Take the Stress Out of Thanksgiving with a Ready-to-Eat Turkey

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your big turkey dinner! As exciting as this holiday is, it can also be pretty stressful for the cook. There’s a lot that goes into preparing the perfect turkey and all the classic sides. If you’re looking to simplify your Thanksgiving cooking this year, consider getting a pre-cooked, ready-to-eat turkey

Here’s everything you need to know about ready-to-eat Thanksgiving turkeys, including where to buy them, how to prepare them, and some of the top recommended options for 2022

What is a Ready-to-Eat Turkey?

A ready-to-eat turkey is a turkey that comes already fully cooked and just needs to be heated up before serving. It saves you the time and effort of having to thaw, prep, season, roast and carve the bird yourself.

Ready-to-eat turkeys can be sold fresh or frozen. Frozen options need to be thawed first before reheating. Fresh turkeys are chilled so they just need to be warmed up.

Where to Buy a Ready-to-Eat Turkey

There are several places you can buy a pre-cooked Thanksgiving turkey:

• Grocery store chains like Kroger, Publix and Whole Foods often sell ready-to-eat turkeys in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Check your local grocery store’s holiday menus.

• Meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron have thanksgiving meal kits with a pre-cooked turkey option.

• Local butcher shops and specialty food stores may carry ready-to-eat turkeys. Call ahead to check availability.

• Many restaurants and food chains like Cracker Barrel, Boston Market and Popeyes sell complete thanksgiving meals with a roasted turkey.

• Online retailers like Harry & David, Omaha Steaks and Goldbelly ship ready-to-eat turkeys nationwide.

When to Order Your Turkey

If ordering a pre-cooked turkey from a restaurant or online retailer, be sure to check order deadlines and delivery times. Many places require at least a few days advance notice.

For example, Popeyes requires 48-hour notice for thanksgiving turkeys. Harry & David recommends ordering your ready-to-eat turkey by November 18th for Thanksgiving delivery.

Leave buffer time in case of delivery delays. You don’t want to end up without a turkey on Thanksgiving!

How to Prepare a Ready-to-Eat Turkey

Here are some tips for preparing a ready-to-eat Thanksgiving turkey:

• Thaw if frozen: If you purchased a frozen ready-to-eat turkey, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 lbs.

• Reheat thoroughly: Heat your oven to 300°F-325°F and bake the turkey for 60-90 minutes until warmed through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

• Keep it moist: Baste the turkey with broth or turkey drippings while reheating to prevent it from drying out. You can also tent it with foil.

• Crisp the skin: If the skin seems soggy, crank up the heat to 425°F for the last 15 minutes of reheating to crisp it back up.

• Let it rest: Once heated through, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing into it.

• Carve and serve: Use a sharp knife to carefully carve the turkey. Arrange slices on a platter and serve with your favorite thanksgiving sides!

Top Ready-to-Eat Turkey Options for 2022

Here are some of the best places to order a fully cooked, ready-to-eat turkey this Thanksgiving:

1. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel’s homestyle Thanksgiving heat-and-serve feast includes two oven-roasted turkey breast quarters, along with cornbread dressing, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, choice of three sides, yeast rolls, and pumpkin and pecan pies. Feeds 8-10 people.

2. Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market offers ready-to-eat classic roast whole turkeys in a variety of sizes, from 10-24 lbs. They’re humanely raised with no antibiotics ever. Turkeys are available fresh or frozen.

3. Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks ships fully cooked smoked turkey breasts nationwide. They’re cured in a sweet brown sugar brine and hickory smoked for enhanced flavor. Also available bone-in for smaller parties.

4. Harry & David

Harry & David sells a delicious gourmet oven-roasted turkey breast with white and dark meat. It serves 8-10 people and ships with two-day expedited delivery so it arrives fresh.

5. Boston Market

Grab a convenient heat-and-serve whole turkey or boneless turkey breast from your local Boston Market. Sizes range from 4-14 lbs to feed any size gathering.

6. Publix

Publix offers fully cooked Thanksgiving turkey dinners that just need to be heated and served. Available for pickup at your local store so you don’t have to cook at all.

7. Honeybaked Ham

Alongside their signature hams, The Honeybaked Ham Co. also sells ready-to-eat smoked or Cajun roasted whole turkeys and turkey breasts.

8. Popeyes

Get Popeyes’ fan favorite deep fried Cajun-style turkey for Thanksgiving. Available in store for pickup in a variety of sizes from 13-16 lbs.

The Bottom Line

Taking the turkey off your plate by ordering a ready-to-eat Thanksgiving turkey can really simplify your holiday meal prep. From grocery stores to online retailers, there are lots of great pre-cooked options available. Just make sure to order early and follow the proper reheating instructions. Then you can focus your time on making delicious sides and creating new family traditions!