Where Can I Buy a Cooked Turkey on Thanksgiving? 10 Delicious Pre-Made Options

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your holiday feast. For many, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving is a perfectly roasted turkey. However, cooking a whole turkey yourself can be intimidating and time consuming. If you want to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner without the hassle, consider purchasing a pre-cooked turkey instead. There are many convenient options for buying an already prepared turkey from grocery stores, restaurants, caterers and online retailers.

In this article, I’ll share the best places to purchase a ready-to-eat whole turkey or turkey breast so your Thanksgiving meal prep is easy. With so many hassle-free pre-made turkeys to choose from, you can skip the complexities of roasting one yourself and focus on creating delicious sides and desserts.

Grocery Store Deli Counters

One of the easiest places to source a pre-cooked turkey is the deli counter at your local grocery store. Most major supermarket chains like Safeway, Kroger Publix and Albertsons roast fresh turkeys in-store during the holidays and sell them chilled at the deli counter.

Lead times and availability vary by location so call your store’s deli 1-2 weeks ahead to order your bird. Let them know what size turkey you need to feed your group. Expect to pay around $2.99-$5.99 per pound for a fully cooked grocery store turkey.

Opting for a pre-made turkey from the grocery store deli allows you to also conveniently grab side dishes, desserts and anything else needed to round out your Thanksgiving spread in one place.

Pros:

• One stop shop for turkey and sides
• Ability to see and select specific bird
• Support local business

Cons:

• Limited size options
• Need to order well in advance to get desired size

Whole Foods Market

All Whole Foods Market locations provide cooked turkeys and complete Thanksgiving meals through their catering menu. You can order small 6-8 pound whole turkeys up to 14 pounders feeding larger groups. Whole Foods also offers individual turkey breast roasts.

To ensure you get the size you need, place your order at least 48 hours in advance by visiting your local store or ordering online. Turkey prices start at $49.99.

The perk of Whole Foods is they offer free-range, organic and preservative-free turkeys fitting various diets. You can also add on sides, starters, desserts and more to complete your meal.

Pros:

• Broad range of natural and organic turkey options
• Can order meatless and vegan mains
• Add on appetizers, sides and desserts
• High quality ingredients

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• Only 48 hours to order

Boston Market

Boston Market is a popular and convenient choice for grabbing a pre-made Thanksgiving turkey. They sell cooked whole rotisserie turkeys in sizes from 10-16 pounds, as well as boneless turkey breast roasts.

Boston Market turkeys are fully cooked, so you just need to reheat and slice before serving. To ensure availability, order online or call your nearest location 24 hours in advance. Whole turkeys start at $64.99 and breast roasts at $49.99.

Boston Market also offers heat and serve sides in large portions to easily feed a crowd. Add on mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, spinach artichoke dip, and more for fuss-free holiday meals.

Pros:

• Fully cooked, just reheat and serve
• Range of sizes from 10-16 pounds
• Side dishes also available
• Minimum 24 hour ordering

Cons:

• On the pricier side
• Preset sizes may not suit group

Honeybaked Ham

Despite the name, Honeybaked Ham sells delicious fully cooked whole turkeys too. They offer smoked, roasted and Cajun seasoned turkeys ranging from 10-20 pounds and up. Prices range from $59.99-$139.99 depending on the size.

Honeybaked turkeys arrive frozen, so make sure to allot enough freezing time. Order online and schedule store pickup or delivery 48 hours in advance. Reheat the turkey using the included instructions.

Pros:

• Injected with flavors for moist, delicious meat
• Large size range from 10-20 pounds
• Order well in advance

Cons:

• Only sell turkeys, no side dishes
• Arrive frozen requiring thawing

Publix

Publix is a top choice in the Southeast for grabbing pre-made Thanksgiving feasts. Their deli sells fully cooked whole turkeys, smoked turkeys, turkey breasts and even complete turkey dinners with sides.

For the best selection, order online or at your local store’s deli counter at least 2 days in advance. Prices for turkey dinners serving 4 start at just $39.99, making Publix a budget-friendly option.

Pros:

• Affordable complete holiday meals
• Good for smaller groups with 4 serving meals
• Preorder online or in store deli

Cons:

• Mostly located in the Southeastern US
• Need 2 day notice

Local Catering Companies

For a fully customized Thanksgiving meal, order from a local caterer or restaurant advertising holiday catering. Search for options in your area through Facebook groups, Yelp, Nextdoor, Google and food delivery apps.

Catering allows you to select a pre-cooked turkey along with scratch-made sides and desserts to suit your group’s preferences. Order at least 1 week in advance to secure your ideal menu.

Pros:

• Customizable menus and portions
• Supports small and local businesses
• Often deliver straight to your door

Cons:

• Prices vary widely
• Less size/meal guarantees

Meal Kit Delivery Services

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and Blue Apron have started offering full Thanksgiving meal kits including a pre-cooked turkey breast or tenderloin.

These services ship the raw ingredients for sides to your door and provide easy recipes to finish cooking the rest of the meal. For contactless pickup, order your Thanksgiving meal kit at least 1 week in advance. Prices range from $16-$24 per serving.

Pros:

• Turkey breast included
• Can still cook sides from scratch
• Convenient contactless pickup

Cons:

• Turkey breast only, no whole bird
• Pricier per serving

Grocery Pickup and Delivery

Grocery pickup and delivery services provide another hassle-free route to getting a pre-made Thanksgiving turkey. Walmart, Kroger and Safeway all let you order groceries online for pickup or delivery.

Browse availability for whole cooked turkeys and turkey breast roasts in your area. Input your order a few days ahead to secure your preferred size bird. This avoids wasting time shopping in crowded holiday stores.

Pros:

• Order online and pickup at store
• Groceries delivered straight to your door
• Skip crowded holiday store trips

Cons:

• Delivery fees and tips
• Needs a few days advance notice

The Benefits of Buying Pre-Cooked

As you can see, there are many great options for purchasing a fully cooked turkey rather than roasting your own for Thanksgiving. Here are some of the biggest benefits to buying a pre-made turkey:

• Saves oven space – Leave room for all your sides and desserts
• Provides peace of mind – No worrying about undercooking
• Spend less time in the kitchen – And more time with guests
• Allow you to order just what you need – No leftovers going to waste
• Lets you try new flavors – Smoked, Cajun, turkey breasts
• Supports local businesses – Ordering from local caterers and restaurants

This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of convenience and consider one of the many delicious pre-cooked turkey options available. Your holiday will be simplified and you’ll have more time to focus on joyful moments with loved ones.