Where to Buy a Cooked Whole Turkey for Your Holiday Feast

A juicy roasted whole turkey is often the highlight of festive holiday meals. But properly preparing an entire bird yourself can be daunting and time-consuming. The good news is you have convenient options for purchasing a ready-to-eat pre-cooked whole turkey.

Follow this guide to discover the best places to buy a hassle-free cooked turkey for your next gathering

Grocery Store Deli Counters

One of the easiest and most budget-friendly sources for cooked whole turkeys is your neighborhood supermarket deli counter Many major chains like Safeway, Kroger, Costco, and Albertsons sell hot roasted whole birds during the holidays.

Prices typically range from $2.99 to $5.99 per pound. Lead times and availability vary by location, so call your store’s deli ahead to order. Opting for a pre-cooked turkey from the grocery store lets you also pick up side dishes, desserts, and anything else to complete your meal.

Restaurant Chains

Popular family dining chains like Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, and Bob Evans sell fully cooked whole turkeys during November and December. For maximum convenience, order your complete holiday feast as take-out to simply reheat at home.

Boston Market whole roasted turkeys cost around $54.99. Cracker Barrel offers a Heat & Serve Turkey Breast Feast for groups up to 5 for $54.99. Bob Evans also provides catering options for turkey dinners.

Online Mail-Order Companies

Several online retailers ship pre-cooked whole turkeys nationwide, packed frozen. This allows you to order a gourmet bird in advance. Popular options include:

• Harry & David – Diestel turkey for $139.99, serves 8-10
• Burgers’ Smokehouse – Hickory smoked turkey from $95
• Williams Sonoma – Willie Bird turkey for $149.95
• Omaha Steaks – Brown sugar glazed turkey for $99.99

Check order deadlines to receive your mail-order turkey in time for the holidays.

Local Farms and Butcher Shops

Don’t overlook local food suppliers like family farms, ranches, and butcher shops in your area. Many cook turkeys to order for holiday feasts. Search for “Thanksgiving turkeys to go near me” or ask at your farmers’ market.

Supporting local providers gives you the freshest options and gives back to your community. You may even find heritage breed turkeys not found in stores.

Deli Counters at Specialty Grocers

Upscale grocery chains like Whole Foods Market, Fresh Market, and Metropolitan Market also prepare whole roasted turkeys for the holidays. Expect to pay premium prices, but you’ll get excellent quality.

Specialty grocers are perfect if you want an organic, free-range, pasture-raised, or humanely raised bird. Order ahead to reserve your turkey.

Why Buy a Pre-Cooked Turkey?

Purchasing an already cooked whole turkey simplifies your holiday meal prep. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Saves oven space for sides -Turkey prep can be messy and tedious
• No worrying about undercooking
• Lets you focus on other meal components
• Provides portion control for smaller groups
• Allows for easy take-out from restaurants
• Gives you gourmet quality from mail-order companies

Take the stress out of your festivities and relax knowing your turkey main course is handled from start to finish.

How to Choose the Best Pre-Cooked Turkey

Keep these tips in mind when selecting a ready-to-eat whole turkey:

• Order the right size – Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person

• Know your timeline – Understand delivery/pickup deadlines

• Consider special prep – Factor in thawing and reheating if needed

• Check for extras – Some turkeys come with side dishes

• Read the fine print – Check ingredients if you have food restrictions

• Ask about prep – Inquire if the turkey is brined, smoked, or seasoned

• Confirm juiciness – Ask how the turkey is cooked for moisture

• Request recommendations – Ask the butcher or deli staff for advice

With so many convenient options for buying a cooked turkey, why slave away in the kitchen? Let someone else tackle the hard work so you can relax and enjoy the holidays.

Food Safety Tips When Reheating a Pre-Cooked Turkey

Follow these guidelines to safely reheat and handle your ready-to-eat whole turkey:

• Defrost frozen turkeys in the refrigerator 1 day per 4-5 pounds

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 165°F.

• Cover turkey loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

• Allow 15 minutes rest time before carving for juices to redistribute.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat within 3-4 days.

• Divide turkey into smaller portions to chill quickly. Use shallow containers.

• only reheat turkey once; don’t let sit at room temperature more than 2 hours total after initially cooking

Following proper safety protocols keeps your delicious pre-cooked turkey free of harmful bacteria.

Ideas for Leftover Turkey

You’re sure to have ample leftovers after tackling a whole cooked turkey. Avoid food waste and savor your turkey in creative ways for meals to come:

• Turkey sandwiches -try different breads, cheeses, spreads, and toppings

• Turkey salad, wraps, and pitas – combine with veggies, greens, and dressings

• Soup – turkey noodle, chili, stew, chowder, etc.

• Casseroles – combine turkey with rice, pasta, vegetables, and cheese

• Turkey tetrazzini, enchiladas, pot pie, empanadas, etc.

• Breakfast – turkey hash, omelettes, breakfast burritos, etc.

With endless options for leftovers, purchase a larger pre-cooked turkey without worry. You can continue enjoying the flavors for weeks on end.

Skip the headache and hassle of preparing a whole turkey yourself. With so many convenient places to purchase a fully cooked bird, save your time and sanity by taking advantage of these ready-to-eat turkey options.