where to buy small turkey

Finding the Perfect Small Turkey for Your Holiday Feast

Are you hosting a smaller holiday gathering and need a turkey to match? Shopping for a small turkey can be tricky since most whole birds found in stores are 15 pounds or more Luckily, there are great options available for petite parties of 4-8 people Read on to learn where to buy smaller whole turkeys, around 8-12 pounds, from major grocery chains, online retailers, butcher shops and local farms.

Grocery Store Chains

Many national supermarket chains now carry smaller whole turkey options beyond the standard large sizes. Here are some of the most convenient places to buy high quality small turkeys

  • Butterball Lil’ Butterballs – These tender young whole turkeys average 8-12 pounds. Sold frozen at major stores like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway and more.

  • Honeysuckle White Small Turkey – Lean 10-12 pound turkeys, minimally seasoned. Carried at Kroger, Publix, Harris Teeter and other regional chains.

  • Shady Brook Farms Young Turkey – Juicy whole birds around 10 pounds. Available seasonally at Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Giant, Food Lion, etc.

  • Fresh Small Young Turkey – Simple all natural turkeys averaging 10-14 pounds. Found at select Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Smart & Final.

  • Diestel Family Ranch Organic Turkey – Pasture raised heirloom breed turkeys from 10-16 pounds. At Whole Foods, Sprouts, Gelson’s, Bristol Farms, Metropolitan Market.

Many grocery store butcher counters and meat departments also carry their own house brand smaller whole turkeys, so ask your local market what’s available. Allow a few days lead time.

Online and Mail Order

Several poultry purveyors sell petite turkeys online, shipped frozen directly to your door:

  • D’Artagnan – Organic and free-range small turkeys from 9-16 pounds.

  • Holy Grail Steak Co. – All natural turkeys as small as 8 pounds, shipped overnight.

  • Porter Road – Pasture raised heirloom turkeys from 10-14 pounds.

  • Crowd Cow – Heritage breed turkeys raised on family farms, 10-12 pound average.

  • Walden Local Meat – Grass fed small turkeys from Vermont farms, 10-12 pounds.

  • Schmidts Natural – Organic, non-GMO turkeys as small as 10 pounds.

  • Local Harvest – Directory for finding local heritage turkey farms with smaller birds.

Check minimum order dates to receive your mail order turkey in time for the holidays.

Local Butcher Shops and Farms

For the freshest locally raised turkey, visit area butcher shops, poultry farms, farmer’s markets or CSAs. These specialists often carry smaller turkeys in the 10-15 pound range. Place your order early, as supply is limited. Ask about their sourcing and if the turkeys are pasture raised, organic, heirloom breeds, etc.

A small locally farmed turkey brings delicious gourmet flavor to your holiday table. Plus you’ll be supporting family businesses and sustainable agriculture.

Choosing Your Petite Bird

Once you’ve selected your source, look for turkeys that are:

  • Young – For tender, juicy meat choose a young turkey, around 4-5 months of age.

  • Small – Turkeys between 10-14 pounds will feed a crowd of 6-8 with leftovers. Allow 1-1.5 pounds per person.

  • Fresh – Minimally processed without artificial additives provides pure flavor.

  • Free range – More room to roam outdoors makes for happier, healthier turkeys.

With an impressively roasted small turkey as your centerpiece, you can be confident your intimate gathering will enjoy a memorable feast.

Storing and Handling Your Small Turkey

  • Keep fresh turkeys refrigerated until ready to cook. Place in a shallow pan to catch any juices.

  • Allow 24 hours fridge thawing for every 4-5 pounds. Avoid thawing at room temp.

  • Cook within 1-2 days. For optimal safety and taste, do not refreeze a thawed turkey.

  • Stuff just before roasting, and roast immediately after stuffing. Cook to a minimum internal temp of 165°F.

A small turkey is the perfect choice for easy holiday hosting. With proper planning and storage, your petite bird will shine as part of a blessed gathering with your nearest and dearest.

where to buy small turkey

You drive, we’ll navigate

We’ve got good news, and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that you’ve set your sights on a tender, juicy, mouthwatering meat monument that’s absolutely deserving of every ounce of that intense desire that’s burning in your gut. The bad news that this product can’t be shipped and can only be bought in-store. (And if you think about it, that’s actually good news, too—it means you’ll probably get to enjoy it a lot sooner than your postman could get it to you.)

