This easy double smoked turkey is simple and delicious. Your friends will think you spent all day prepping a Thanksgiving quality turkey!
**Post written by The BBQ Brothers. For all meat prep, grill set up, temperature and humidity control, recommended tools, and techniques for The BBQ Brothers recipes, check out The BBQ Brothers Beginner’s Guide To Grilling first, then get to cookin!
Hey guys, Andrew here. First of all, I am not a big fan of turkey in general (yes, I know I am weird). But I can tell you this easy smoke will be sure to make all of your guests happy and will also make them think that you spent all day in the kitchen preparing a turkey like Thanksgiving!
I actually discovered this recipe when my parents freezer broke and they had to store some of their food at our house so it didn’t spoil….soooooo lucky me! When Caitlin discovered this turkey in our freezer she volunteered me to make this for our guests during “Dipsgiving” with our friends. Lucky me again! (Although I think everyone filled up on dips before the turkey was done smoking…)
So let’s get started…
First of all, if you don’t want to spend all day stuffing a whole bird I strongly encourage you to just purchase a turkey breast. In this case, we used one from The Kansas City Steaks Co. They have great stuff on there so I encourage you to give them a try. Our turkey breast was already pre-cooked/smoked.
First, we want to rub the bird down with some vegetable oil and our All Purpose BBQ Rub. Heat the smoker to 250 degrees and throw it on indirect heat with some mesquite wood chips.
You must remember the number one complaint about turkey is that it is DRY. So we want to get something on the smoker to baste it with as we smoke. Since the turkey breast we are using is pre-cooked, we are more or less heating it up and adding some smoke flavor while we do so. Next to the turkey we will put a coffee mug with 2 sticks of butter, 2 teaspoon of hot sauce (I used tabasco), 1 teaspoon honey, and a sprinkle of rub. Place the mug over direct heat. This will serve as our basting mix, and as we smoke, the butter melts and when we open the lid we have everything right on the grill nice and hot so we don’t have to be bringing anything with us out in the cold. (We made this in November after all!)
When we first get going, leave the lid on to smoke for about 45 min (resist the urge to peek) . Then we will baste the bird every 15-20 min for about another 2 hours, until we reach our desired temp to serve (internal temperature of 170 degrees). Once we get close (the last 10 min) we want to baste it really heavy (where the bird is dripping) and crank up the heat to develop a good bark. Once it is done let it rest for about 30 mins, slice and then serve.
There it is! All done. No carving or stuffing, just simple turkey with biiiiig smoke taste!
Looking for other variations to spice up your Thanksgiving menu? Check out with this Smoked Turkey Porchetta and this Thanksgiving Bacon Explosion!
Smoked turkey slices have become a popular deli meat choice for sandwiches and recipes. Their smoky, savory flavor adds a delicious twist to any meal. But an important question arises – are the smoked turkey slices you buy at the deli already fully cooked and safe to eat? Let’s explore the world of smoked turkey slices and find the answer.
How Smoked Turkey Slices Are Made
To make smoked turkey slices whole turkeys are first curedbrined in a salt solution. This infuses flavor and keeps the meat moist. Next the turkeys are smoked using burning wood chips or pellets in a controlled smoker. The smoke both cooks the meat and provides flavor. Smoking typically takes 5-6 hours for a whole turkey at 225°F.
Once smoked, the fully cooked turkeys are cooled, then thinly sliced by deli machines The slices are packaged and sold ready-to-eat Many popular brands like Boar’s Head and Maple Leaf Farms make smoked turkey slices available nationwide.
Is Smoked Turkey Fully Cooked?
Yes, smoked turkey slices from the deli are fully cooked during the smoking process. USDA guidelines state poultry is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Reputable brands ensure their smoked turkey reaches this temperature.
This means pre-packaged smoked turkey slices are ready to enjoy without additional cooking. You can eat them straight from the packaging or use them in sandwiches, wraps, salads and more. Of course, always inspect the slices and packaging before eating – never consume turkey that smells bad or appears slimy.
Other Safety Tips for Smoked Turkey
To prevent foodborne illness when handling smoked turkey:
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Refrigerate promptly after purchase. Store unopened turkey up to 2 weeks past the sell-by date.
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Once opened, consume within 3-5 days. Discard any turkey that looks or smells bad.
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When assembling sandwiches or meals, avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meats separate.
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Reheat thawed turkey slices to an internal temperature of 165°F if you choose to warm them up before eating.
Proper refrigeration and food safety practices help prevent harmful bacteria growth. As long as smoked turkey is handled safely, it is perfectly fine to enjoy straight from the package without additional cooking.
The Benefits of Pre-Cooked Smoked Turkey
The fully cooked status provides some great advantages:
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Convenience – no work needed to cook the turkey yourself! Enjoy the smoky flavor instantly.
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Food safety – turkey is cooked to safe temperature by professionals. Lower risk than handling raw poultry at home.
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Longer shelf life – pre-cooked turkey lasts longer than raw when properly stored.
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Portability – bring smoked turkey anywhere for quick sandwiches and snacks.
For these reasons, ready-to-eat smoked turkey slices have become a lunchbox and meal-prep staple in many households. Keeping some on hand offers easy protein options any time.
Using Smoked Turkey Slices
Smoked turkey brings delicious flavor to all kinds of dishes:
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Sandwiches – Combine with cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, sprouts, mustard. Use on bread, wraps, subs or bagels.
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Salads – Toss with lettuce, veggies, nuts, cheese, olives, dressings.
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Snacks – Roll up with cream cheese and pickle.
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Soups & chilis – Dice or shred for added flavor and protein.
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Breakfast – Add to egg bakes, scrambles, breakfast tacos.
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Pizza – Alternative to pepperoni and sausage.
Smoked turkey also pairs well with fruits, nuts, melty cheeses and tangy sauces like barbecue, ranch and honey mustard. Get creative with recipes!
Should You Re-Smoke Sliced Turkey?
Since the meat will already have been cooked and the skin crisped up during smoking, there’s no real benefit to smoking the turkey afterward, especially when you consider what a production smoking a turkey can be.
Make Your Own Smoked Turkey
While convenient to buy pre-sliced smoked turkey, you may want to try smoking a whole turkey yourself for maximum freshness and control over flavors.
Use apple, cherry, pecan or hickory wood chips in your smoker or grill to infuse flavor. Brine the raw turkey first to keep it juicy. Apply a dry rub for more seasoning. Maintain 225-250°F temperature and smoke for 30 minutes per pound, until 165°F internal temperature. Rest, then slice to enjoy!
The Verdict on Deli Turkey
The smoking process fully cooks packaged smoked turkey slices, making them safe to enjoy straight from the packaging without additional preparation. Follow proper food safety practices for best quality and to prevent illness. With its versatility and smoky goodness, deli smoked turkey can add flavor and nutrition to your favorite meals and snacks!
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How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
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