What’s the Biggest Turkey You Can Buy for the Holidays?

The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, which often means hosting large meals. For many the centerpiece of a holiday feast is a roasted turkey. But if you’re hosting a particularly big group, you may be wondering – what’s the biggest turkey you can buy?

In this article we’ll discuss everything you need to know about purchasing the largest possible turkey for your holiday celebrations. We’ll cover where to find big birds how much they typically cost, considerations for prepping and cooking them, and plenty of tips to help you prepare a show-stopping turkey this season.

Just How Big Can Turkeys Get?

First, let’s establish just how big turkeys can get. While the typical turkey you find at a standard grocery store is usually between 10 and 25 pounds, some specialty retailers offer absolutely massive birds

The largest turkeys are usually referred to as either “super roasters” or “extra large toms.” They typically range from 25 pounds on the smaller end up to a whopping 40 pounds or more! That’s over half the size of an average 7-year-old child.

To put it into perspective, 40 pounds of turkey could feed around 25 to 30 people, depending on your servings. So if you’re hosting a huge Friendsgiving or Christmas dinner, one of these giant birds may be just what you need.

Where to Find the Biggest Turkeys

Since massive turkeys aren’t usually stocked at your average supermarket, you may need to do some searching to find one. Here are some of the best places to buy the biggest birds:

• Specialty poultry farms or butchers: Local farms and butchers, especially those that specialize in poultry, are your best bet for finding extra large turkeys. Many take special orders in advance for holidays.

• Specialty grocery stores: Some higher-end grocers like Whole Foods or specialty food stores may stock or specially order large heritage breed turkeys.

• Online mail order: There are several online retailers that specialize in selling large, free-range and heritage turkeys, which can be shipped directly to your door.

• Wholesale clubs: Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s sometimes carry large frozen turkeys around the holidays.

• Local turkey farms: Search for local turkey farms in your area to see if they sell direct to consumers. You may be able to customize your order.

No matter where you purchase your turkey, be sure to plan ahead and order early, as supplies of extra large birds are limited.

How Much Do Big Turkeys Cost?

Let’s talk turkey prices. Expect to pay significantly more for a giant bird versus a standard size one. You’ll likely spend $100 or more for a fresh 30-40 pound turkey. Here are some general guidelines on pricing:

• Turkeys 15-20 pounds: $1.50-$3.50 per pound
• Turkeys 20-25 pounds: $2.50-$5 per pound
• Turkeys 25-30 pounds: $3-$6 per pound
• Turkeys over 30 pounds: $4-$8+ per pound

While the overall cost may seem staggering at first, bigger turkeys can actually save you money per pound compared to purchasing multiple smaller birds. And you get the convenience of just one turkey to cook, carve, and clean up after.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking a Huge Turkey

Roasting a giant turkey takes some special consideration. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results:

• Allow plenty of thawing time. A turkey over 20 pounds could take 5 days or more to thaw in the refrigerator. Plan ahead!

• Dry brine the turkey. Rubbing the turkey all over with salt and letting it rest uncovered in the fridge improves moisture and flavor.

• Use a roasting rack. This will elevate the turkey off the bottom of the pan for even cooking.

• Monitor the temperature. Invest in a good meat thermometer. Cook to 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh.

• Tent with foil if the skin starts getting too brown before the interior is finished. This prevents drying out.

• Allow ample resting time. Let the turkey sit for 30-45 minutes before carving for juicy, tender meat.

• Recruit help for carving! Have a friend or family member lend a hand to carefully carve the turkey.

• Use the right roasting pan. You’ll need an extra large pan, probably 4-5 inches deep. Disposable roasting pans work well for giant birds.

• Try spatchcocking. For turkeys over 25 pounds, spatchcocking or butterflying the turkey can help it cook faster and more evenly.

Handy Tools for Preparing and Cooking a Big Turkey

Having the right gear on hand will make cooking a large turkey much easier. Here are some worthwhile investments:

• Extra-large roasting pan: Look for heavy-duty pans around 24-28 inches long. Disposable foil options can also work well.

• Meat thermometer: A leave-in probe thermometer lets you monitor the turkey’s temp without opening the oven.

• Baster: Essential for basting the turkey to add moisture and flavor. Look for a heat-resistant silicone baster.

• Carving knives and fork: Invest in a quality, sharp carving set to neatly slice the turkey. An electric knife can also help.

• Roasting racks: Use a sturdy rack to lift the turkey off the pan bottom for better air circulation. V-shaped racks work nicely.

• Kitchen string: Useful for trussing the legs and wings to the body before roasting. Unwaxed cotton string is best.

• Fat separator: Makes quick work of defatting the turkey drippings for gravy. Get one with a spout.

Planning the Sides for a Big Bird

To complement a giant showstopper turkey, you’ll need ample sides. Here are some tips:

• Cook some dishes in advance – casseroles, soups, and desserts can be made 1-2 days ahead.

• Choose dishes that serve crowds – plan for at least 3-4 servings per person.

• Include a variety of flavors and textures. Serve crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet options.

• Make some hearty sides to fill up your guests, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and mac and cheese.

• Offer lighter sides too, like roasted veggies, salad, and cranberry sauce.

• Keep sides warm in a slow cooker or warming trays, or make them at the last minute.

Popular pairings for a big turkey include mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce.

Getting Creative with Leftovers

With a bird that size, you’ll likely have pounds of leftover turkey. Avoid food waste by planning creative ways to use it:

• Turkey tetrazzini or pot pie
• Hearty turkey chili or soup
• Turkey sandwiches and wraps
• Turkey casseroles or empanadas
• Turkey salad with cranberries and pecans
• Turkey hash with potatoes and veggies
• Turkey enchiladas or quesadillas
• Turkey fried rice or turkey stir fry

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat fully to 165°F. Turkey keeps well frozen for 2-3 months. Consider vacuum sealing portions to prevent freezer burn.

Presenting the Turkey for Maximum Wow Factor

When it comes to carving and serving your massive turkey, a little presentation goes a long way. Here are some ideas to impress your guests:

• Display it on a large decorative platter or cutting board.
• Surround the turkey with fresh herbs, greenery, fruits or flowers.
• Carve the breast meat tableside for a dramatic flare.
• Serve sauces and condiments in gravy boats and decorative dishes.
• Let guests self-serve in a buffet style to give everyone a glimpse of the whole bird.
• Take lots of photos! Have someone get shots of the turkey pre and post carving.

No matter how you serve it up, that giant, golden turkey is sure to be the talk of your holiday table!

Big Turkey Q&A

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about purchasing and cooking extra large turkeys:

How long does it take to roast a huge turkey?

Figure around 20-30 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. A 30 pounder may take 10+ hours at 300-325 ̊F. Use a meat thermometer for doneness.

Should I buy a fresh or frozen big turkey?

Frozen turkeys give you more flexibility. You can buy them in advance and thaw them in the refrigerator over several days.

Can I stuff my giant turkey?

It’s not recommended. Stuffing makes it harder for the inner cavity to reach a safe temp. Cook stuffing separately