Where to Buy the Best Fried Turkey for Your Holiday Feast

Fried turkey has become a delicious holiday tradition for many families across the country. The crisp golden brown exterior and moist, flavorful meat inside is hard to resist! While fried turkey tastes amazing, preparing it yourself can be dangerous and difficult. That’s why purchasing a pre-fried turkey from a trusted source is the easiest and safest option. This article will explore the best places to buy a fried turkey for your next holiday meal.

Online Mail Order Companies

One of the most convenient ways to order a fried turkey is through an online mail order company that specializes in preparing and shipping these products Two of the most popular online fried turkey retailers are Uncle Ray’s Fried Turkeys and The Cajun Turkey Company

Uncle Ray’s has been frying up turkeys with authentic Cajun flavor since 1989 They offer both mild and spicy seasoned fried turkeys that customers rave about Their 10-14 lb turkeys serve approx, 5-7 people and their premium birds are flash frozen and shipped overnight with dry ice to keep them completely frozen,

The Cajun Turkey Company provides mail order fried, smoked, roasted and specialty turkeys with bold Louisiana flavors. Their turkeys are vacuum sealed and shipped frozen with reusable freezer gel packs. They have sizes from 14-22lbs and offer complete holiday meals with sides.

The benefit of ordering from these online companies is you can have a perfectly fried turkey delivered right to your door. No messy frying, just thaw and heat. Online mail order allows you to skip the supermarket scramble and enjoy hassle-free holiday cooking.

Warehouse Clubs

Popular warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s often carry pre-fried turkeys in-store around the holidays. This is a great option if you want to hand pick your bird and avoid shipping costs.

Sam’s Club has Butterball fried turkey breasts available in select club locations. These approx. 5 lb breasts serve 5-7 people and have been pre-injected with a custom blend of Cajun seasonings.

Costco typically offers both Kirkland Signature Spiral Cut Hickory Smoked and Foster Farms Fried Turkey Breast in stores during November and December. These convenient heat and serve options feed approx. 8-10 people.

If you’re already shopping for holiday groceries and party supplies, picking up a pre-fried turkey breast at the warehouse club makes your meal planning a breeze.

Grocery Store Deli Counters

Many major grocery store chains like Kroger, Publix and Safeway offer fried turkeys for holiday preorder through their deli counters. You can often find Cajun seasoned fried whole turkeys and turkey breasts in the 10-15 lb range at your local grocer.

The benefit of preordering through the deli is you can specify the exact size bird you need and pickup is convenient. Lead times can range from 24-48 hours for deli fried turkey preorder so plan ahead.

Call your neighborhood grocery store well in advance to check pricing and availability for fried turkeys. This option adds delicious fried flavor without the hassle.

Specialty Meat Markets & Butcher Shops

Your local specialty butcher shop or meat market may also carry fried turkeys around the holidays. Many butchers pride themselves on their house seasoning blends and preparation methods. Supporting a local small business is another advantage of purchasing your fried turkey from a specialty meat shop.

Ask your neighborhood butcher in advance if they offer fried turkeys for holiday preorder. Availability and pricing will depend on the individual butcher. Lead times are typically 1-2 weeks.

The benefit of ordering through a specialty butcher is you may be able to customize your order for the exact size bird your family needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Fried Turkey

Now that you know where to buy fried turkey, here are a few tips on what to look for when purchasing:

• Size – Select your turkey based on the number of people you plan to serve. Estimate 1⁄2 pound of turkey per person. An 8-10 lb bird feeds approx. 16-20 people.

• Price – Pricing can range from $40-$100 depending on size. Whole turkeys are more economical than breast only.

• Brand – Look for reputable national brands like Butterball, Foster Farms, or Kirkland. Check company cooking instructions.

• Seasoning – Pick your flavor – classic fried, Cajun, lemon pepper, etc. Match seasoning to your menu.

• Appearance – Turkey should be golden brown on the outside and look juicy, not dried out.

• Pack date – Choose the freshest turkey with a pack date furthest from your meal date.

• Frozen – Turkey should be solidly frozen with no signs of thawing.

Following these tips will ensure fried turkey success at your next holiday feast! Ditch the fryer and order pre-fried for less mess and amazing flavor your guests will love.