Keeping turkey warm during travel

[Mike in Dallas]

I’m smoking a 15 lb bird for the family lunch except I live 2 hrs away.


What’s the best way to keep warm during transit so it won’t dry out before lunch?

 

[Chris Allingham]

If you wrap it in foil and towels and place it in an empty cooler, it will stay hot for 2 hours easily. Dry is a function of overcooking. Take the breast to 155-160*F, the thigh to 170*F. Keep it whole, transport it, then carve and serve. You will sacrifice the skin in the process, it will get very soft. But you can't have it all!

Good luck!

 

[Mike in Dallas]

Thanks for the tips Chris.

They will have another turkey being fried on site so not a whole lot of pressure on me with this one. I still want to put out a good bird.

Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

 

[JKalchik]

Caveat: I haven't done it with turkey, Chris's advice is dead-on. I've kept whole brisket hot for 4 hours in a good picnic cooler.

And I don't think it can be stressed enough... Don't overcook it! Poultry & pork both, overcooking just... don't do it.