Where Can I Buy Smoked Turkey? A Complete Guide

Smoked turkey is a delicious alternative to roasted turkey that delivers incredible flavor in less time. The smoky, savory taste takes turkey from bland to standout, making it an ideal centerpiece for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want amazing turkey flavor. But where can you buy smoked turkey? This complete guide covers all the sources, types, and tips for buying smoked turkey.

Overview of Smoked Turkey

Smoking turkey involves using indirect heat from wood smoke to gently cook and infuse flavor into the meat. The process requires special smoking equipment like an electric smoker or charcoal smoker.

It can take 4-6 hours to fully smoke a whole turkey yourself. For convenience, you can buy pre-smoked turkey that is fully cooked and ready to eat. It delivers the same amazing smoked flavor without the hassle.

There are a few different forms of pre-smoked turkey available

• Whole smoked turkey – a full turkey smoked on the bone. Available from 10 to 20+ lb. Feeds a large group.

• Boneless smoked turkey breast – the breast meat removed from the bone, smoked and sold boneless. More manageable size for smaller gatherings.

• Smoked turkey legs – just the drumsticks smoked individually.

• Sliced smoked turkey – deli-style sliced smoked meat. Good for sandwiches.

Where to Buy Smoked Whole Turkey

When looking to buy pre-smoked turkey, you have several good options:

Grocery Stores

Many major grocery store chains sell smoked turkeys during the holiday season:

• Costco – Stocks the popular Kirkland Signature smoked turkey breast and whole smoked turkeys. Quality at a good price.

• Trader Joe’s – Frozen fully cooked smoked turkey breasts can be found in their holiday sections.

• Publix – Carries boneless smoked turkey breast and whole smoked turkeys under their store brands.

• Wegmans – High-end grocer with smoked turkey legs, breasts, and whole birds for the holidays.

• Metro Market – Wisconsin and Minnesota chain with smoked turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Check for smoked turkey availability leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas when selection is best.

Online Mail Order Companies

Can’t find smoked turkey locally? Ordering online is convenient:

• D’Artagnan – Sells free-range smoked organic turkeys and breasts. Their birds are smoked over fruitwood.

• Harry & David – Leading up to holidays they offer mail order smoked turkeys like their Pacific Northwest Turkey.

• Cracker Barrel – From their online store you can buy popular hickory-smoked spiral hams and whole turkeys.

• Double R Ranch – Ships smoked turkey breasts and whole smoked turkeys nationwide. Try their hickory smoked Cajun turkey.

• Nueske’s – Renowned for applewood smoked meats. They offer smoked turkey breast for mail order.

Direct from Smokehouses

Purchasing smoked turkeys shipped directly from the source ensures premium quality:

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

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

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

• Pueblo Lindo – California smokehouse offering smoked turkeys in mesquite and other premium hardwood flavors.

• Virgil’s – High-quality online butcher selling turkeys smoked over Texas post oak.

Buying directly from smokehouses may cost more but delivers exceptional smoked turkey fresh to your door.

Buying Considerations for Smoked Turkey

Follow this advice when purchasing smoked turkey:

• Allow enough thaw time – If frozen, give yourself several days thaw time in the fridge. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Calculate portions – Estimate 1 lb turkey per person. A 10 lb turkey feeds 10. Buy bigger for leftovers.

• Understand prep needed – Most are fully cooked but check if additional seasoning or steps are required.

• Consider special designations – Opt for hormone-free, antibiotic-free, organic, free-range, etc. if these matter.

• Compare whole vs. carved – Carved breast saves effort. Whole looks impressive on the table.

• Note wood smoke variety – Hickory and applewood are classics. For a twist, try pecan, cherry, mesquite, etc.

• Check texture – Bound or chopped turkey holds shape better when carved. Sliced gives a deli texture.

• Read labeling – Watch for added broths, binders, etc. if you want simple smoked flavor.

What Does Smoked Turkey Cost?

Pricing for smoked turkey depends on the size, type, brand, and other variables. Typical ranges:

• Small 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 (4 legs): $25-$40
• Sliced smoked turkey breast: $7-$11 per pound

Premium smokehouse turkeys and organic free-range birds are at the higher end. Basic store brands are very budget-friendly. Watch for holiday sales and bulk pricing for the best deals on smoked turkeys.

Get Creative With Leftovers

Smoked turkey makes amazing leftovers. Give your leftover smoked turkey new life by:

• Making smoked turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.

• Adding diced turkey to pasta, soup, salad, chili, and casseroles.

• Topping nachos and pizza with sliced turkey.

• Whipping up turkey breakfast skillets and omelets.

With a dash of creativity, smoked turkey leftovers become crave-worthy in every meal.

Smoked Turkey Is a Crowd-Pleasing Choice

Smoked turkey delivers incredible depth of flavor in a convenient fully cooked form. The tender, juicy meat infused with a touch of smoke is a surefire hit at any holiday meal or family dinner. Use this guide to source the perfect pre-smoked turkey breast or whole bird for your next gathering. Take the guesswork out of prep and let smoked turkey shine as the delicious, memorable centerpiece it is meant to be.