Click here to find Diestel Family Ranch turkey and other products near you, and be sure to call your local store for availability—not everybody carries every product.

where to buy small turkey

Weight Roasting Time
6-10lbs. approx. 2 hrs.
10-12 lbs. 2 – 2 3/4 hrs
12-14 lbs. 2 3/4 – 3 1/2 hrs.
14-16 lbs. 3 1/2 – 3 3/4 hrs.
16-18 lbs. 3 3/4 – 4 hrs.
18-20 lbs. 4 – 4 1/2 hrs.

That suggested roasting times may vary. If the turkey is unstuffed, decrease the roasting times listed above by approximately 30 minutes.

To remove the truss just lift the ring and pull it up and over the end of the drumstick. To secure the truss, hold the drumsticks together, lift the ring and pull it over the drumsticks. The nylon truss is oven and microwave safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450º F.

Preheat oven to 325º F. Remove soft oven ready turkey from the bag. After removing the neck and giblets from the body cavities rinse the bird with cold water. Pat turkey dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird this would be the time to do so.

Family Recipe: Simple Rub

Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices or with a paste made of the following ingredients:

4 Tbsp oil, (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.) 4 tsp. salt, or to taste 2 tsp. paprika

Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 2 cups water or broth. Place your beautiful turkey in the oven.

Use a 325º F oven. We would encourage you to check the internal temperature throughout the roasting time to be careful not to over-roast. The internal temperature typically increases more rapidly during the last half of roasting.

There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a rich, golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. For truly marvelous gravy, heat (do not boil) 1 cup white wine. Pour this over your turkey halfway through the roasting time. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven. Cover and let stand for at least 15 minute before carving.

Expert’s Guide to Shopping for Turkey

FAQ

Can you buy a small turkey?

You’ll find that most “small turkeys” range in size from 10 to 14 pounds, although you may be able to find them as small as 6 pounds. So how much turkey will you need for a small gathering? As a general rule, estimate about 1 pound for serving, give or take a little.

Do they sell 5 lb turkeys?

there’s also turkey pieces (1/2 a breast, turkey thighs, turkey legs, turkey wings) you can purchase and cook. otherwise, 10 pounds tends to be the smallest turkey you can buy. they come smaller (5+ pounds) but those usually are sold by the end of October and kept frozen until Thanksgiving.

Can you buy a 32 lb turkey?

Frozen Whole Turkey – 32-34 lbs | Bob’s Turkey.

Can you buy a half turkey?

Publix Fresh Half Turkey, All Natural, Usda Inspected, Grade A.

Where can I buy a small turkey breast?

As we mentioned, Kroger grocery stores should stock a range of smaller turkeys, even some as small as five pounds. Trader Joe’s may have turkeys as small as 12 pounds; they also sell cooked, brined turkey breasts. Whole Foods also sells a bone-in turkey breast that weighs about six pounds.

Can you buy a small Turkey at Kroger?

Also, you’ll have less turkey to enjoy in leftovers. How small of a turkey can you buy? Frankly, even a small turkey is fairly sizable; it’s never going to be like cooking a Cornish game hen. Most “small” turkeys range from 10 to 12 pounds, though you may be able to find one smaller. Kroger grocery store even carries a five-pound bird.

Can you buy a frozen turkey online?

Sure, you can go to the grocery store and buy a basic frozen turkey this holiday season, but it’s no secret there are many more choices available online. You can find everything from heritage birds that are not at all like the ones you see at the grocery store to cooked birds that you simply have to heat, slice, and serve.

Where can I buy turkey & ham online?

Known for fruit baskets and nut selections, Harry and David is also one of the best places to order turkey and ham online. The pre-sliced ham and turkey sampler lets you enjoy the best smoked meats all year long. After testing, we give both the ham and the turkey high marks for flavor and freshness.

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