The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Beginners is right here! Roasting a Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to be intimidating—especially if it’s your first time! This straightforward, no-fuss recipe will help you get a tender, juicy turkey with crispy skin, perfect for impressing your guests (or just yourself!) without all the stress. This guide covers each step, from prepping the turkey to using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, so you can confidently serve the best Thanksgiving turkey—even if this is your very first roast.
As the holidays approach, a juicy roasted turkey takes center stage on most dinner tables. For many families Butterball is the go-to brand for high-quality delicious turkeys. With so many options to choose from, you may be wondering – how much does a 20 lb Butterball turkey cost?
Average Cost of a 20 lb Butterball Turkey
On average, a frozen 20 lb Butterball turkey costs between $20 to $30 at most grocery retailers. However prices can fluctuate depending on factors like
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Time of year – Prices are lowest right after the holidays.
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Retailer promotions – Look for holiday sales, markdowns and digital coupons.
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Premium vs. standard – Heritage and organic turkeys cost more.
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Fresh vs. frozen – Fresh never-frozen Butterballs cost $1 to $2 more per pound.
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Whole vs. other cuts – Whole birds offer the best value per pound.
Butterball’s website shows a price range of $1.09 to $1.49 per pound for whole frozen turkeys between 18-24 lbs. This puts a 20 lb Butterball frozen turkey between $21.80 and $29.80 for the total price.
Estimated Prices at Popular Retailers
Here are current price ranges for a 20 lb frozen Butterball turkey at major grocery chains:
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Walmart: $0.88 – $1.12 per lb, so a 20 lb turkey costs about $17.60 – $22.40
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Kroger: $0.97 – $1.29 per lb, so around $19.40 – $25.80 for 20 lbs
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Albertsons: $0.99 – $1.39 per lb, making a 20 lb turkey $19.80 – $27.80
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Safeway: $0.97 – $1.47 per lb, putting a 20 lb turkey at $19.40 – $29.40
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Publix: $1.07 – $1.47 per lb, making a 20 lb turkey cost $21.40 – $29.40
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Food Lion: $0.97 – $1.37 per lb for a 20 lb turkey price of $19.40 – $27.40
As you can see, Walmart and Kroger tend to have the best deals, while premium grocers like Publix charge slightly higher prices.
Tips for Finding the Best Price on a 20 lb Butterball
Here are some tips to get the lowest price on a quality Butterball turkey:
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Shop early – turkeys can be frozen for months. Buy right after the holidays for the lowest prices.
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Check weekly flyers and load digital coupons for turkey promotions.
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Consider buying two 10-12 lb turkeys if the price per pound is lower.
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Ask about price matching if you find a lower advertised price elsewhere.
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Buy with a loyalty card for extra instant digital discounts.
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Watch for post-holiday sales to stock up on frozen Butterballs for future meals.
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Buy directly from the Butterball website and look for bulk discounts.
Is a 20 lb Butterball Turkey Worth the Cost?
While you’ll pay a bit more for the Butterball brand, most home chefs feel it’s worth it for a tender, juicy, and delicious holiday turkey centerpiece. The quality and reliability make Butterball the top choice, especially for turkey first-timers. With the right sale or promotion, buying a 20 lb Butterball turkey can be very budget-friendly.
By using the tips in this guide and shopping early, you can easily find a quality 20 lb Butterball turkey between $20 to $30 for an impressive holiday feast the whole family will love.
Preheat Oven + Season the Turkey
Preheat oven to 450° F. Once your turkey is dry, rub it with softened or melted butter. Sprinkle interior and exterior of turkey generously with salt (and black pepper, if desired). Fold the wings back and under the bird (like it’s sunbathing) and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Set on roasting rack in roasting pan.
Thaw + Prep the Turkey
Thaw your frozen turkey in cold water or in the refrigerator, allowing enough time for its weight. Remove any bag of giblets and dry the skin of the turkey with paper towels
Butterball Turkeys with Chef Tony
FAQ
How many people does a 20 pound turkey cost?
How many people will a 20-lb. turkey feed? A 20-pound turkey will feed between 12 and 14 people.Nov 25, 2024
Is a 3 year old frozen turkey still good?
It is safe to eat a turkey that has been kept in the freezer for a year – or even for several years. As the US Department of Agriculture points out, foods that are kept constantly frozen at 0°F or lower will keep safe indefinitely.
How many hours does it take to cook a 20 lb Butterball turkey?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
| 24-30 lbs. | 4½-5 hrs. | 5½-6¼ hrs. |
What is the difference between Butterball turkey and regular turkey?
Though not exclusive to the Butterball brand, the birds the company sells are pre-brined. That means they have already been injected with a solution of water, salt, and other flavorings that render the meat juicy and seasoned throughout.