Smoked turkey is the star of many holiday meals and family gatherings The rich, smoky flavor takes turkey from bland and boring to mouthwateringly delicious While you can smoke a turkey yourself, buying a pre-smoked whole turkey can save you time and effort. With so many options for where to buy smoked turkey, it can get confusing. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know about purchasing a whole smoked turkey in your area.
Overview of Smoked Turkey
Smoking is a process of slowly cooking meat indirectly using wood smoke. The smoke infuses the turkey, imparting a savory, smoky taste. Smoked turkey is fully cooked so it only needs reheating. The meat ends up ridiculously moist and tender with that wonderful smoky essence.
When buying smoked turkey you’ll see a few options
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Whole Smoked Turkey – An entire turkey that’s been smoked. Feeds a large gathering. Usual size range is 10 to 20+ pounds.
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Boneless Smoked Turkey Breast – For smaller groups, a smoked turkey breast works well. The breast meat has been removed from the bone, smoked, and sold boneless. Size is 3-7 pounds.
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Smoked Turkey Legs – Individual smoked drumsticks are also available. Kids love these!
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Sliced Smoked Turkey – Some stores sell smoked turkey breast sliced into deli-style pieces for sandwiches.
Where to Buy a Whole Smoked Turkey In-Store
Looking to buy a smoked turkey in-person? Here are the best places to find whole smoked turkeys near you:
Grocery Stores
Many major supermarket chains carry smoked turkeys seasonally:
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Costco – Kirkland Signature Smoked Turkey is a customer favorite for quality and value. Available as a whole turkey and breast.
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Trader Joe’s – Frozen cooked smoked turkey breasts pop up in their holiday sections.
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Publix – Publix-brand smoked turkey breasts and whole birds are in stores during peak holiday season.
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Wegmans – High-end grocer Wegmans stocks smoked turkey breasts, legs and whole turkeys around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Metro Market – This Midwest chain sells smoked turkeys for the holidays.
Be sure to check your grocery store’s holiday promotions for smoked turkey availability leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Warehouse Clubs
Bulk shopping clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often have smoked turkeys in-stock during peak holiday season. Shop their frozen food sections for great deals on name brand smoked turkeys if you have a membership.
Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
Local butcher shops and meat markets are an excellent source for smoked turkeys. Many smoke turkeys in-house or source them from regional smokehouses. Ask your local butcher if they carry smoked turkeys for the holidays.
Specialty Food Stores
Ethnic markets, gourmet stores, and gourmet meat shops may offer smoked turkeys. Check stores like:
- Whole Foods Market
- Central Market
- Market of Choice
- Eataly
- The Fresh Market
Call ahead to see if they stock smoked turkeys seasonally and pre-order one if possible.
Where to Buy a Whole Smoked Turkey Online
Can’t find a pre-smoked turkey locally? No worries! Ordering smoked turkey online and having it shipped is easy. Here are top online options:
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Goldbelly – Get gourmet regional smoked turkeys shipped nationwide from famous shops like Southside Market in Texas.
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Harry & David – This gift company sells mail order smoked turkeys like their Pacific Northwest Turkey.
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Cracker Barrel – Cracker Barrel’s online store has their popular hickory-smoked spiral sliced half hams and whole turkeys.
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Nueske’s – Nueske’s applewood smoked meats are legendary. They offer smoked turkey breast for online ordering.
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D’Artagnan – For organic and free-range smoked turkey, D’Artagnan ships overnight nationwide.
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Double R Ranch – Their hickory smoked Cajun turkey is always a hit. Available smoked whole or boneless breast.
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Purely Meat Company – Online butcher offering premium whole smoked turkeys in mesquite and other flavors.
For peak freshness and quality, purchasing directly from a smokehouse or meat company online is your best option.
Factors When Choosing a Smoked Turkey
Keep these tips in mind when buying a whole smoked turkey:
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Allow enough thawing time if purchasing frozen.
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Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. A 10-15 lb turkey feeds 10-15.
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Understand any preparation or reheating needed.
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Look for hormone-free, organic, free-range if it matters to you.
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Consider sliced breast vs. whole for your purposes.
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Check the type of wood used if you want a certain flavor.
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Examine if the meat is bound, chopped or sliced.
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Read the ingredients for broths, seasoning, etc.
How Much Does Smoked Turkey Cost?
You can expect to spend:
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Small 5-8 lb smoked turkey: $40-$60
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10-15 lb whole smoked turkey: $60-$100
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Smoked turkey breast (3-7 lbs): $50-$90
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Smoked turkey legs: $25-$40 for 4 legs
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Sliced smoked turkey: $7-$11 per pound
Organic and premium smoked turkeys cost more. Take advantage of holiday sales for the best pricing.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Smoked turkey leftovers make amazing sandwiches, soups, salads, nachos, breakfast skillets, and so much more! Don’t toss those leftovers – get creative with them.
Smoked Turkey Is Worth Hunting Down
Going the extra mile to find a pre-smoked turkey is well worth it. The delicious smoky flavor and moist meat is fantastic for holiday meals and bring something new and exciting to the table. Use this guide to track down a smoked turkey near you from grocery stores, online mail order or direct from smokehouses. Your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner will be one to remember with the star being a perfect smoked turkey!
Hardwood Smoked Whole Turkey
The Boise Bistro Market Idaho’s Ham Company does all the work on preparing your Hardwood Smoked Whole Turkey. The mild and moist meat has a mouthwatering, smoky flavor that will certainly draw many back for seconds. This bird will only visit your table during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Therefore, hurry and place your order.
- Fully Cooked
- Easy to heat
- No MSG, gluten or hormones
(Final Price will vary slightly based upon final poundage)
Hardwood Smoked Whole Turkey Care Instructions
- Our Hardwood Smoked Turkey is fully cooked. A frozen Turkey will take 2-3 days to safely thaw in refrigeration. Once thawed, your Turkey will stay fresh for 5 days.
- To heat a thawed Turkey, remove packaging, and place in roasting pan with cover or foil in a 350° oven for 1.5-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°. If frozen, remove from bag and heat in a 350° oven for 4-4.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°.
- To freeze, tightly wrap the Turkey in meal size portions in foil and seal in an airtight plastic bag. The Turkey can be frozen for up to 6 weeks.
- Reserve the bones to make a tasty soup stock.
How to Heat and Serve – Smoked and Fully Cooked Turkey
FAQ
Does Costco sell whole smoked turkeys?
It’s plump and juicy and ready to be the centerpiece of your family’s special dinner! Our Whole Smoked Turkey by Stevison Meat Co is sold exclusively at Costco.
Does Aldi have whole smoked turkeys?
Butterball Smoked Whole Turkey | ALDI US. We’re far more than just a grocery store.
Does butterball make a smoked turkey?
Butterball Smoked Whole Turkeys are fully cooked and ready to eat. They can be used in recipes calling for cooked turkey without prior heating. The pink color of the meat comes from smoking and curing and is not a sign of undercooked meat.
Can I buy a ready cooked turkey?
You can buy a whole, fully cooked smoked turkey frozen from butterball. Just heat it up, or thaw and carve if you want to eat it cold.