Its never too early to start planning your Thanksgiving menu. After all, the holiday has a way of sneaking up on you—and if you dont get a head-start on your Thanksgiving turkey, you may be too late. (Gasp!) But dont worry, all you need to know is when to buy your Thanksgiving turkey and youll be well on your way to a successful feast. With this first step tackled, you can rest assured that youll have plenty of time for roasting, deep frying, or even spatchcocking the bird.
So, when exactly do you need to buy your Thanksgiving turkey? The answer depends on a couple of factors. Are you planning on buying a fresh turkey or frozen turkey? How much space do you have to store it and how do you plan to order your turkey—online or from a store? Below, youll find a breakdown of when to buy or order your turkey for every circumstance. Then, check out our tips for how much turkey you need per person and Ree Drummonds recipe for turkey brine. (Trust that it makes all the difference!)
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in America. It brings families and friends together to give thanks and enjoy a delicious meal. The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving dinners is a perfectly roasted turkey. But when is the best time to buy your holiday bird? Getting your turkey too early or too late can ruin your plans for a perfect Thanksgiving feast. This article will walk you through exactly when you should buy your turkey to ensure it’s fresh and properly thawed for the big day.
Should I Buy a Frozen or Fresh Turkey?
The first decision you need to make is whether you want to cook a frozen or fresh turkey Both have their advantages and disadvantages
Frozen turkeys can be purchased weeks or even months in advance. As long as you have ample freezer space, a frozen turkey will keep for up to a year in the freezer Frozen turkeys need to be thawed before cooking Depending on the size, thawing can take days. So be sure to leave enough thawing time when deciding when to buy.
Fresh turkeys don’t require thawing. Their flavor is considered superior and closer to a home-raised bird. However, fresh turkeys have a much shorter shelf life. They should only be purchased 1-2 days before cooking. Availability can also be an issue if you wait too long.
When to Buy a Frozen Turkey
For frozen turkeys, you have lots of flexibility. You can shop early and store it in your freezer until you’re ready to thaw and cook.
Ideally, you should buy your frozen turkey 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. This gives you enough time to find a good deal without having an overcrowded freezer. It also ensures the stores are still well stocked.
If your freezer space is limited, you can buy a frozen turkey closer to the big day. Just be sure to allow enough thawing time. The general rule is 24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
So if you have a 16 lb turkey, you’ll want to buy it at least 4 days in advance. Check the packaging for specific thawing instructions as well.
And if you accidentally forget to thaw the turkey in time, don’t panic! Here are some tips for quickly and safely thawing a frozen turkey:
- Submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound.
- Thaw in the refrigerator if you have at least 24 hours. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.
- Thaw in the microwave, following appliance directions. Rotate and check often.
- Place frozen turkey in oven at 325°F. Allow approximately 5 minutes per pound.
When to Buy a Fresh Turkey
Fresh turkeys have a much shorter shelf life than frozen ones. They should only be purchased 1-2 days before Thanksgiving.
Check the sell by date when purchasing and plan to cook it by that date for peak freshness. The flavor and texture really start to decline after the sell by date.
So if your Thanksgiving is on a Thursday, you’ll want to shop for your fresh turkey on Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.
If you’re ordering a fresh turkey from a local farm or butcher, place your order 1-2 weeks in advance but pickup within 2 days of cooking. Specialty turkeys like heritage breeds sell out fast so order early!
Proper Storage
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your turkey fresh after buying. Here are some tips:
Store frozen turkeys in original packaging. Place on a tray or pan to catch leaks once thawed.
Store fresh turkeys on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Place on a tray to catch juices. Cook within 2 days.
Never store fresh or frozen turkeys above 40°F for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply rapidly above this temperature.
Other Tips for Buying Your Turkey
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Shop early for the best selection. Stores may run out of popular sizes closer to Thanksgiving.
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Look for coupons and promotions on turkeys in November.
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Smaller frozen turkeys may be cheaper per pound after Thanksgiving.
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Heritage breed fresh turkeys are tastier but more expensive. Order early as supplies are limited.
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Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person when deciding the size to buy.
The Final Word on When to Buy Your Thanksgiving Turkey
The optimal time depends on whether you purchase a frozen or fresh bird.
For frozen turkeys, aim to buy 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. This gives enough time to find deals and properly thaw.
For fresh turkeys, wait until just 1-2 days before the big feast. Check sell by dates and refrigerate immediately.
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When to Buy a Fresh Turkey
Whether or not you reserve a turkey from the store, picking up your turkey or actually purchasing a fresh turkey should be something you do within a couple of days of Thanksgiving. According to Butterball, an unopened fresh turkey can be stored in the refrigerator until the sell-by date but should be cooked within four days.
Storing a Frozen Turkey
If you have a frozen turkey, youll want to make some room in the freezer to keep the bird. Its typically pretty big so you may need to adjust your other freezer staples so theres plenty of space. You can keep it in the original packaging, but only thaw it once youre ready to use it!
When To Buy a Frozen Or Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey + 4 More Prep Questions Answered
FAQ
Is it safe to buy a fresh turkey a week before Thanksgiving?
Fresh turkeys should not be purchased until one or two days before you cook it, unless the manufacturer’s tag has a “Best by” or “Use by” date that indicates …Nov 9, 2023
How early should I buy Butterball turkey?
Buy a fresh turkey one to two days before the day you plan to cook.
How early should I buy my frozen turkey?
If you have more than a week before your meal, the USDA says to go ahead and buy frozen. On the other hand, fresh turkeys should be purchased only one or two days before you cook it.
How many days before Thanksgiving should I put my turkey in the fridge?
If 16 pounds or more, make sure it’s placed in the fridge four to five days before the holiday arrives.
Can you cook a fresh turkey a day before Thanksgiving?
However, since fresh turkeys are well, not frozen, they don’t keep for nearly as long as their colder counterparts. You should only buy a fresh bird about a day or two before you intend to cook it, so plan to procure your fresh turkey no earlier than two days before Thanksgiving.
How far in advance should you buy a Turkey?
Then, once you factor in the extra brining time, that means you should be buying a turkey at least a week in advance. If you’re planning to buy a frozen turkey, grab your wallet and head to the grocery store ASAP.
Can you freeze a Turkey after a sell-by date?
Butterball offers a general guideline that you should cook or freeze the turkey within four days of the sell-by date. Some stores and butcher shops will let you reserve fresh turkeys in advance so you’re not scrambling through the cooler for the right bird. Call ahead as soon as you can, and reserve a fresh turkey at the size you need in your name.
When should you buy a Turkey on TikTok?
But for those willing to spend a little extra for a fresh turkey, you can wait until the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving to buy your bird. Expertise: TikTok Trends, Drinks, Pop Culture
How long should you store a Turkey before cooking?
Just be diligent about proper fridge storage. For the absolute freshest turkey, shop 1-2 days pre-cook. This gives you a turkey at peak freshness. The key is choosing a turkey with a sell-by date that exceeds your cook date and storing properly once home.
Should you brine a Turkey before Thanksgiving?
Most recipes for Thanksgiving turkey call for brine. Unlike simply sprinkling salt over the surface before it goes in the oven, this technique allows the salt to permeate the entire turkey over a prolonged period of time. That means you should buy your turkey at least a day or two before the holiday to allow for ample prep time.