Where to Buy a Prepared Turkey for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Feasts

The holidays are a joyous time of year, but hosting a Thanksgiving feast comes with a lot of work – especially cooking the star of the show, the turkey. As much as we may enjoy time in the kitchen, not everyone wants to wake up at the crack of dawn to slide a 20-pound bird into the oven. Luckily, there are plenty of convenient options for buying a pre-cooked Thanksgiving turkey so you can focus on creating delicious sides and desserts instead.

After researching popular grocery chains, restaurants, mail-order food companies, and reviewing relevant Reddit threads, I’ve compiled the 10 best places to buy a prepared Thanksgiving turkey. With choices including heat-and-serve turkeys, pre-cooked turkeys for reheating, and even fried turkeys, you’re sure to find the perfect pre-made turkey for your gathering.

Grocery Store Deli Counters

Popular grocery store chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, and Whole Foods all offer fully cooked Thanksgiving turkeys for pickup through their deli counters. Most turkeys are oven-roasted in-store and sold chilled so you simply need to pick it up a day or two before Thanksgiving. Then heat and serve! Sizes range from petite 8-10 lb birds for smaller groups to 20 lb beasts feeding crowds. Expect to pay $3-5 per pound. Select a small or medium turkey if cooking other proteins like ham.

Cracker Barrel

For Southern-inspired Thanksgiving flavors, Cracker Barrel’s heat-and-serve turkey breast is a smart choice. Their complete Thanksgiving Heat n’ Serve Feast includes two roasted turkey breasts, cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, choice of 3 country sides, rolls, and pumpkin and pecan pies. It serves 10-12 people for around $140. Order 2-3 weeks ahead for pickup.

Boston Market

With over 450 locations nationwide, Boston Market is a go-to for many Thanksgiving planners Their carved, oven-roasted turkey and boneless turkey breast heat up beautifully. Complete meals with sides and dessert like cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, and more are available. Order 24 hours ahead for pickup Turkeys cost approximately $50-$100 depending on weight.

Honeybaked Ham

Despite the name, Honeybaked Ham sells delicious precooked whole turkeys and turkey breasts for Thanksgiving. Their Cajun turkey injected with Creole spices is a fun, flavorful option. Turkeys arrive frozen so allow 1-2 days thaw time before Thanksgiving. Order online for pickup or shipping. Plan ahead, turkeys sell out fast! Prices range from $40-$140.

Harry & David

For premium gourmet turkey, Harry & David ships fully cooked, free-range turkeys nationwide. Birds are seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper for incredible flavor. Complete Turkey Dinner Feasts come with sides like Brussels sprouts, sweet potato souffle, bread stuffing, even pumpkin cheesecake Shipping times are 2 days so order ASAP Turkeys cost approximately $70-$200.

Omaha Steaks

While known for premium steaks, Omaha Steaks carries fully cooked turkeys too Their bone-in turkey and boneless turkey breast arrive flash frozen Allow 5-7 days thawing time. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Their specialty is the Brown Sugar Baked Turkey glazed with sweet and savory brown sugar, honey, and apricot topping. Prices range from $50-$150.

Restaurants like Bob Evans & Marie Callender’s

Many family chain restaurants including Bob Evans, Marie Callender’s, Boston Market, Cracker Barrel and more offer complete heat-and-serve Thanksgiving feasts for pickup. Most include roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, cranberry sauce, rolls, and pie. Feeds 8-12 for around $100-$200. Order 1 week ahead, availability is limited.

Popeyes

For crispy fried turkey with a Louisiana twist, Popeyes has you covered. Their Cajun-style birds are pre-cooked so you just reheat and serve. Available at participating locations only. Call ahead to pre-order then pick up your turkey fresh on Thanksgiving. Prices range from $40-$60 depending on weight.

Local Meat Markets & Butcher Shops

Check your local meat markets and butcher shops for fresh pre-cooked Thanksgiving turkeys. Many cook turkeys daily in-house and offer full holiday meals. Support small businesses while getting quality, homemade food without the fuss. Call at least 1-2 weeks ahead to order then pick up your bird. Average $3-5 per pound.

Costco

Costco’s large rotisserie turkey breasts are a budget-friendly prepared turkey option, albeit without traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Grab a couple rotisserie breasts, slice, then reheat gently to serve. Round out the meal with Costco’s pumpkin pie and side dishes. Each breast averages 3-5 lbs for $20-$25.

Online Mail Order Companies

Order premium pre-cooked turkeys shipped nationwide from Goldbelly.com, Williams-Sonoma, igourmet.com, Rastelli’s and more. Mail order turkeys range from basic to extravagant like deep fried turkey, smoked turkey, heirloom breed turkey, turkey roulade stuffed with spinach artichoke filling, and more. Lead time can be 1 week or longer. Prices $100-$300.

By ordering your Thanksgiving turkey pre-cooked, you can focus on fun holiday activities instead of kitchen duty. Take the stress out of roasting a turkey yourself and enjoy the time with loved ones – that’s what the holidays are all about!