VIA MERCHANT
Wrangling the main course for Thanksgiving has never been easier, thanks to Perdue Farms. The company offers turkey breasts, whole turkeys and bundles that include both turkey and ham. This is ideal for families looking to hold on to tradition and try their hand at a new one all at once. Here’s exactly how much turkey to make per person.
VIA MERCHANT
After thorough expert testing, we named Porter Road the best overall spot to order meat online. So, of course, it’s on our Thanksgiving turkey list, too! Choose from three sizes: 10-12.5 pounds, 13-15.5 pounds or 16-19 pounds. These pasture-raised birds are free from hormones and antibiotics, and they’re just begging for an herby brine or flavored butter rub.
VIA MERCHANT
These pasture-raised turkeys from Blackwing Farms in Northern Indiana are raised without antibiotics or hormones, ensuring high-quality meat. Available exclusively through Crowd Cow, these turkeys range from 12 to 15 pounds—ideal for serving six to eight people. Pre-order for delivery the week of November 11th to allow plenty of time for thawing and preparation before Thanksgiving.
What to Look for When Buying a Turkey
When ordering a turkey for Thanksgiving, it’s important to consider key factors like the type of turkey, preparation options, size and delivery to ensure a stress-free holiday meal.
Fresh vs. Frozen
- Fresh turkeys are never frozen, offering better texture and flavor. However, due to their shorter shelf life, they need to be purchased closer to Thanksgiving.
- Frozen turkeys can be bought weeks in advance, stored until needed and are typically more affordable.
If you prioritize convenience or budget, frozen is a good option, but for superior taste and texture, fresh is the way to go.
Organic, Free-Range, and Heritage Turkeys
There are three common types of turkeys to consider:
- Organic: Raised without antibiotics and fed organic feed, these are ideal for environmentally conscious and health-focused shoppers.
- Free-range: These turkeys have outdoor access, producing more flavorful meat and better animal welfare practices.
- Heritage: A traditional breed with a richer taste and firmer texture, perfect for cooks aiming to impress, though they often come with a higher price tag.
Pre-Cooked vs. Uncooked
Another key consideration is whether to choose a pre-cooked or raw turkey:
- Pre-cooked turkeys offer convenience, saving time and effort. They’re perfect for hosts who want to focus on side dishes or have limited kitchen space, as they eliminate the need for hours of roasting.
- Uncooked turkeys allow you to have full control over seasoning and cooking techniques, ideal for those who enjoy cooking or want to experiment with custom flavors.
Size Considerations
A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. If you love leftovers, consider bumping them up to two pounds per person.
For smaller gatherings, opting for turkey breasts might be a better fit. For larger groups, a full bird is usually needed, and you’ll find a wide range of sizes to accommodate your party.
Shipping and Delivery Deadlines
To avoid disappointment on Thanksgiving Day, order your turkey early and check shipping deadlines carefully. Many retailers have delivery cutoffs, so make sure your turkey arrives with enough time to fully thaw (for frozen turkeys) or to season and prepare (for fresh turkeys). Proper planning ensures a stress-free holiday meal.
Why You Should Trust Us
Madi Koetting is Taste of Home’s shopping editor. With five years of experience as a writer and editor, she has reviewed hundreds of home and kitchen products, bringing her expertise to research the best places to order a turkey for Thanksgiving. Madi’s work also appears in publications like Better Homes & Gardens, Stylecaster and Reader’s Digest.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
How We Found the Best Places to Order Turkey
We researched over 20 vendors, including major retailers, specialty farms and turkey delivery services, evaluating each based on quality, variety, customer satisfaction, price and shipping reliability. Our analysis covered customer reviews, product freshness, flavor and price comparisons to find both budget-friendly and premium options. We also assessed shipping policies—delivery times, fees and deadlines—to ensure vendors could meet holiday demands without delays. After narrowing the list to the top eight vendors, we selected those offering the best combination of taste, price and reliability for a successful Thanksgiving meal.
Here’s a comparison of the top three turkey delivery services from our list:
| Butcher Box | Farm Foods | Williams Sonoma |
| 14-18 pound turkey | 8-12 pound turkey | 10-12 pound turkey |
| All-natural (Frozen) | All-natural (Frozen) | Free-range (Fresh) |
| $79 | $69.95 | $129.95 |
| Free shipping | $59.99 shipping |
$15 delivery surcharge |
FAQ
What is the best time to order a Thanksgiving turkey?
The best time to order a Thanksgiving turkey depends on whether you’re getting a frozen or fresh bird:
- Frozen Turkey: You can order well in advance since frozen turkeys last for months in the freezer. Remember to start thawing several days before Thanksgiving, as larger turkeys take longer.
- Fresh Turkey: Aim to have it delivered up to a week before Thanksgiving to allow time for preparation. If you plan to dry brine, order it a couple of days before to ensure enough time for seasoning.
What size turkey should I order for X number of guests?
Plan for about 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. If you want leftovers for the next day, consider two pounds per person.
Can I order a fully cooked turkey for Thanksgiving?
Yes! Many vendors offer fully cooked turkeys that can be eaten cold or reheated, saving you time on preparation.
Where do you order a cooked turkey for Thanksgiving?
If you want to skip the messy brining and cooking step, there are many places to order a pre-cooked turkey for Thanksgiving. Our favorites are Willie Bird at Williams Sonoma, Goldbelly and Perdue Farms.
Where can I order a fried turkey?
Craving crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat—without the fire hazard? Buy pre-cooked fried turkey on Goldbelly via Uncle Ray’s.
