Where To Find Small Turkeys Near You For Your Holiday Meal

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends over delicious food. For many, a holiday meal isn’t complete without a juicy, flavorful turkey as the centerpiece. However, cooking a large 15-20 pound turkey can be daunting, not to mention provide lots of leftovers. If you’re cooking for just a few people, a small 8-12 pound turkey is a great option. But where can you find smaller turkeys for your holiday meal? Read on for tips on where to buy a small turkey near you.

Check Your Local Grocery Store

Your first stop when turkey hunting should be your local grocery store. Most full-service supermarkets will carry whole frozen turkeys in a range of sizes, including small 8-12 pound options perfect for feeding fewer guests. Make sure to call ahead to see what stock your store has on hand Some specific turkey varieties to look out for include

• Butterball small turkeys – Butterball is one of the most ubiquitous turkey brands. Their small turkeys range from 8-16 pounds.

• Honeysuckle small turkeys – Available in sizes from 10-16 pounds Honeysuckle turkeys are minimally processed,

• Jennie-O small turkeys – With availability from 8-16 pounds Jennie-O is one of the major turkey producers. Their turkeys are reasonably priced.

• Shady Brook Farms small turkeys – Shady Brook offers an array of small turkey sizes, from 8 pounds up to 16 pounds. Their turkeys are minimally processed with no artificial ingredients.

• Organic and free-range small turkeys – For a premium turkey, check for organic and free-range options. Though pricier, they meet higher standards for how the birds are raised. You’ll typically find these smaller in size, from 10-14 pounds.

At many grocery stores, you can even place a special order ahead of time and reserve a small turkey in the exact size you need. This ensures you’ll have the right turkey waiting for you when you’re ready to pick it up and take it home.

Try a Specialty Butcher Shop

In addition to large supermarket chains, specialty butcher shops are another excellent place to source a small turkey. Local butchers pride themselves on providing customized cuts, quality meats, and excellent customer service. Tell them what size bird you’re looking for and when you need it by. Many butchers can specially order small turkeys from local farms or suppliers.

You’re likely to find heritage and pasture-raised turkeys at boutique butchers. These turkeys are bred from older heritage breeds and are prized for their flavor. Pasture-raised turkeys typically have access to the outdoors to graze and run about. They are usually smaller in size, from 10-16 pounds. With their artisanal turkeys, local butchers can offer selections that differ from your run-of-the-mill supermarket turkey.

Check Ethnic Markets

If you have ethnic grocery stores in your area, consider checking there for small turkey options. In particular, Hispanic/Latin markets and Middle Eastern markets may carry fresh chickens and turkeys in smaller sizes than what you’ll find at the regular supermarket. For example, you may be able to find a quality fresh turkey around 8-10 pounds rather than the typical minimum 12 pounds.

These ethnic markets work with smaller poultry suppliers that cater to the cooking styles and preferences in various cultures. It’s worth a look to see if they have the perfect petite turkey for your gathering. You may even discover new exciting ways to prepare turkey!

Order Direct from a Local Farm

Shopping direct from a local farm is a great way to source a pasture-raised or heritage turkey in a smaller, more customizable size. Many small family farms raise turkeys with excellent standards of care. They allow the birds to grow naturally, moving about outdoors eating a natural diet. These local farms offer an intimate turkey buying experience, allowing you to specify just how big of a bird you need.

Check your state’s listings of local poultry farms that sell direct to consumers. Reach out to farms well in advance to find out pricing for smaller turkeys and place your order. You’ll likely need to pick up the turkey direct from the farm. This option works best for those who don’t mind a bit of driving to support local agriculture.

Order Online

For ultimate convenience, shop for a small turkey online and have it shipped directly to your door. Online retailers offer frozen turkeys in a wide range of sizes from quality brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, Shady Brook Farms, and more. Simply choose your ideal turkey size and quantity. Make sure to order with enough time to allow for shipping and defrosting before the holiday.

Check popular online grocers like Walmart Grocery, Fresh Direct, Thrive Market and others. If you have a farm market in your area, see if they ship turkeys. And don’t rule out your regular supermarket either. Many major chains like Safeway, Kroger, Publix and more let you buy groceries online for home delivery or curbside pickup. Peruse their holiday menus for turkey availability.

What To Look For In A Small Turkey

Once you’ve tracked down potential sources for small turkeys, keep these qualities in mind when selecting your bird:

• Weight – For 4-6 people, target an 8-12 pound turkey. Larger birds up to 16 pounds can work for bigger groups. Avoid going too small, under 8 pounds.

• Type – Heritage and pasture-raised turkeys offer premium flavor and standards for humane raising. Or choose a minimally processed conventional turkey for budget value.

• Frozen vs. fresh – Most small turkeys will be frozen, for convenience and to ensure availability. Make sure you leave time to properly thaw a frozen turkey before cooking.

• Features – Look for turkeys that are all natural with no artificial ingredients. Kosher or brined turkeys offer built-in seasoning. Opt for organic or free-range for high-bar farming practices.

Plan Ahead for Your Small Turkey

The key to landing the perfect small turkey is planning ahead. Make calls or place online orders several weeks in advance before supplies dwindle. Allow enough time for defrosting your turkey at home – at least 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. Think through how many guests you’re having, then select a turkey weight that fits your group, plus extra for leftovers. With an 8-12 pound turkey on hand, you’ll be ready to serve up holiday memories without the leftovers overload.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Turkeys

How long does it take to cook a small turkey?

Cooking times will vary based on the size of your small turkey, but you can expect around 2-2.5 hours total. An 8-pound turkey may only need about 1.5 hours. For the most accurate timing, always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.

Can you buy just a turkey breast rather than a whole bird?

Yes, you can buy just a turkey breast if that suits your needs. Turkey breasts are very easy to find, often at a more affordable per-pound price than a whole turkey. A 2-3 pound turkey breast feeds about 3-4 people. The downside is you miss out on those flavorful legs and thighs.

Do small turkeys have enough meat compared to a large turkey?

Even though small turkeys are petite, they still have plentiful white and dark meat for servings. You’ll have enough meat relative to the number of portions compared to a large bird. Plus you get all the taste in a more manageable package, and you can typically find small turkeys fresh rather than frozen.

What if the store runs out of small turkeys?

Occasionally grocers underestimate demand and run low on small turkeys. If your store is out, ask the butcher if they have any other boneless turkey breasts available. Or, order whatever size whole turkey is in stock and carve off just what you need, freezing the rest of the meat for later. You can also try calling around to other stores, but act quickly as supplies dwindle close to the holidays.

Are small turkeys more expensive than large turkeys?

When comparing prices by the pound, small and large turkeys are typically similar in cost or just slightly higher for small birds. But since you’re buying a smaller overall quantity, your total price paid will be less for a petite turkey.

Getting your hands on a small holiday turkey has never been easier thanks to the range of options at grocery stores, specialty shops, farms, and online. With proper planning and an 8-12 pound turkey, you’re guaranteed the star of a memorable holiday feast without loads of leftovers taking over your fridge. Bring on the festivities! What are you waiting for? Get out there and start hunting for the small turkey of your dreams today.