Where to Buy a Cooked Whole Turkey

A cooked whole turkey makes for an impressive centerpiece for holidays and special occasions. But finding a high-quality pre-cooked turkey can be tricky. You want juicy, flavorful meat without having to roast it yourself. So where can you buy a ready-to-serve whole turkey? Let’s explore some of the best places to purchase cooked whole turkeys.

Grocery Store Deli

Many grocery store deli sections offer complete cooked turkeys These are convenient since you can buy it right along with the rest of your groceries Here are some tips for buying one at the grocery store

• Lead time – Place your order 1-2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. Popular sizes sell out.

• Weight range – Delis usually carry cooked turkeys from 10-16 lbs. Special order larger sizes.

• Flavor options – Select plain roasted or smoked turkey, or choose seasoned like honey glazed.

• Brands – National brands like Butterball are common but check for high-end local turkeys too

• Pricing – Expect to pay in the range of $50-$100 depending on weight and flavors.

Grocery store deli turkeys offer speed and convenience. Just account for limited size options and pricier costs.

Specialty Food Stores

Upscale specialty food stores and butcher shops are another place to buy fully cooked whole turkeys. What they offer:

• Prime quality – Higher standards, artisanal offerings and better breeds.

• Diverse selection – More size options from 8-24+ lbs; unique seasoned flavors.

• Organic/free-range – Access to premium birds from ethical farms.

• Experts – Butchers can provide cooking tips and recommend pairings.

• Made in-house – Many smoke their own turkeys onsite for freshness.

• Upscale trimmings – From stuffings to sides, they offer complete meals.

Expect to pay premium prices of $100-250 and up for their gourmet quality and service.

Mail Order & Delivery

Can’t get to a store? Mail order turkeys ship straight to your door. Here are popular online options:

Harry & David

• Ships smoked and roasted whole turkeys nationwide

• Broadbreasts and free-range varieties; 10-20 lb range

• Signature seasoning blends like applewood smoked

• Prices from $89-$179

Williams Sonoma

• Ships turkeys fed vegetarian diets

• Free-range, organic, heritage breeds available

• Brined or smoked; weights from 12-24 lbs

• Prices from $129-$279

Goldbelly

• Delivers iconic turkeys from famous eateries like Zabar’s NY

• Unique varieties like wild burgundy turkey

• Weights available from 6-20+ lbs

• Prices from $99-$350

Rastelli’s

• Online butcher selling premium Black Angus meats

• Broadbreast turkeys, 10-16 lb range

• Natural, free-range, heritage breeds

• Brined and roasted; prices from $109-$159

Online mail order allows you access to amazing turkeys from top brands, even if they aren’t local to you. Expect generous portions and premium quality.

Direct from a Farm or Butcher

For the absolute freshest turkey, buy directly from a local farm or butcher shop. Here’s how:

• Farm stands – Check for holiday turkey stands popping up at local farms.

• Order ahead – Contact family farms early to reserve your pasture-raised bird.

• Farmers markets – Ask vendors if they will have ready-to-cook turkeys available.

• Butcher shop – Place your order with specialty butchers for their house-roasted birds.

Going direct to the source means you know exactly where your turkey came from. You also get to support small local businesses with your purchase.

What Size Cooked Turkey Should You Get?

The turkey sizes available at most stores typically range from 10-16 lbs. Here are some tips on picking the right size:

• For 2-4 people – Choose a 10-12 lb turkey. This gives ample portions without tons of leftovers.

• For 5-8 people – Opt for a 12-14 lb turkey. Adds serving flexibility with minimal waste.

• For 10-12 people – Upgrade to a 15-16 lb turkey. Allows for generous helpings and leftovers.

• For 15+ people – Select an 18 lb or larger turkey. Gives you extra meat for a big crowd.

• By pounds per person – Estimate 1-1 1⁄2 lbs of uncooked turkey per person.

Take the number of guests into account when selecting the ideal turkey size. Remember that bone weight and carving loss will reduce the total edible meat.

How Much Does a Whole Cooked Turkey Cost?

A cooked whole turkey is more expensive than buying an uncooked frozen one. Here’s what pricing typically looks like:

• Small turkeys – 10-12 lbs: $40-$60

• Medium turkeys – 12-14 lbs: $50-$70

• Large turkeys – 15-17 lbs: $60-$90

• X-large turkeys – 18+ lbs: $70-$110+

Factors impacting cost:

• Location – Prices vary regionally based on demand.

• Quality – Premium birds cost more than commodity mass-market ones.

• Branding – Small local turkeys tend to be pricier than national brands.

• Seasoning – Plain roasted turkey is the most budget-friendly.

• Convenience – A cooked turkey costs more than thawing and cooking a frozen one yourself.

With some savvy shopping at your local grocer or specialty butcher, you can likely find a cooked turkey within your budget.

How to Choose the Best Ready Made Turkey

Not all pre-cooked turkeys are equal when it comes to taste and quality. Follow these tips for picking a winner:

• Inspect the skin – It should be lightly browned and look moist and supple, not dried out.

• Give it a sniff – You want a light roasted turkey aroma without any off odors.

• Ask questions – Inquire about ingredients, where it was cooked, etc.

• Read the label – Check the sell-by date and look for added broths or seasonings.

• Weigh options – Consider flavor, price, meat quality, and brand reputation.

• Order early – Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll have fewer high-quality birds to select from.

With so many pre-cooked turkey options available, take your time to make sure you buy one your guests will rave about.

Should You Reheat a Pre-Cooked Turkey?

Technically, you can serve a cooked turkey straight from the store without reheating it. But here are some benefits to giving it a quick reheat:

• Warms the meat to ideal serving temperature

• Improves moisture content

• Restores crispy skin

• Allows seasoning and juices to redistribute

• Infuses any stuffing or gravy

The best methods for reheating include:

• Oven at 300°F for 30-60 mins

• Grill at medium turning occasionally

• Smoker at 225°F for 1-2 hours

Take your pre-cooked turkey to the next level with a simple reheat. It takes minimal effort for a huge payoff in taste and presentation.

Storing and Freezing Leftover Turkey

Be sure to refrigerate all leftover turkey within 2 hours and freeze any longer term leftovers within 3-4 days. Here are some storage guidelines:

• Fridge – Leftover carved turkey keeps for 3-4 days max. Use for sandwiches, salads, wraps, etc.

• Freezer – Leftover meat frozen in an airtight container will last 4-6 months. Perfect for casseroles or turkey soup this winter.

• Gravy – Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag to add to dishes later on.

• Stuffing – Stuffing freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw before adding to turkey sandwiches.

• Bones – Use turkey bones to simmer into stock. Freeze the stock in jars or freezer bags.

With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can continue enjoying your cooked turkey for months after the main event.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

Don’t settle for boring leftover turkey sandwiches. Get creative with these ideas:

• Turkey chili or turkey tortilla soup

• Turkey tetrazzini or turkey pot pie

• Turkey hash with potatoes, peppers, and onions

• Turkey Casserole with stuffing, gravy, veggies

• BBQ