A juicy, flavorful turkey roast makes a fabulous centerpiece for holidays and special gatherings all year round. When you want quality, convenience and crowd-pleasing taste, picking up a precooked turkey roast from your local grocery store is a great option. Here’s your guide to finding the tastiest roasts for your next event.
Understanding Turkey Roasts
Turkey roasts offer an easy alternative to cooking a whole bird They come boneless or bone-in and contain all white meat, all dark meat, or a combination You can buy fresh or frozen turkey roasts ranging from around 3 pounds to over 10 pounds to feed any size party.
Precooked roasts just require reheating while raw roasts need roasting Searing or browning raw roasts prior to cooking seals in moisture Frozen roasts require thawing before cooking,
For optimal flavor and tenderness choose enhanced turkey roasts. They are injected with a salt solution to season the meat and add juiciness.
Where to Shop for Turkey Roasts
You can find a wide selection of turkey roasts at these stores:
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Grocery Stores – Check the poultry section at large supermarket chains like Safeway Kroger Albertsons, Publix and more. Look for their store brands along with name brands like Butterball.
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Warehouse Clubs – Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club sell turkey roasts in larger pack sizes perfect for big gatherings. Their Kirkland and Member’s Mark brands are high quality.
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Butcher Shops – Local butcher shops offer custom boneless or bone-in turkey roasts. Choose your ideal size and have them truss it for roasting.
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Specialty Markets – Natural food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market offer antibiotic-free, organic turkey roasts.
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Online Mail Order – Order fresh roasts from online grocers like FreshDirect and Peapod. Or buy high-end roasts from D’Artagnan, Porter Road and other e-commerce meat purveyors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roast
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting a turkey roast:
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Bone-in vs. Boneless – Bone-in roasts retain more moisture but boneless are easier to carve.
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White Meat vs. Dark Meat – Go with personal preferences or choose a combo roast.
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Enhanced or Not – Enhanced roasts have a salt solution added to boost flavor.
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Antibiotic-Free – Choose organic or natural roasts to avoid antibiotics.
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Frozen vs. Fresh – Frozen roasts require thawing but last longer in storage.
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Weight – Estimate 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. Buy a 10+ pound roast for crowds.
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Prepared vs. Raw – Precooked roasts just need reheating while raw ones require full roasting.
Best Turkey Roasts to Buy
These turkey roasts consistently earn high marks for premium quality:
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Butterball Frozen Boneless Turkey Roast – This enhanced white and dark meat roast comes precooked. Just thaw, heat and slice. The combo meat pleases all preferences.
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Trader Joe’s Brined Fresh Young Turkey Roast – Trader Joe’s brined roast stays super moist. Grab this 3+ pound crowd pleaser from the freezer section.
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Whole Foods Market Organic Boneless Roast – For chemical-free meat, Whole Foods Market’s antibiotic-free roast is a solid choice. Go boneless for easy carving.
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Safeway Signature Cafe Bone-In Turkey Roast – Safeway’s roast impresses with its tender white meat and crispy skin. You get great value for the cost.
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Fresh Direct All Natural Turkey Roast – FreshDirect roasts turkey fresh when you order online then delivers to your door. It’s high quality without extra effort.
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Diestel Family Ranch Organic Roast – This premium California brand sells juicy antibiotic-free roasts online. The dark meat gives incredible richness.
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Plainville Farms Fresh Bone-In Roast – New England butcher Plainville Farms makes all-natural brined roasts found in select stores.
Cooking Your Turkey Roast
Roasting brings out delicious roasted turkey flavor. Most roasts take 2-3 hours at 325°F then rest before slicing. For even cooking, rotate bone-in roasts a few times. Test for doneness and use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
For the easiest roasts ever, go fully cooked. Thaw and heat through on a baking sheet for 30-60 minutes until hot. Slice and serve!
With so many excellent turkey roasts to choose from, your holiday table will delight without the work of roasting a whole bird. Follow this guide to pick out the perfect roast for your next celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Roasts
What is a turkey roast?
A turkey roast is a large cut of boneless or bone-in turkey meat, usually the whole breast or a combination of light and dark meat. Roasts offer an easier cooking option compared to a whole turkey.
How many pounds should a turkey roast be?
Plan on buying a turkey roast that’s 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. A 10-12 pound turkey roast will feed a crowd of 12-16 people comfortably.
Should I buy a frozen or fresh turkey roast?
Frozen turkey roasts last longer in storage but require thawing before cooking. Fresh turkey roasts can be cooked right away but have a shorter shelf life.
What is an enhanced turkey roast?
Enhanced turkey roasts are injected with a salt solution to boost flavor and moisture. The solution seasons the meat and helps it retain juiciness when cooked.
Can you buy pre-cooked turkey roasts?
Yes, many turkey roasts come fully cooked so they just need reheating. This saves the time and effort of having to fully roast a raw turkey yourself.
What is the best brand of turkey roast?
Top turkey roast brands include Butterball, Jennie-O, Norbest, Shady Brook Farms, Honeysuckle White, Plainville Farms, and Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value.
Where can I buy an organic turkey roast?
You can find certified organic turkey roasts from brands like Whole Foods 365 at natural grocers or order online from companies like Mary’s Free Range, Diestel Family Ranch, and Jaindl Farms.
Investing in a high-quality store-bought turkey roast can make holiday hosting much easier. Use this guide to track down the most delicious roasts from your local markets or order premium roasts online.
Serving Size 4 oz (112 g)
Turkey, water, contains less than 2% of salt, evaporated can syrup, food starch, sodium carbonate, carrageenan, dehydrated onion, garlic, orange peel, parsley and green bell pepper, spice, natural flavor.
Ground Turkey Banh Mi Bowl
Frequently Asked Questions:
*Minimally processed, no artificial ingredients
†Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones or steroids in poultry.
††Foster Farms Organic poultry is fed a diet that contains non-genetically engineered ingredients. USDA organic regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered feed ingredients in poultry products labeled as Organic.
‡ Simply Raised™ Chicken in the Pacific Northwest region, Simply Raised™ Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders, Simply Raised™ Turkey and Organic Turkey are not air chilled.