Where Can I Buy a Cooked Whole Turkey? 7 Easy Options for a Ready-to-Eat Bird

A fully cooked whole turkey is the perfect convenience food for holidays and special occasions. With minimal preparation needed, cooked turkey makes for an easy impressive centerpiece. But where can you purchase a whole turkey already cooked and ready to eat? Let’s explore some of the best options for buying pre-cooked whole turkeys.

Check Your Local Grocery Store

Many grocery store chains will stock fully cooked whole turkeys around the holidays Look for them

• In the poultry or meat department refrigerated cases.

• At the deli counter where you can order a turkey specially cooked in-house.

• As part of complete holiday meal packages,

Larger chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons will often carry pre-cooked turkeys. Call ahead to check availability and reserve one.

Order from a Restaurant or Caterer

Local restaurants, delis and catering companies are great sources for cooked turkeys:

• Boston Market sells their delicious rotisserie turkeys for pickup or delivery.

• Your local deli may cook turkeys fresh to order. Check neighborhood delis.

• Caterers can cook a turkey to your specifications for easy pickup.

Order ahead of time to secure your pre-cooked turkey from a restaurant or caterer.

Visit a Wholesale Warehouse Club

Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s sell high quality cooked whole turkeys:

• They stock fresh cooked turkeys before holidays in a range of sizes.

• Kirkland and other house brands offer great value.

• Limited seasoning allows you to flavor the turkey yourself.

Check club stores early as pre-cooked turkeys sell out fast closer to holidays.

Shop at a Local Butcher Shop

Quality local butchers are an excellent source for cooked turkeys:

• Many butcher whole turkeys in-house and cook them fresh.

• You can customize flavors or preparation requests.

• Supporting local butchers gives back to the community.

• Experienced butchers can recommend the ideal turkey size.

Pre-order your cooked turkey early from a reputable local butcher.

Look for Specialty Brands

Popular brands offering fully cooked whole turkeys include:

• Omaha Steaks ships smoked Cook-from-Frozen turkeys.

• HoneyBaked Ham sells convenient whole turkey breasts.

• Frozen Butterball turkeys just need reheating.

• D’Artagnan provides organic and free-range cooked turkeys.

Check order deadlines and delivery options from each brand when buying online.

Order a Mail-Order Turkey

Several online stores ship ready-to-eat whole cooked turkeys:

• Goldbelly works with famous local eateries to ship their turkeys.

• Harry & David, Hickory Farms and other food gift sites sell them.

• Cracker Barrel offers complete holiday Heat n’ Serve meals with turkey.

• Amazon Prime provides fresh cooked turkeys through Whole Foods.

Just account for delivery days and costs when ordering cooked turkeys online.

Buy a Frozen Cooked Turkey

While fresh is best, premium frozen pre-cooked turkeys can work in a pinch:

• Look for well-known brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Shady Brook Farms.

• Check the sell-by date and allow time to properly thaw.

• Reheat fully until the turkey reaches safe internal temperature.

With the right handling, high-quality frozen cooked turkeys can make great ready-to-eat alternatives.

Shop Early for the Best Selection

The key when buying a fully cooked turkey is planning ahead:

• Inventory is most plentiful well before the holidays.

• Special order at local grocers or pre-order from brands/butchers.

• Buy early and freeze if needed until meal day.

Shopping early ensures you find the perfect pre-cooked turkey size for your gathering.

So when you want leave the roasting to someone else, look to restaurants, delis, club stores, specialty brands, online mail order and local butchers for convenient cooked whole turkeys. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a delicious, ready-to-serve turkey centerpiece.