Where to Find Small Turkeys Near You for Your Holiday Meal

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends to share a delicious meal For many, the centerpiece of that meal is a roasted turkey However, when it comes to finding a small turkey, that can be easier said than done. Supermarkets tend to stock up on large birds, which can feed a crowd but lead to a lot of leftovers for a smaller gathering. So where can you find a more manageably sized turkey in your area when you just need to feed a few people? Here are some tips and options to get a small turkey nearby for your holiday table.

Check Your Local Grocery Store

The first place to check is your regular supermarket. Many grocery stores will carry a range of turkey sizes from small to extra large. While the availability will depend on the individual store, some options for finding small turkeys include

• Fresh turkeys – The fresh turkey section may have smaller birds available, around 8-12 pounds Select a brand like Butterball, Honeysuckle, or Plainville Farms

• Frozen section – Take a look in the freezer aisle for frozen small turkeys. Popular brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Shady Brook Farms, and Honeysuckle White offer frozen turkeys under 10 pounds.

• Speciality poultry counter – Higher end grocers may have a speciality poultry section with fresh options. Ask the butcher if they have or can order a small turkey.

• Pre-order small sizes – Many stores let you pre-order a specific turkey size for the holidays. Check order deadlines and availability of petite turkeys under 8 pounds.

Popular grocery chains that may carry small turkeys including Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Piggly Wiggly, Albertsons, Stop & Shop, Giant, Wegmans, and more all depending on your region. Check the circulars and call ahead to confirm availability at your neighborhood market.

Order from a Local Butcher

For the freshest turkey option that is the perfect size for your gathering, consider ordering directly from a local butcher shop or meat market. A neighborhood butcher will often work directly with farms and providers to source high quality small turkeys for the holidays. Reach out in advance to find out pricing and availability for fresh turkeys under 10 pounds.

Local butchers are especially great for finding heritage breed turkeys, which are smaller in size but pack huge flavor. Pasture-raised heritage breeds like Bourbon Red, Standard Bronze, Narragansett, and Jersey Buff are more tender and juicy than commercial turkeys. Supporting local butchers also helps small businesses and area farms.

Sign Up for a Small Turkey CSA Box

Another way to source a pasture-raised turkey direct from a farm is to buy a holiday turkey CSA (community supported agriculture) box. These programs allow you to preorder a fresh small turkey along with sides and other products like eggs, produce, or baked goods.

Turkey CSA boxes are great for getting local, organic, free-range birds that come in petite sizes perfect for a gathering of 4-6 people. Austin, Texas based Johnson’s Backyard Garden, for example, offers CSA boxes with turkeys under 12 pounds sustainably raised on their family farm.

Check Ethnic Grocery Stores

If you have an ethnic grocery store nearby, consider checking there for smaller turkey options popular in cuisines around the world. For example:

• Mexican grocers may carry fresh turkey wings, drumsticks, thighs ideal for making mole or pozole.

• Asian food markets may have ground turkey, turkey tenderloins, or boneless turkey breast to use in dishes like stir fry, turkey congee, or lettuce wraps.

• Halal or Middle Eastern markets may have Cornish game hens or Rock Cornish hens which are a miniature chicken/turkey hybrid perfect for a single serving.

• Italian markets may offer smaller turkey breast roasts ideal for sandwiches or antipasto platters.

Shopping at ethnic grocers allows you to support local businesses while finding smaller poultry products that work for ethnic holiday foods.

Order Direct from a Turkey Farm

For the ultimate farm-to-table turkey, look into ordering directly from a local turkey farm or producer in your state. Small scale turkey farms specialize in raising heritage and pasture-raised turkeys in a sustainable way. Their turkeys are premium quality with delicious flavor.

Many turkey farms allow you to preorder a smaller bird in the 10-12 pound range and pick it up fresh for your holiday meal. Check out farms like Maple Leaf Farms in Indiana, Mary’s Free Range Turkeys in California, or Koch’s Turkey Farm in Pennsylvania which ship fresh turkeys nationwide. Supporting family farms keeps small businesses thriving.

Try Online Shopping and Delivery

Can’t find a petite turkey nearby? Turn to online grocery delivery services which source turkeys from local farms and providers. Websites like Instacart, AmazonFresh, Walmart Grocery, and more let you enter your zip code, select a small turkey, and get it delivered contact-free right to your door.

For example, Instacart has partnered with grocery stores to offer turkey options under 10 pounds from brands like Honeysuckle, Plainville Farms, Jennie-O and Norbest with availability depending on your location. Order online and get your bite-sized bird without leaving home.

Consider Alternatives to Whole Roasted Turkey

If finding a small whole turkey proves difficult in your area, there are alternatives that can still make a festive holiday centerpiece:

• Turkey breast – Roast a 2-4 pound boneless turkey breast for easy slicing.

• Turkey parts – Braise or roast a turkey leg, wing, thigh or drumstick for each guest.

• Cornish hens – Roast individual hens for simple portion control.

• Turkey tenderloins – Grill or pan sear tenderloins, skewer for kebabs.

• Ground turkey – Make turkey meatballs, burgers, meatloaf, or sausage stuffing.

• Turkey tips – Braise or roast bite-size pieces of breast meat.

Getting creative with cuts of turkey allows you to size your holiday protein precisely to your guest list.

Check Availability Early

Be sure to call grocers, butchers, farms, and delivery services 1-2 months in advance to check on availability of small turkeys for the holidays. The most in demand sizes like 8-12 pounds can sell out quickly. Preorder early and have your petit poultry reserved and ready for pickup.

Allow Time to Thaw and Brine

Once you secure your small turkey, make a plan for thawing and brining. Smaller birds require less time to thaw in the refrigerator than large ones, usually 1-3 days. After thawed, let it brine overnight in a salt solution to yield juicy, seasoned meat. Rinse, pat dry, rub with butter or oil, and roast at 350°F until a thermometer reads 165°F.

Get Ready for Leftovers

Even a small turkey yields leftovers, though not as much as a mammoth bird. With a petite turkey, plan for leftovers like sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and tetrazzini to help use it up in creative ways after the main feast. Get storage containers and freezer bags ready to portion out leftovers to enjoy for a week or more after the big day.

Celebrate with Perfectly Sized Portions

Finding and cooking a small turkey gives you the opportunity to serve a manageable main course without the fear of endless leftovers lingering after your event. With an intimate turkey that simply meets your needs, you can focus on creating delicious sides and desserts to complete the holiday spread. Most importantly, carving a petite turkey means you can celebrate in good company and with perfectly sized portions for all.

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