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.
Cooking a fully cooked turkey may seem straightforward but proper preparation and heating techniques are key to ensuring it turns out moist flavorful and safe to eat. Follow these tips from start to finish for foolproof results.
Selecting and Thawing the Turkey
When purchasing a fully cooked turkey choose a reputable brand and inspect the packaging. Make sure the turkey is not past its sell-by date. Some turkeys are fresh while others are frozen. If frozen you’ll need to thaw it first.
To thaw, leave the turkey in its original packaging and place in the refrigerator. Allow at least 24 hours of thawing time per 5 pounds of turkey weight. A 15 lb turkey would require 3 full days to thaw. Once thawed, use within 3-5 days.
You can also thaw in cold water, allowing 30 minutes per pound and changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw turkey at room temperature, as bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Seasoning and Preparing
For extra flavor, rub the turkey with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with your favorite herbs and spices. Fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, sage and garlic powder make excellent choices.
Do not stuff an already cooked turkey, as the stuffing will not get hot enough. Cook stuffing separately to assure safety.
Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup turkey broth or water to the bottom of the pan. This keeps the meat moist.
Heating Methods
Fully cooked turkey can be heated in the oven or grill to crisp the skin and imbue flavor.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cover turkey loosely with foil to prevent drying.
- Cook 15 minutes per pound until 165°F internal temperature.
- For the last 30 minutes, remove foil to brown the skin.
Grilling Method:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill 8-10 minutes per side, brushing with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook until 165°F internal temperature.
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast to check doneness. Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Serving Suggestions
A beautifully browned fully cooked turkey makes a fantastic meal centerpiece. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:
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Carve into slices and serve with gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing.
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Pile sliced turkey on sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and condiments.
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Dice for salads, soups, casseroles, tacos or stir fries.
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Arrange bite-sized turkey pieces on a appetizer platter with crackers and cheese.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage of leftovers is crucial for food safety. Here are some tips:
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Store carved turkey in shallow containers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
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Use leftovers within 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.
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For longer freezer storage, pack turkey in airtight containers. It will keep for 4-6 months.
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Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge before reheating. Do not re-freeze thawed turkey.
With the right techniques, fully cooked turkey makes for fuss-free feasts. Follow proper handling and thorough heating, and you’ll have a moist, delicious bird ready to grace your holiday table. What could be easier?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a fully cooked turkey?
Cooking time depends on the size, but plan on approximately 15 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature. A 12 lb turkey would take about 3 hours. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F.
Can you cook a fully cooked turkey from frozen?
It’s best to thaw fully cooked frozen turkey in the fridge before cooking. Attempting to cook frozen could result in uneven heating. If your turkey has a USDA inspection stamp, it can be cooked from frozen in the oven without thawing first. Follow specific package instructions.
Should you cook stuffing in a fully cooked turkey?
It’s not recommended. Since the fully cooked turkey only needs to be reheated, the stuffing won’t get hot enough. Cook stuffing in a casserole dish to ensure a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do leftovers last from a fully cooked turkey?
Store fully cooked turkey leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours of serving. Use within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4-6 months. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating.
Can you oven roast a fully cooked turkey?
Yes, oven roasting is a great way to cook a fully cooked turkey. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil. Cook approximately 15 minutes per pound until it reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. Let rest before carving.
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!