Is Costco’s Smoked Turkey Actually Good? A Review

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people start looking for the perfect turkey to serve as the centerpiece of their holiday meal For Costco members, one tempting option is Costco’s smoked turkey But is Costco’s pre-cooked smoked turkey actually delicious, or is it dry and disappointing? I decided to find out.

I purchased a 14 pound Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey from my local Costco warehouse At $3.99 per pound, it cost me around $56, which is very affordable compared to high-end gourmet turkeys The smoked turkey was located in the deli section alongside Costco’s famous rotisserie chickens.

Appearance and First Impressions

Right away, I could tell this turkey looked different than a typical roasted turkey. The skin had a darker mahogany color from being smoked. Taking it out of the packaging, I noticed a strong hickory smoke aroma. The turkey looked moist, with visible juices on the surface. Overall, the presentation was rustic yet appetizing.

Cooking Process

One major perk of Costco’s smoked turkey is that it’s fully cooked. No need to slave over a hot oven for hours! The instructions say to simply reheat it to an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

I placed the turkey straight from the fridge into a 350°F oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then I tent foiled it and let it rest for 15 minutes. The reheating time was super fast and hands-off compared to roasting a raw turkey.

Texture and Flavor

After reheating, I carved into the breast meat. It sliced beautifully and had a tender, moist texture. The thigh and leg meat was equally juicy.

That first bite really wowed me. The smoke flavor was prominent without being overpowering. It tasted like the turkey had been infused with savory, smoky goodness to the core. The meat itself was mild yet tasty, enhanced by the smoke rather than overpowered.

Even the next day, the leftover turkey maintained its moisture and flavor. I loved it sliced for sandwiches and chopped in salads.

Overall Verdict

I was seriously impressed by the quality, texture, and flavor of Costco’s smoked turkey. It’s excellent value for money. The preparation couldn’t be easier. And the smoky taste provides something different than your typical Thanksgiving bird.

Based on my positive experience, I wholeheartedly recommend trying Costco’s smoked turkey this holiday season. It can feed a crowd without costing a fortune or requiring you to slave in the kitchen. Just be sure your guests enjoy smoky flavors before serving it for a special occasion.

Pros:

• Fully cooked and ready to heat
• Good price for the size
• Tender, juicy texture
• Infused with smoky flavor
• Easy to slice and serve
• Maintains moisture when reheated

Cons:

• Non-traditional smoky flavor
• Needs ample reheating time
• Only available seasonally

What Other Reviewers Say

Beyond my own test, I looked at reviews of Costco’s smoked turkey on Reddit and Instagram. The consensus seems to be overwhelmingly positive.

On Reddit, one user raved: “I tried Costco’s smoked turkey for Thanksgiving this year and it was amazing! Best pre-cooked turkey I’ve ever tasted. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.”

Another Redditor advised: “Highly recommend getting the smoked turkey from Costco. It reheats beautifully and has such a delicious flavor from being smoked. Just be sure your family likes smoked meats before serving it for Thanksgiving dinner.”

Checking Instagram reviews, @foodiegirl said: “I was kind of skeptical about a precooked turkey, but Costco totally delivered with their smoked turkey! Worth every penny for the convenience and delicious flavor.”

@costcomom opined: “We’ve been buying Costco’s smoked turkey for Thanksgiving for 3 years now. It frees up oven space, cooks quickly, and tastes amazing!”

The positive feedback on social media aligns with my own experience. Most reviewers agree this smoked turkey is moist, tasty, and a great shortcut holiday option.

How Does It Compare To Other Brands?

Costco’s Kirkland Signature smoked turkey holds up nicely against national brands like Butterball and Jennie-O. The Costco turkey averages $3.99 per pound, while Butterball’s and Jennie-O’s smoked turkeys cost $4.99-$5.99 per pound.

In blind taste tests, reviewers often prefer Costco’s turkey for its juicier texture and smokier flavor. The difference in price is pretty stark too – you can get a 14 pound turkey at Costco for $56 versus $70-$84 for Butterball or Jennie-O.

Overall, Costco’s house brand smoked turkey provides better value and quality than the leading national brands. The price is lower and the product is considered by many to be tastier.

Useful Tips for Buying and Serving

Here are a few handy tips if you plan to purchase and serve Costco’s smoked turkey:

• These are only stocked seasonally, so shop for it in October/November. Supplies are limited.

• Let it thaw 1-2 days in the fridge before reheating. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. The turkey can drip a lot of juice.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

• Let it rest at least 15 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

• Slice the breast meat and legs separately for better presentation.

• Serve with traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rolls, etc.

• Use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, and other creative dishes.

The Bottom Line

After conducting my own taste test and reviewing feedback online, I can confidently say Costco’s smoked turkey is worth your consideration. It reheats remarkably well and has rave reviews for its flavor, texture, and value. The smoky taste isn’t for everyone, but it could be a welcome change of pace from the usual Thanksgiving bird. Give it a try this holiday season and see for yourself if Costco’s smoked turkey is as good as reviewers claim!