If the turkey is already cooked, it will simplify one of the main tasks of preparing Thanksgiving dinner and save you time and effort. But pre-cooked doesnt mean youre off the hook entirely when it comes to preparation and food safety.
The information below will help you reheat your turkey safely and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Following directions will ensure youll be dining on the best pre-cooked turkey possible.
Check the packaging on your already-cooked bird. It should come with step-by-step instructions detailing how to safely heat up the turkey.
And dont forget: This convenient option comes in more than one flavor. If you want a fully cooked smoked turkey, theyre out there!.
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How to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers
If youve had a long and leisurely meal, you may have fewer options for saving than you think: Any turkey, stuffing or gravy thats been at room temperature longer than 2 hours should be discarded, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
How you store turkey leftovers is important when it comes to avoiding foodborne illness.
- After removing the meat from the bone, slice the breast meat, following the University of Tennessee Extension’s instructions. Legs and wings are OK to refrigerate as-is.
- The USDA advises storing leftovers in small, shallow containers to speed up the process of lowering their temperature in the refrigerator.
- Cover the top with plastic wrap or use a container with a lid.
Roasted turkey should be eaten within 3 to 4 days, according to the University of Illinois Extension. That means that your Thanksgiving turkey should be eaten — or thrown away — by the Monday after the big holiday, per the USDA.
To extend the shelf life of leftovers, freeze them according to the same instructions as for the fridge method.
As with the refrigerator, small and shallow containers are best for housing your leftovers, per the USDA.
Leftover turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months, according to the USDA.
How to Reheat Leftovers
The USDA states that heating turkey or any other Thanksgiving leftovers until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the basic guideline for reheating them. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
Frozen leftovers can be reheated without thawing them first, per the USDA. Itll just take longer than reheating thawed out foods.
How to Reheat a Fully Roasted Turkey | Step by Step
FAQ
How do you reheat a precooked turkey without drying it out?
How long does it take to heat up a fully cooked turkey?