Yesterday I was at Costco and bought one of their pre-cooked turkey breasts. Its located in the meats/prepared food section. Seen great comments about it over the years here on the Q threads, and have decided to try it.
It doesnt have heating instructions on the packaging. How would you heat this up, specifically, what temp and for how long? Its just under 4 pounds. Or…would you slice some and microwave to warm the slices? Would you cover it in some way to ensure keeping moisture in?
We are going out, Thanksgiving brunch, and will come home to watch football for the rest of the afternoon/evening. (GOOO EAGLES!!) Anyway, when you go out you dont get the opportunity to pick at leftovers later on, and coming days. I thought that we could heat this up and have available as a way of having leftovers. I will also make a few sides too.
With the holidays coming up, many home cooks are starting to think about turkey. For those looking to skip the hassle of roasting a whole bird, Costco’s pre-cooked turkey breast is an easy and delicious option. But does Costco actually sell turkey breast?
The short answer is yes! Costco offers high-quality pre-cooked turkey breast under their Kirkland Signature brand. This oven-browned turkey can be purchased year-round both in warehouses and online. It provides a convenient and tasty way to enjoy turkey flavor without spending hours tending to a roast.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Costco’s turkey breast offering. We’ll cover topics like:
- Overview of the Kirkland Signature turkey breast product
- How to prepare and cook the turkey breast
- Serving ideas and recipe inspiration
- Nutritional information
- Cost and value analysis
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
Overview of Kirkland Signature Pre-Cooked Turkey Breast
The Kirkland Signature Oven-Browned Turkey Breast comes in around a 3 pound vacuum-sealed package The exact weight can vary slightly between 25 – 3,5 pounds,
This turkey breast is fully cooked so no roasting is required. The ingredient list contains simply turkey breast meat, turkey broth, sea salt, and sugar. There are no added preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, or artificial flavors.
Compared to other pre-cooked deli turkey, Kirkland’s version contains minimal ingredients and no unwanted additives. It has a natural savory turkey taste that makes it perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more. The price averages $4.99 per pound which is budget-friendly compared to premium deli meats.
How to Prepare and Cook Kirkland Turkey Breast
Since the turkey breast is already fully cooked, preparation is a breeze. Here are some simple methods
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Cold sandwiches or wraps – Thinly slice the turkey breast and enjoy cold on bread, rolls, or tortillas.
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Warm sandwiches – Heat sliced turkey in the microwave or oven at 300°F until warm, about 1-2 minutes per side.
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Oven baked – Bake the turkey breast at 350°F for 1 hour until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add 1⁄2 cup water to the pan.
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Crockpot – Cook on low setting for 3-4 hours with 1⁄2 cup water.
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Air fryer – Cook at 325°F for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Sautéed – Dice the turkey breast into pieces and sauté in oil over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
The cooked turkey can be served whole for slicing or diced for versatile use in meals. Refrigerate leftovers for 4-5 days.
Delicious Recipe Ideas with Turkey Breast
While Kirkland’s turkey breast shines in a classic sandwich, it can also be used to make delicious recipes:
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Turkey club sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
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Cobb salad with turkey, greens, eggs, bacon, avocado, cheese, and dressing
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Turkey quesadillas with cheese, scallions, and salsa
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Turkey breakfast hash with potatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs
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Turkey pesto paninis with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella
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Turkey noodle soup with vegetables and egg noodles
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Turkey Caesar salad wraps with romaine, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing
The possibilities are endless for nutritious meals with this versatile pre-cooked turkey!
Nutrition Information
The Kirkland Signature turkey breast is very lean and packed with protein. Here are the nutrition facts for a 2 ounce serving:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 13g
With minimal fat, carbs, and sodium, this turkey makes a healthier choice compared to other processed deli meats.
Cost Analysis
At my local Costco, the price for Kirkland pre-cooked turkey breast is $4.99 per pound. For a 3 pound package, the total cost is around $15.
Compared to the $8-10 per pound that premium deli turkey can cost, this is an excellent value. The minimal processing and lack of artificial additives also add value for health-conscious buyers.
Since the turkey breast contains no bones, skin, or fat, almost all the weight is edible meat. This makes it more economical than roast turkey which contains a lot of unusable parts. Considering the time savings as well, Costco’s pre-cooked turkey is a smart buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Kirkland Signature oven-browned turkey breast:
Is it raw or pre-cooked?
It is fully cooked and ready to eat.
Is it processed or healthy?
It contains minimal natural ingredients and is free of artificial additives.
How long does it last refrigerated?
About 5-7 days after opening. It can be frozen for 4-6 months.
Can you freeze it?
Yes, it freezes very well. Slice before freezing for convenience.
Does Costco sell frozen turkey breast?
No, only the refrigerated pre-cooked version. But you can freeze it.
What are some serving ideas?
It’s excellent for sandwiches, salads, pizzas, breakfasts, and casseroles. The options are endless!
A Tasty and Convenient Turkey Option
The oven-browned turkey breast can be prepared in many ways – from cold sandwiches to hot casseroles and salads. Leftovers will last for several days in the fridge. It requires little time and effort to make tasty turkey meals.
Next time you need turkey for sandwiches, salads, or recipes, consider grabbing a Kirkland Signature turkey breast from your local Costco. It provides quality, nutrition, convenience, and affordability in one tasty package!
Re: Costco Pre Cooked Turkey Breast
This sounds like a great idea! I would warm it on very low…..200 degrees, or even put it in my crockpot on low. No more than 30 minutes total. You could even pour some chicken broth around it as a heat bath to keep it moist as well. Good luck!