Where Can I Buy a Whole Smoked Turkey? A Complete Guide

Smoked turkey is a delicious and flavorful centerpiece for any holiday meal or family gathering. The smoky, savory flavor pairs perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas sides. But finding a pre-smoked whole turkey to buy can be tricky. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about buying a smoked whole turkey, from the different types available to the best places to purchase.

Overview of Smoked Turkey

Smoking is a process of slowly cooking meat indirectly using wood smoke to infuse flavor and tenderize. The smoke gives turkey a rich, savory taste while also gently cooking it. Smoked turkey is fully cooked, so it just needs reheating. The meat ends up moist, tender and full of delicious smoky flavor.

There are a few common types of smoked turkey you can buy:

• Whole Smoked Turkey – This is an entire turkey that has been smoked The whole bird feeds a large group and makes a beautiful table centerpiece, Whole smoked turkeys range from 10 to 20+ pounds,

• Boneless Smoked Turkey Breast – For smaller gatherings, a smoked turkey breast is a good option. The breast meat is removed from the bone, smoked, and sold boneless. Breasts are typically 3-7 pounds.

• Smoked Turkey Legs – You can buy individual smoked drumsticks, which kids tend to love.

• Sliced Smoked Turkey – Some stores sell packaged sliced smoked turkey breast for easy sandwiches

Where to Find Whole Smoked Turkeys

You have several options for getting your hands on a smoked whole turkey, including grocery stores, online retailers, and direct from smokehouses.

Grocery Stores

Many major grocery store chains stock smoked turkeys seasonally:

• Costco – Costco offers Kirkland Signature Smoked Turkey Breast and Whole Smoked Turkeys around the holidays. Their prices are reasonable for the quality.

• Trader Joe’s – Trader Joe’s sells frozen fully cooked smoked turkey breasts during the winter holiday season.

• Publix – Publix often has boneless smoked turkey breasts and whole smoked turkeys under their Publix and GreenWise brands.

• Wegmans – Upscale grocer Wegmans provides smoked turkey options like breast, legs and whole birds for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• Metro Market – This Midwest chain carries smoked turkeys in their holiday promotions.

Check for specials at your local grocery leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Online Retailers

If you strike out finding a pre-smoked turkey in stores, online shopping is convenient. Online companies ship frozen smoked turkeys nationwide:

• D’Artagnan – This gourmet purveyor sells free-range smoked organic turkeys and breasts. Their birds are smoked over fruitwood for premium flavor.

• Harry & David – Gift company Harry & David sells mail order smoked turkeys like their Pacific Northwest Turkey for the holidays.

• Cracker Barrel – The Cracker Barrel online store has their popular hickory-smoked spiral sliced half hams and whole turkeys.

• Double R Ranch – This meat company ships smoked turkey breasts and whole turkeys, like their hickory-smoked Cajun turkey.

• Nueske’s – Nueske’s legendary applewood smoked meats include smoked turkey breast available online.

Direct from Smokehouses

Purchasing smoked turkeys shipped directly from smokehouses and meat companies is another great option. Reputable smokehouses include:

• Wright Brand Bacon – This Arkansas smokehouse offers hickory and applewood smoked turkeys for nationwide shipping.

• Burger’s Smokehouse – A renowned Missouri smokehouse crafting smoked turkeys for over 60 years. They ship boneless and whole turkeys year-round.

• Southside Market – With origins dating back to 1882, this Texas smokehouse has award-winning smoked turkeys for mail order.

• Pueblo Lindo – Based in California, they smoke turkeys in mesquite and other premium hardwood flavors.

• Virgil’s – Try turkeys smoked over Texas post oak at this gourmet online butcher.

For the absolute freshest quality, going direct through a smokehouse is recommended. The mail order turkeys may cost more but arrive incredibly fresh.

Buying Considerations

Follow these tips when buying your smoked turkey:

• Allow Thawing Time – If frozen, leave several days to thaw in the fridge before cooking.

• Calculate Size – Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. A 10-15 lb turkey feeds 10-15.

• Check Prep Needed – Most just need reheating but read instructions closely for seasoning or other steps.

• Consider Organic & Free-Range – If important to you, choose a turkey labeled hormone-free, antibiotic-free, organic, free-range, etc.

• Assess Carved vs. Whole – Carved breast meat saves carving work. Whole looks prettier at the table.

• Compare Wood Types – Hickory and applewood are classic. For a twist try pecan, mesquite or other wood varieties.

• Examine Texture – Bound or chopped turkey holds shape better. Sliced breast gives a deli-like texture.

• Read Labeling – Check for added broths, seasoning and binders to fit your preferences.

How Much Does Smoked Turkey Cost?

Whole smoked turkeys range from $2-7 per pound depending on size, quality, brand and other factors. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Smaller 5-8 lb bone-in smoked turkey: $40-$60
• 10-15 lb whole smoked turkey: $60-$100
• Smoked turkey breast (3-7 lbs): $50-$90
• Smoked turkey legs: $25-$40 for 4 legs
• Sliced smoked turkey breast: $7-$11 per pound

Organic and free-range smoked turkeys from premium smokehouses cost more. Basic no-frills smoked turkeys are very budget-friendly. Look for holiday sales and bulk pricing for the best deals.

Get Creative with Leftovers

A smoked turkey provides amazing leftovers to enjoy. You can:

• Make smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
• Dice turkey in soups, chili, pasta, salads.
• Add sliced turkey to nachos and pizza.
• Create casseroles and pot pies with turkey.
• Mix turkey into breakfast skillets and omelets.

With a little creativity, you’ll discover new favorite ways to eat smoked turkey outside of the holiday table. It’s a tasty and versatile ingredient.

Smoked Turkey Shines as a Main Dish

Smoked turkey is a fantastic alternative to basic roasted turkey for special meals and holidays. The delicious smoky flavor and moist, tender meat is sure to satisfy family and guests. Use this guide to source the perfect whole smoked turkey or turkey breast for your upcoming occasion. Take the difficulty out of holiday cooking with a ready-to-heat pre-smoked turkey. Spend more time with loved ones and less time stressing in the kitchen when it matters most.

A Simple Brined Smoked Turkey Recipe

If you decide to smoke your own turkey at home, here is an easy brine recipe and smoking method:

Brine

• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 gallon vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon crushed cloves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 gallons cold water

Combine all brine ingredients in a very large pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Place thawed turkey (12-15 lbs) breast side down in brine. Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours.

Smoking the Bird

1. Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes.

2. Prepare smoker with soaked wood chips – apple, pecan, hickory or other fruitwood. Heat to 225-250°F.

3. Place turkey breast up on smoker rack. Smoke 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Let rest 30 minutes before carving.

Enjoy your home smoked turkey masterpiece!