Is a Pre-Smoked Turkey Already Cooked?

Pre-smoked turkeys have become a popular convenience food, especially around the holidays. But many home cooks wonder – are these turkeys fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the package?

The short answer is yes, a pre-smoked turkey you purchase from a store is already fully cooked during the smoking process. However there are a few caveats to keep in mind.

How Pre-Smoked Turkeys Are Prepared

Pre-smoked turkeys undergo a special cooking process:

The raw whole turkeys are seasoned, often with a salt-based brine or dry rub.
They are placed in a smoker and slowly cooked with indirect heat and aromatic wood smoke,
The smoker temperature reaches at least 165°F internally in the thighs and breasts. This ensures the turkey is fully cooked through for food safety.
After smoking, the turkey is quickly chilled and packaged.

So a pre-smoked turkey you buy has already been fully cooked at high heat to the proper minimum internal temperature. It’s safe to eat as is without further cooking.

Proper Handling is Still Important

While pre-smoked turkeys are fully cooked, they still need proper storage and handling:

Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below until ready to use.
Heat thoroughly to 165°F before serving. This eliminates any bacteria that may have developed during storage.
Carve and serve the turkey immediately after reheating for food safety. Don’t let it sit at room temp more than 2 hours.
Discard any turkey if the packaging has been damaged or opened.

Follow these guidelines, and your pre-smoked turkey will stay fresh and safe to enjoy.

Reheating Adds Flavor

While you don’t have to cook a pre-smoked turkey, thoroughly reheating it before serving is recommended.

It gives the turkey time to absorb any glazes, juices or aromatics for extra flavor. The reheating step also warms up the meat so it’s not cold in the center when you carve and serve it.

Most recipes suggest reheating a pre-smoked turkey in a 300-325°F oven for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reads 165°F. Cover it in foil to prevent drying out.

is a pre smoked turkey already cooked

Applying the Seasoning

Now, it’s time to apply the seasoning to the pre smoked turkey. Rub the prepared seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure to cover all areas, including the cavity and under the skin. This will help infuse the flavors into the meat and create a delicious crust during cooking.

Cooking the Pre Smoked Turkey

There are several methods you can use to cook a pre smoked turkey. One popular option is to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and cook for approximately 13 minutes per pound. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is a pre smoked turkey already cooked?

FAQ

Is smoked turkey considered fully cooked?

Butterball Smoked Whole Turkeys are fully cooked and ready to eat. They can be used in recipes calling for cooked turkey without prior heating. The pink color of the meat comes from smoking and curing and is not a sign of undercooked meat.

How do you cook a precooked smoked turkey?

Place the trayed smoked turkey in the middle of a 350° F oven and cook for about 1.5 – 2 hours (or until a meat thermometer reaches about 140° F in the center of the breast). Remove the turkey and carve for serving.

Can you eat smoked turkey without heating it?

If you want to eat your smoked turkey cold, you can eat it as soon as it is defrosted (fully cooked!) Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Is smoked turkey slices already cooked?

*SPECIAL NOTE: Your smoked turkey may have a pink cast when sliced. This is a harmless characteristic of smoked poultry. This turkey is fully cooked.