Where to Get a Cooked Turkey for Your Holiday Meal

As the holidays approach, many people start planning their big holiday meals. The centerpiece of many of these meals is often a nicely cooked turkey However, cooking a whole turkey yourself can be time-consuming and tricky to get just right. If you want to enjoy a holiday meal without the hassle of cooking a turkey yourself, there are lots of great options for getting a pre-cooked turkey Here is an overview of some of the best places to get a cooked turkey for your holiday meal

Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores sell complete pre-cooked turkey meals around the holidays. This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get a cooked turkey. Stores like Whole Foods Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger Publix, Stop & Shop, and more have holiday meal options. You can often order a turkey meal bundle that comes with sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and more. The turkey is already fully cooked so all you need to do is heat it up. Grocery store turkey meals are affordable, convenient, and delicious.

Specialty Turkey Retailers

There are companies that specialize in selling premium cooked turkeys for the holidays. These turkeys are often higher-quality, made from premium ingredients. Some popular options include

• Harry & David – Offers complete turkey meals with premium sides and desserts. Their turkeys are free-range and antibiotic-free.

• HoneyBaked Ham – Best known for ham, they also sell smoked, roasted, and cajun turkeys.

• Omaha Steaks – Sells honey-basted cooked turkeys. You can order just the turkey or full meals.

• Willie Bird Turkey – Sold through Williams-Sonoma, these are free-range Diestel family ranch turkeys from California.

• Burgers’ Smokehouse – Their turkeys are smoked with hickory for added flavor.

Though pricier than grocery store options, these specialty turkeys offer great quality and flavor.

Restaurants and Caterers

Many restaurants and catering companies sell fully cooked turkeys and complete holiday meals. Options like Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, Bob Evans, and Marie Callender’s all offer to-go turkey meals. Local restaurants and caterers in your area likely offer similar holiday catering. The benefit of ordering from a restaurant or caterer is that they are cooking experts. You know you’ll get a nicely cooked juicy turkey and delicious sides. Some restaurant chains like Popeyes even offer deep fried turkeys for a unique, crispy flavor.

Meal Delivery Kits

Meal kits like HelloFresh and Blue Apron offer turkey meal kits for the holidays. Everything comes prepped and ready to cook in an easy step-by-step process. The benefit of meal kits is that they take the stress out of shopping for and prepping a turkey dinner, but you still get the experience of finishing it yourself.

Local Farms and Butcher Shops

In some areas, local meat purveyors like farms, butcher shops, and specialty markets offer cooked turkeys. This can be a good option if you want a farm-fresh, locally-raised turkey. Check around your area to see if any local producers sell cooked turkeys for the holidays. It’s a chance to support local businesses and farmers.

Order Online

There are several online outlets that ship ready-to-eat turkeys nationwide. Sites like Goldbelly, Hickory Farms, Fresh Direct, and many others sell mail-order turkey meals. This is a good option if you want a premium turkey but don’t live near a specialty retailer. Keep shipping times in mind when ordering online.

Do-it-Yourself Cooked Turkey

Of course, you can always cook a whole turkey yourself at home. While time-consuming, there are foolproof methods like spatchcocking and roasting in a bag that make it easier. If you go the DIY route, make sure to thaw the turkey properly and follow cooking guidelines. Buying a pre-brined or self-basting turkey helps guarantee moistness.

Tips for Cooking a Store-Bought Cooked Turkey

If you order a pre-cooked turkey, follow these tips for getting the best results:

• If the turkey is frozen, make sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours. Don’t thaw on the counter.

• Heat the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check.

• Cover the turkey in foil and use a low temperature (325°F) to heat through gradually for best moisture.

-Bake stuffing separately rather than in the turkey to prevent bacterial contamination.

• Let the turkey rest for 15-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to absorb back into the meat.

• Once carved, keep turkey meat hot in a 170°F warming oven or chafing dish.

• Any leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. Store leftovers for 3-4 days.

Enjoy Your Holiday Meal!

With so many great options available at grocery stores, specialty retailers, restaurants, and online outlets, there’s no reason to struggle with cooking your own turkey this year. Just place your order for a fully cooked turkey ahead of the holidays so it’s ready for your celebration. Then you can relax and enjoy time with your family and friends rather than spending the day cooking in the kitchen. Whichever option you choose, follow safe handling and heating instructions and your pre-cooked turkey will be a delicious centerpiece to your holiday feast. Happy holidays!