Where to Buy the Best Fried Turkey for Your Holiday Feast

Fried turkey has become a mouthwatering staple for many holiday meals. When properly prepared, fried turkey is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. If you want to serve the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner fresh from the fryer, you have several excellent options for purchasing a fried turkey. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best places to buy a fried turkey for your next special occasion.

Online Mail Order Fried Turkey Companies

One of the most convenient ways to buy a fried turkey is to order one online from a mail order company Here are some of the top national vendors that specialize in selling pre-fried, pre-cooked turkeys and shipping them to your door

• Cajun Turkey Company – This Louisiana-based company offers fried turkeys in multiple flavors like Cajun mild, Cajun spicy, and lemon pepper. Their seasoned turkeys arrive pre-fried so you just heat and serve.

• Uncle Ray’s – Famous for their tasty fried turkey options like Cajun mild and Cajun spicy Uncle Ray’s flash freezes their fried turkeys to seal in the flavor and ships them in insulated containers

• FriedTurkey.com – An online retailer providing fried turkeys, fried turkey breasts, fried chicken, and more. Flavors include Cajun, lemon pepper, and jambalaya.

• Cracker Barrel – Alongside their restaurant business, Cracker Barrel sells pre-fried turkey breasts, turduckens, hams, and sides for holiday meals.

The benefit of ordering a mail order fried turkey is convenience – no frying equipment or hassle needed on your part. Just be sure to order well in advance of the holiday to allow for shipping time.

Local Fried Turkey Purveyors

Many butcher shops, poultry suppliers, and even some restaurants sell ready-to-serve fried turkeys. Check your local listings for vendors in your area. Some options to look for include:

• Local butchers and meat markets
• Poultry farms and suppliers
• Specialty food stores
• Cajun or Southern-style restaurants
• BBQ restaurants and smokehouses

The advantage of purchasing locally is you can pick out your exact turkey and take it home fresh. If you opt for frozen fried turkey, allow time to safely thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Grocery Store Deli Fried Turkeys

Many supermarket deli sections now offer complete holiday meals. Fried turkeys, available for preorder, are part of these holiday packages at some chains like:

• Albertsons
• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway
• Wegmans
• Whole Foods
• Select Walmart locations

Check with your local grocery store well ahead of time to see if fried turkey can be included in your holiday meal package. Quantities of pre-orders may be limited.

Where to Order Fried Turkey for Delivery

Several chains and delivery services will bring a hot, ready-to-eat fried turkey meal right to your door. Consider ordering fried turkey for delivery from:

• Your favorite local restaurant or caterer
• Nacional Catering
• Honey Baked Ham
• Bob Evans
• Omaha Steaks
• Harry & David
• Goldbelly

Ordering delivery takes the stress out of prep and provides a complete holiday feast. Just be prepared to pay a premium for the convenience.

Things to Know When Buying a Fried Turkey

If you choose to purchase a pre-fried turkey, keep these tips in mind:

• Order 1⁄2 pound of turkey per person, 1 pound for big eaters
• Allow 4-7 days to thaw frozen turkeys before reheating
• Reheat cooked turkeys to 165oF internally before serving
• Fried turkeys can be kept hot in a 200oF oven for up to 2 hours

With proper planning, ordering a pre-fried turkey can make holiday hosting much simpler. Time your order right and you’ll have a golden, juicy bird ready to be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.

How to Prepare a Purchased Fried Turkey

Once you’ve brought home your fried turkey from the store, follow these steps for reheating and serving:

• If frozen, thaw turkey completely in fridge for 4-7 days
• Preheat oven to 325°F
• Place thawed turkey on a baking sheet in oven
• Heat turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer
• For crispy skin, baste turkey with oil or pan drippings during heating
• Allow turkey to rest 15-20 minutes before carving
• Serve turkey warm with favorite side dishes

Proper reheating is the key to ensuring your store-bought fried turkey tastes freshly fried. Use an appliance meat thermometer to guarantee the turkey reaches food safe temperatures.

Perks of Buying Pre-Fried Turkey

Purchasing fried turkey offers several advantages over frying it yourself at home:

• No need for a turkey fryer pot, propane, or frying oil
• Avoids the mess and potential danger of deep frying
• Provides delicious fried flavor without the hassle
• Lets you order exactly the size turkey you need
• Saves time and effort on cook day

Frying a turkey is a 2-3 hour process requiring special equipment. Buying a pre-fried turkey provides the same taste without the work or safety concerns over hot oil.

Where to Buy Turkey Frying Supplies

If you’d rather fry your own turkey, pick up supplies at:

• Hardware and home stores
• Outdoor retailers like Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s
• Restaurant supply stores
• Online at outdoor cooking websites

You’ll need an outdoor propane turkey fryer, peanut oil, propane tank, thermometer, injector, and accessories for safely frying turkey at home. Never deep fry indoors or use cooking oil.

Choose the Fried Turkey Perfection for Your Meal

From online ordering to local supermarkets, you have options when it comes to buying a mouthwatering fried turkey. Pre-fried turkey provides homemade taste without the hassle and allows you to focus on creating holiday memories. With proper planning and reheating, a store-bought fried turkey can become the delicious centerpiece of your next special occasion meal.