can easily dry out in the fridge if it’s not stored properly. Make sure to wrap it up snugly so no exposed areas are left to dry out.
You can wrap the turkey or portions in plastic wrap, foil, or place in airtight containers. The key is making sure no air can get to the meat.
For especially moist turkey, you can even spoon some of the pan juices over the meat before sealing it up. The liquid will keep it from drying out.
Use Shallow Containers
If storing smoked turkey in a container in the fridge, choose a shallow, airtight one. This ensures even chilling.
You don’t want to pack a large smoked turkey breast or leg into a deep container. The middle will stay warm too long while the outer areas chill down.
Shallow containers allow the heat to dissipate quickly for safe, uniform chilling. Change to a deeper dish or wrap in foil once chilled.
Label with the Date
It’s important when storing any cooked meat in the refrigerator to label it with the date. This helps you know how old it is at a glance.
Simply write the date you smoked the turkey on a piece of masking tape and stick it on the foil, plastic wrap or storage container.
Also make note of what’s inside, such as “Smoked Turkey Breast.” This avoids any mystery leftovers down the road.
Refrigerate for Up to 4 Days
Smoked turkey will last longer in the fridge than a roasted turkey since the smoke has preservative effects. Still, it shouldn’t be kept refrigerated for more than 4 days.
To maximize freshness and quality, try to eat the turkey within 2-3 days if possible. But up to 4 days is still considered safe if it has been handled and stored properly.
After this time, the texture and moisture levels can deteriorate quickly. So it’s best to freeze any leftovers you won’t use up.
Slice Meat off the Bone
For easier storage, go ahead and remove the smoked meat from the bone before refrigerating. The bones can be saved to make stock.
Taking the breast, thigh and leg meat off the bone allows them to chill quicker in the fridge. It also takes up less space this way.
And when reheating, you can portion out just the amount of meat needed rather than having to reheat the whole bone-in piece.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
Smoked turkey will keep for 2-4 months in the freezer without compromising quality or taste. To freeze, wrap turkey tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
You can also vacuum seal smoked turkey portions for the best protection from freezer burn. Place the vacuum bags in the freezer immediately after sealing.
Clearly label bags with contents and date before freezing. Track freezer life and use within 4 months for best moisture and texture.
Thaw Safely in Fridge
Never thaw frozen smoked turkey on the counter or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow in the outer layers before the inner areas thaw.
Instead, thaw in the refrigerator. Place frozen turkey in a rimmed baking sheet or dish to catch drips as it thaws. Allow 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.
Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze thawed smoked turkey. Cook immediately if not using soon.
Reheat Thoroughly to 165°F
Always reheat smoked turkey leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a food thermometer inserted in the thickest part.
Use the oven or microwave to reheat to 165°F. Cover with broth or foil to prevent drying out. Discard any turkey that still has cold spots.
Only reheat smoked turkey once for food safety. Do not let sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours total after reheating.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Raw poultry juices can spread bacteria around your kitchen if precautions aren’t taken. Always wash hands, utensils, dishes and surfaces with hot soapy water after handling raw turkey.
Never place cooked smoked turkey back on the same plate or cutting board that held the raw turkey before smoking. Use clean dishes every time.
Store smoked turkey on shelves above raw poultry in the fridge. Wrap securely to prevent dripping juices from cross-contaminating.
Following safe storage, thawing and reheating guidelines will keep your leftover smoked turkey fresh and delicious for several days after smoking. With proper freezing, you can enjoy your smoked turkey even months later without sacrificing quality or food safety.
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Things You’ll Need
- Shallow airtight containers
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Permanent marker
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FAQ
What’s the best way to store a smoked turkey?
How long can smoked turkey stay in the refrigerator?
How do you reheat a smoked turkey and keep it moist?
Can I leave my smoked turkey out overnight?
How do you store leftover smoked turkey?
Store leftover smoked turkey after the meal in a plastic food container in your refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freeze leftover turkey that you do not intend to eat within three to four days in well-sealed plastic freezer storage bags for up to four months.
How long does smoked turkey last in the fridge?
Refrigerated smoked meat should be eaten within four days, and no longer in the freezer than three months. The meat should be stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Ensure the food is stored correctly in air-tight containers, in butcher’s paper, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. Turkey can last four days in the refrigerator.
How long can you keep a cooked turkey in the fridge?
If it is longer than two hours, you should store your turkey in a refrigerator. According to the National Turkey Federation, uncooked turkeys can be refrigerated for one to two days or frozen for 12 months, and cooked turkeys are good for three to four days in the refrigerator and can store in the freezer for up to three to four months.
How do you keep a Turkey Smoky in the freezer?
Place the wrapped turkey into a freezer bag and label it. Squeeze the air out of the freezer bag before you seal it shut and then write what’s in the bag and the date on the outside. The bag gives an extra layer of protection and prevents the turkey from making other things in your freezer smell smoky.