Mastering the Members Mark Hickory Smoked Young Turkey for Delicious Holiday Meals

Holiday dinners just got easier with the Members Mark hickory smoked young turkey from Sam’s Club. These convenient pre-cooked turkeys have juicy tender meat infused with sweet smoky flavor. Follow this guide to select prepare, and cook Members Mark smoked turkey for your next special feast.

Why Choose Members Mark Hickory Smoked Turkey

The Members Mark turkey offers several advantages:

• Fully cooked – Just heat and serve for instant holiday meals. Save time and effort.

• Pre-smoked – Real hardwood hickory smoke tenderizes and flavors the meat with no extra work required.

• Moist and tender – Smoking seals in moisture and breaks down connective tissue for succulent pull-apart texture.

• Young turkey – Younger birds have more tender meat and smaller size for quicker, more even cooking.

• Affordable – Prices average just $1.48 to $1.98 per pound for gourmet smoked turkey.

• Convenient – Widely available at Sam’s Club stores for easy holiday shopping Sold frozen

With minimal prep needed, Members Mark smoked turkeys deliver premium quality at a great value.

Choosing the Right Turkey Size

Members Mark offers whole hickory smoked turkeys ranging from 10 to 16 pounds. Select the best size for your gathering:

• 10-12 pounds – Feeds 8-12 people
• 14-16 pounds – Feeds 12-16 people

Plan for 1 to 1 1⁄4 pounds of turkey per person for sufficient portions. Size up if you want ample leftovers. The young turkeys have a superior meat-to-bone ratio compared to larger birds.

Inspect packaging for any tears before purchasing. Store the turkey frozen until you are ready to thaw and cook.

Thawing the Turkey Safely

Use these methods to safely thaw a frozen Members Mark turkey:

• Refrigerator – Place the turkey in the fridge 2-3 days before cooking. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds.

• Cold water – Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Estimate 30 minutes thawing time per pound.

• Microwave – Thaw in the microwave if the turkey will be cooked immediately after. Follow appliance directions.

Avoid thawing the turkey at room temperature, which allows bacterial growth. If needed, you can cook the turkey directly from frozen.

Seasoning and Preparing the Turkey

While Members Mark turkeys come pre-rubbed with seasoning, you can add even more flavor:

• Loosen the skin from the breast and rub seasoning directly onto the meat before cooking for maximum flavor impact.

• Try a simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and thyme under the skin. Get creative with spices!

• Coat the outside of the turkey with oil or melted butter to help it brown beautifully while cooking.

• For extra moisture and flavor, brine the turkey 1-2 days before cooking in a saltwater solution.

No basting or stuffing is required since the turkey already has plenty of flavor and moisture from smoking!

Cooking the Smoked Turkey

Members Mark provides fully cooked smoked turkey that just needs reheating. Here are some tips:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan. Allow 20-25 minutes of cooking time per pound.

• For food safety, reheat the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check with a meat thermometer.

• Loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

• Alternatively, reheat a frozen turkey in a 325°F oven for 1-2 hours before checking its internal temperature.

• Slice the warm turkey and serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Serving Suggestions

The Members Mark hickory smoked young turkey offers incredible versatility:

• Serve smoked turkey slices with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and veggies.

• Enjoy turkey on sandwiches, wraps, tacos, pizzas, salads, and more.

• Dice or shred the meat for casseroles, pot pies, pasta dishes, soups, chilis, and chowders.

• Mix with barbecue sauce for smoked turkey sliders, nachos, baked potatoes, and Southwest dishes.

• Add turkey to breakfast omelets, burritos, hashes, and quiches.

The lovely hickory smoked flavor complements creamy, tangy, and robust ingredients beautifully. Get creative with the leftovers!

More Tips for Smoked Turkey Success

Follow these extra pointers for the very best results:

• Let the cooked turkey rest for 15-30 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute. This makes slicing much easier.

• Use a very sharp knife and carve the turkey parallel to the breastbone for thin, even slices.

• Serve the warm turkey within 2 hours for food safety. Refrigerate leftovers quickly.

• Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Always reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

With little work required, Members Mark hickory smoked young turkeys deliver incredibly moist, flavorful meat perfect for holidays and everyday meals alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook a Members Mark smoked turkey?

Place the turkey in a 350°F oven and cook for about 1.5 – 2 hours, until it reaches 140°F internally. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Let rest, slice, and serve.

What is the best way to reheat a pre-cooked smoked turkey?

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Can you cook a Members Mark turkey from frozen?

Yes, you can cook a Members Mark turkey directly from the frozen state. Keep it wrapped and place it breast-side up in the oven. Add 1-2 hours to the recommended cook time. Check the internal temperature.

How long does it take to cook a 12-14 lb Members Mark turkey?

A 12-14 pound Members Mark turkey takes about 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours to cook in a 325°F oven. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches a food-safe 165°F.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate carved turkey in shallow containers within 2 hours. Reheat leftovers to 165°F. Store leftovers up to 4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.

With minimal effort, the Members Mark hickory smoked young turkey delivers incredibly convenient, delicious holiday feasts.