Where to Buy Half a Turkey: Top Places to Source the Perfect Smaller Bird

When you need to feed just a few people or want quicker cooking times, buying half a turkey is the way to go. Finding half turkeys does require knowing the best places to shop since not all stores regularly stock them. In this article, I’ll share insider tips on the top places to buy half a turkey along with advice for picking the right one.

Why Buy Just Half a Turkey?

Here are some of the key benefits of purchasing half a turkey rather than a whole one

• Smaller portions – Half a turkey provides plenty of meat for 4-6 people without massive leftovers

• Shorter cooking time – Roasting half a turkey takes only 1-2 hours compared to 3-4 hours for a whole bird.

• Greater variety – You can buy a half breast or half leg/thigh depending on your preferences.

• Lower cost – Halves cost less than a whole turkey while still delivering delicious flavor.

• Lean protein – Turkey is a healthier poultry option, especially when buying high-quality organic half turkeys.

For smaller households, half a turkey is often the perfect amount for holiday meals or any special dinner. Now let’s look at the top places to find them.

Where to Buy Half Turkeys

Here are some of my favorite sources to purchase high-quality half turkeys:

1. Specialty Butchers

Local butcher shops are a top choice for finding half turkeys. Reputable butchers can source excellent quality birds from small local farms. Ask your butcher if they carry half turkeys or can specially order one.

2. Farmer’s Markets

Visit farmer’s markets to connect directly with turkey farms selling their pasture-raised birds. Ask farmers if they offer halves or can split a whole turkey for you.

3. Online Mail Order Companies

Order half turkeys online from companies like Grow & Behold, Porter Road, and D’Artagnan. They source humanely raised turkeys from family farms.

4. Direct from Turkey Farms

Research local pastured turkey farms that may sell halves directly to consumers. Check their websites or call to inquire.

5. Large Grocery Stores

Some grocery store meat departments, like Whole Foods, stock fresh half turkeys, especially around the holidays. Check the freezer section too.

6. Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often carry frozen half turkeys in late fall through winter. They offer budget prices.

7. Meal Kit Companies

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and SunBasket sometimes offer half turkeys in holiday meal kits. Their birds come pre-seasoned.

What to Look for When Buying Half a Turkey

To choose the best half turkey, here are some important factors to consider:

• Organic and free-range – Look for certified organic, free-range, pasture-raised, or non-GMO birds when possible for higher quality.

• Antibiotic-free – Choose turkeys raised without antibiotics or hormones for healthier meat.

• Humane certification – Opt for half turkeys with third-party humane certification from organizations like Certified Humane.

• Fresh or frozen – Pick fresh turkeys for roasting immediately or frozen ones to store longer. Both taste great.

• Size – Estimate how many people you need to feed. Halves range from 4-14 lbs for 8-20 servings usually.

• Breast or leg – Select breast halves for lean white meat or leg halves for juicier dark meat.

How to Prepare a Half Turkey

Preparing half a turkey is similar to roasting a whole bird:

• Thaw frozen halves for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.

• Pat the turkey dry and coat it with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

• Place on a wire rack in a roasting pan, breast up. Add veggies like onions to pan.

• Roast at 350°F, basting occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 90 minutes.

• Let rest 15 minutes before carving. Serve with favorite sides and enjoy!

Spatchcocking halves (removing the backbone so bird lies flat) speeds cooking by about 30 minutes too.

Delicious Half Turkey Recipe Ideas

Here are some tasty recipe ideas for your half turkey:

• Maple Bourbon Glazed Half Turkey – Brush halves with a sweet maple and bourbon glaze during roasting.

• Garlic Herb Half Turkey – Season halves with a fragrant garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage rub.

• Curry Spice Half Turkey – Rub curry powder, cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic into the skin for flavor.

• Balsamic Glazed Half Turkey – Baste turkey with a balsamic vinegar glaze for a tangy taste.

• Orange Cranberry Half Turkey – Stuff cavity with orange and cranberry sauce for built-in flavor.

With so many options, you can enjoy succulent turkey year-round by buying halves. Use this guide to locate high-quality pastured turkey halves from humane sources. Then get creative cooking up new turkey recipes for your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Half Turkeys

Is it possible to buy half a turkey?

Yes, many grocery stores and specialty meat shops sell half turkeys. They are a great option for feeding smaller groups rather than buying a whole large bird.

What is the smallest turkey sold in stores?

The smallest half turkeys are around 4-5 lbs. But you’ll more commonly find halves ranging from 6-14 pounds. For a very small gathering, look for a single turkey breast around 3-4 pounds.

Can you buy part of a turkey other than halves?

Absolutely. Many stores sell individual turkey breasts, drumsticks, thighs, wings, ground turkey, and other cuts. This lets you buy just the specific portion you want.

What size is a typical half turkey?

On average, half a turkey weighs 6.5-8.5 pounds or 3-4 kilograms. This provides enough meat for approximately 8-12 people depending on your side dishes. Make sure to select the size half turkey best suited to your gathering.

So don’t feel like you need to buy an entire large turkey if that’s too much food. With so many excellent places to source half turkeys these days, a smaller high quality bird can be the perfect choice for your next dinner or holiday meal.