Where To Buy A Cooked Whole Turkey For Your Holiday Meal

A cooked whole turkey is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday feast. But not everyone wants to spend hours tending to a raw bird in the oven. Purchasing a pre-cooked turkey offers convenience while still delivering tender, juicy meat and that delicious roasted flavor. If you’re looking to simplify your holiday cooking, consider buying a ready-to-eat whole turkey This guide will overview the best places to find a fully cooked turkey along with helpful buying tips

Grocery Store Deli Counters

Many grocery store deli counters sell whole roasted turkeys around the holidays Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and more carry cooked turkeys starting in early November Lead times and availability vary by location. Typically, pre-cooked turkeys from the grocery store cost $2.99-$5.99 per pound.

Opting for a turkey from your supermarket deli allows you to also conveniently pick up side dishes, desserts, and anything else needed to complete your holiday meal in one place. No need to visit multiple stores when getting a turkey from your grocer’s deli.

Specialty Meat Shops

Local butcher shops and meat markets are another excellent source for finding cooked whole turkeys. Many of these specialty shops brine and roast turkeys to order for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The turkeys are fresh, natural and high-quality.

Supporting a local meat shop helps small businesses in your community. And you can feel good knowing exactly where your turkey came from. The drawback is cooked turkeys from boutique meat shops often cost more than grocery store offerings.

Mail Order & Meal Delivery

Several online retailers sell pre-cooked, ready-to-heat whole turkeys that ship directly to your door. Brands like Harry & David, Williams-Sonoma, and Hickory Farms offer complete holiday meals too. Mail order allows you to secure an already prepared turkey and sides weeks in advance with ease.

Upsides are convenience and premium quality. The downside is higher prices. Count on spending $100 or more for a mail order turkey large enough to feed 8+ guests.

Farm Stands & Markets

In rural areas, farms and farmer’s markets are ideal spots to source cooked turkeys for the holidays. Many family farms cook turkeys to order for their local community come Thanksgiving and Christmas. Supporting local agriculture feels good too!

The biggest perk is farm fresh quality. However, availability is limited based on location. If you don’t live near farmland, finding a pre-cooked turkey direct from a farm may be challenging.

Restaurants & Deli Chains

Many popular restaurant chains like Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans and more sell complete cooked turkey meals around the holidays. Individual deli-style chains may also carry whole roasted turkeys. Pickup a ready-to-eat turkey dinner from a local eatery for maximum convenience.

The benefit is grab-and-go ease. But these turkeys tend to be pricier than DIY and often smaller in size – better for feeding just 4-6 guests. Order ahead of time, as holiday takeout turkeys sell out.

What To Look For When Buying A Pre-Cooked Turkey

Follow these helpful tips when purchasing a fully cooked whole turkey:

• Allow enough thaw time – Most pre-cooked turkeys arrive frozen. Be sure to account for ample defrosting time before the holiday.

• Mind the size – Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. A 12-15 pound bird feeds about 12 guests. Buy too big, and you’ll have lots of leftovers. Too small, and guests may leave hungry.

• Watch the clock – Only reheat fully cooked turkeys for 2-3 hours max to prevent drying out the meat. Don’t keep warm for longer than 2 hours either.

• Check the ingredients – Opt for turkeys without added preservatives or artificial flavors when possible for better quality.

• Order early – Holiday demand for cooked turkeys is high. Buy your bird 1-2 months in advance to ensure availability.

• Read the reviews – If buying online, read reviews to judge quality and help select the right pre-cooked turkey.

How To Prepare A Fully Cooked Whole Turkey

Follow these simple steps for reheating and serving a pre-cooked whole turkey:

• Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before, if frozen. Never thaw on the counter.

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place thawed turkey breast side up in a roasting pan.

• Bake until heated through – about 2-3 hours for a 10-15 pound turkey. Insert a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Let turkey rest about 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to set. Slice and serve.

• Refrigerate all leftover turkey within 2 hours. Use leftovers within 3-5 days.

Benefits Of Buying A Pre-Cooked Turkey

Purchasing an already prepared whole turkey simplifies holiday hosting. Consider these benefits:

• Saves oven space for baking side dishes

• Provides peace of mind – no worrying about undercooking

• Lets you skip tricky turkey prep like trussing and basting

• Allows more time to focus on fun holiday activities

• Eliminates hassle of rising at dawn to put raw turkey in oven

• Enables relaxed holiday morning without cooking stress

This year, give yourself the gift of convenience and buy a pre-cooked turkey for your holiday feast. Focus on creating delicious sides and memories with loved ones rather than slaving over a hot oven. With so many excellent options for fully cooked whole turkeys from grocers, online retailers, restaurants and more, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Happy feasting!