Turkey is arguably the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner – and a smoked turkey takes that centerpiece up a notch. The deep, woodsy aroma and tender meat make it an absolute showstopper on your holiday table. Whether you pre-ordered a smoked turkey for Thanksgiving from The Butcher Shop or are prepping it yourself ahead of time, the trick is reheating it without drying it out. Here’s how to do it right so your bird stays perfectly moist, juicy, and full of that irresistible smoky flavor.
Recipe for Reheating a Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving
What You’ll Need:
- 1 whole smoked turkey (fully cooked, about 10–12 lbs)
- 2 cups chicken broth, turkey stock, or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (optional)
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
Directions:
1. Thaw the Turkey (If Frozen)
If your smoked turkey has been frozen, move it to the refrigerator 1 to 2 days before you plan to serve it.
2. Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 250°F. Place the turkey breast side up in a large roasting pan. Pour the broth or cider into the bottom of the pan. For an extra rich touch, lightly brush the turkey with melted butter or olive oil before covering it. Then tightly wrap the pan with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
3. Reheat Slowly
Place the covered pan in the preheated oven. Plan for about 5 to 6 minutes of reheating per pound of turkey (a 12-pound turkey will take about 60-75 minutes to heat through). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Once it reaches 145–155°F, it’s ready to rest.
4. Crisp the Skin (Optional)
If you like a crispy skin, remove the foil for the last 15 to 20 minutes of heating and raise the oven temperature to 375°F. Keep a close eye on it – smoked skin can darken quickly.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Carve, serve, and enjoy your perfectly reheated turkey alongside your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- Use a roasting bag: If you’re worried about your turkey drying out, place it in an oven-safe roasting bag along with the broth or cider before sealing it in the roasting pan.
- Add aromatics for flavor: Add sliced onions, apples, oranges, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to your reheating liquid to infuse subtle, complementary flavors.
- Reheat just the slices: If you only need to serve part of the turkey, reheat sliced meat instead of the whole bird. Lay the slices in a baking dish with a little broth, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 250°F for about 25–30 minutes.
Get Your Smoked Turkey from The Butcher Shop
Reheating a smoked turkey isn’t difficult, and starting with a smoked turkey from The Butcher Shop makes it even easier. Our smoked turkey is fully cooked and more flavorful and succulent than a roast turkey. It also comes with rave reviews. See for yourself when you put it on your family’s table this Thanksgiving.
TBS is now taking pre-orders for smoked turkeys and other Thanksgiving meats. We also have the fresh produce and high-quality pantry essentials you need to round out your holiday meal. Visit our website to learn more or give us a call to pre-order your Thanksgiving ingredients. We’re taking Thanksgiving pre-orders while supplies last, so get your order in today!