Where to Buy the Best Sliced Turkey for an Easy Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving is approaching fast which means it’s time to start thinking about the centerpiece of the holiday meal – the turkey! While roasting a whole turkey is a treasured tradition for many, serving sliced white meat can be much easier and more convenient. If you want to skip the work of seasoning stuffing, trussing, basting, carving and enjoy more time with guests, picking up delicious pre-sliced turkey is the way to go.

I’ve researched the top places to buy premium oven-roasted sliced turkey breast so your Thanksgiving dinner comes together with ease. Whether you need just a few pounds for sandwiches or want an entire roasted breast to serve a crowd, here are the best spots to order or pick up ready-to-eat sliced turkey.

Grocery Store Deli Counters

Stop by your local supermarket deli for freshly roasted turkey breast sliced to order. Popular chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Wegmans and more start preparing sliced turkey 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Call your nearby stores beginning in early November to ask when they expect to begin roasting turkeys and taking orders.

The deli staff can save an entire boneless turkey breast for you instead of buying pre-packaged sliced meat. This ensures you get the freshest, highest quality turkey. Deli turkey is sold by the pound so order the exact amount you need. Allow 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per person.

Pre-Sliced Deli Turkey

For smaller quantities of sliced turkey, check your grocery store’s deli case for pre-packaged options. Brands like Boar’s Head, Butterball and Diestel sell delicious pre-sliced oven-roasted turkey breast year-round. Pick up a pound or two along with cheese, lettuce and bread to assemble easy sandwiches.

Combining high-quality pre-sliced deli meat with homemade sides balances convenience and a homemade touch. Kroger’s Butterball Deli Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast is a top choice that’s ready to enjoy in sandwiches and dishes.

Butcher Shops or Specialty Meat Markets

Local butcher counters and meat shops are a terrific place to get flavorful sliced turkey seasoned just right They often brine and roast turkeys in-house with special rubs and herbs Getting your sliced turkey from a specialty market supports small businesses and offers extra fresh, high-end meat.

Ask the butcher for recommendations on their most popular, juicy turkey breast to serve for Thanksgiving dinner. Call a week ahead to reserve an entire roasted breast.

Meal Kit Delivery Services

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh, Home Chef and Blue Apron have complete Thanksgiving dinner options with pre-cooked sliced turkey breast and classic sides. While pricier than a grocery store turkey, it saves lots of cooking and prep time.

Simply reheat the sliced turkey and dishes like mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy, rolls and pie for a semi-homemade holiday feast. Order your meal kit 1-2 weeks in advance so it arrives in time to cook.

Mail Order Turkeys

Skip the supermarket and order an entire roasted turkey breast online from companies like Harry & David, Omaha Steaks and Hickory Farms. They ship ready-to-eat, fully cooked turkey nationwide.

Choose from sizes like 7-10 pounds for smaller gatherings or up to 13-16 pounds for bigger groups. Order your holiday turkey 1 month early so it arrives with time to thaw and reheat.

Local Caterers or Restaurants

Check if catering companies or restaurants in your area sell complete Thanksgiving meals with carved turkey and traditional sides. Many will even let you order a la carte so you can buy only what you need.

Picking up roasted sliced turkey along with dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie is a foolproof way to minimize cooking and cleanup. Call at least 1 week ahead to place your order.

Grocery Pickup or Delivery

Grocery pickup or delivery services through Walmart, Safeway, Whole Foods and others let you easily order sliced turkey online. Choose a timestamp for curbside pickup or get holiday groceries delivered right to your door.

Shop early to make sure you get the sliced turkey breast you want. Even if the store is out of stock online, you can call to see if they have any extra not listed.

What to Look for When Buying Sliced Turkey

Here are a few tips for selecting the highest quality sliced turkey for Thanksgiving:

• Check the ingredients – Choose turkey sliced that contains only turkey and minimal added broth or juices. Avoid lots of preservatives and salt.

• Get thick slices – Thicker slices hold moisture better when reheating. Around 1⁄4 inch slices are ideal.

• Know your portions – Plan for around 1⁄3 to 1⁄2 pound per person if serving sliced turkey as the main dish.

• Buy early – Place your order 1-2 weeks in advance or shops may sell out of whole roasted breasts.

• Read cooking instructions – Follow heating instructions carefully to keep pre-cooked turkey juicy.

With so many easy options, you can skip roasting and carving a turkey yourself and still enjoy juicy, delicious sliced white meat on Thanksgiving. From grocery store delis to delivery services, order your holiday turkey breast ahead of time and focus on creating wonderful memories with friends and family.