Where to Find and How to Cook Delicious Half Turkeys

For many of us, roasting a whole turkey is a holiday tradition reserved for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. But when you’re cooking for a smaller gathering or just want that tasty turkey flavor at other times of year buying just half a bird can be the perfect solution. In this comprehensive guide I’ll share everything you need to know about sourcing and preparing juicy, flavorful half turkeys.

Why Choose Half a Turkey?

Here are some of the top reasons to consider purchasing half a turkey rather than a full size one:

• Smaller portions – A half turkey provides plenty of meat for 4-6 people without massive leftovers to store.

• Shorter cooking time – Roasting just a half turkey breast or leg takes only about 1-2 hours compared to the 3-4 hours needed for a whole bird.

• Lower cost – Halves often cost significantly less per pound than a full turkey while still delivering delicious flavor.

• Lean protein – Turkey is one of the healthier poultry options, especially when buying high-quality organic or pasture-raised halves.

• More variety – You can buy just a half breast or leg depending on your preferences.

For smaller households, half a turkey is the just-right amount for holiday meals as well as any special family dinner. Now let’s find out where you can source them.

Where to Buy Half Turkeys

While you may not see half turkeys sitting in the poultry case year-round, they are available from several sources if you know where to look:

• Specialty butchers – Local butcher shops are a top choice for fresh half turkeys. Many can order them specially if they don’t already stock them.

• Farmers markets – Check out local farmers markets to find small turkey farms selling pasture-raised halves.

• Online mail order – Companies like Grow & Behold Porter Road and other online butchers offer humanely raised half turkeys shipped frozen.

• Direct from turkey farms – Search for local turkey farms in your area that may sell halves directly to consumers.

• Large grocery stores – Around the holidays, some grocers like Whole Foods carry fresh half turkeys in the butcher case.

• Warehouse clubs – Frozen half turkeys are often stocked at Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s at budget-friendly prices.

• Meal kit companies – Meal delivery companies like HelloFresh and SunBasket sometimes offer half turkeys in holiday meal kits.

I’ve had great success finding organic and free-range half turkeys from specialty butchers and directly from local farms. Don’t be afraid to ask any provider if they can source half turkeys for you!

What to Look for When Buying Half a Turkey

To choose the best quality half turkey, keep these factors in mind:

• Organic, free-range, pasture-raised – Opt for certified humane birds raised in better living conditions when possible.

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

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

• Size – Estimate servings needed. Halves range from 4-14 lbs for 8-20 people usually.

• Breast or leg – Select the half you prefer. Breast is leaner while leg is juicier.

• Reputable source – Purchase from butchers, farms, co-ops committed to ethical practices.

Selecting high quality pasture-raised or organic half turkeys from humanely raised flocks results in more flavorful, tender meat.

How to Prepare and Cook Half a Turkey

Preparing a half turkey is similar to roasting a whole bird. Here are some tips:

• If frozen, thaw halves for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.

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

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

• Roast at 350°F, basting occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F – about 60-90 minutes.

• Let rest 15 minutes before easy carving.

• Serve with favorite sides and make gravy from the pan drippings.

You can also spatchcock half turkeys (remove backbone so they lay flat) to shorten the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

Delicious Half Turkey Recipe Ideas

From savory rubs to sweet glazes, here are some tasty ways to flavor your half turkey:

• Maple Bourbon Glazed Half Turkey – Baste with a maple syrup and bourbon mixture while roasting.

• Garlic Herb Half Turkey – Coat the bird with a fragrant garlic, rosemary, thyme and sage rub.

• Curry Spice Half Turkey – Rub on curry powder, cumin, coriander and ginger for exotic flavor.

• Balsamic Glazed Half Turkey – Brush with a tangy balsamic vinegar glaze during roasting.

• Orange Cranberry Half Turkey – Stuff the cavity with fresh orange and cranberry sauce.

• Cajun Spice Half Turkey – Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning blend for a little kick.

With so many options for finding and cooking half turkeys, you can enjoy succulent roasted turkey any time of year. Use this guide to source ethically raised halves from quality butchers, farms, and grocers. Then get creative cooking up delicious new turkey dishes for your family and friends to savor.