Sure, you can go to the grocery store and buy a basic frozen turkey this holiday season, but it's no secret there are many more choices available online. You can find everything from heritage birds that are not at all like the ones you see at the grocery store to cooked birds that you simply have to heat, slice, and serve. Whether you’re craving something different or simply looking for a free-range and organic bird, you can use Thanksgiving meal catering to order online and make the dinner exactly what you want.
We ordered turkeys online and sent them to the homes of our experienced testers and editors so they could evaluate the taste and presentation. Each turkey (or turducken) was rated on the delivery process, freshness, ease of preparation, taste, and value. Whether you're looking for a turkey for a large family gathering, looking for something to save you time in the kitchen, or you want to experiment with something a little different, our list of mail order turkeys has an option for you.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
D’Artagnan Turkeys
Farm-raised heritage birds
Wild and organic available
Smoked breasts available
Expensive
D'Artagnan has earned a reputation as one of the best places to buy mail-order turkeys and other gourmet meats, and after our Associate Editorial Director, Mary Kate Hoban, prepared one of the Green Circle birds for her family's Thanksgiving dinner, we knew the brand was deserving of our best overall spot.
"I sampled a Green Circle turkey from D'Artagnan for my family's Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone agreed it was one of the best turkeys we've ever had. Plus, ordering it ahead of time and receiving it frozen in enough time to thaw in the refrigerator before the big day was so convenient," Hoban says. Additional at-home testing resulted in a fresh, flavorful turkey with a good mix of light and dark meat that was easy to carve.
D'Artagnan's turkeys are all farm-raised. In fact, each farmer D'Artagnan works with signs an agreement saying they will never use antibiotics or added hormones. The Green Circle label means the turkeys are certified by Humane Farm Animal Care. These turkeys are fed a diet of vegetables (surplus from markets) and whole grains. The turkey that was sent as a sample arrived on the specified day, packaged frozen in a box with insulated foam. The flavor of the cooked bird impressed everyone, and the whole process was incredibly easy. The Green Circle turkeys are currently sold out, however.
"You really can't go wrong when you order from D'Artagnan," says Julia Warren, VP. "Any of the meats you can choose from are high quality and the shipping process is pretty seamless. I've ordered a few things and have yet to be disappointed."
Size: 4-12 pounds | Serves: 4-12 people | Shipping: Delivery available up to Tuesday, November 26 for Thanksgiving
Pre-brined
Great flavor
Many size options
Arrives cold but not fully frozen
Expensive
Giblets not included
Brining a turkey is the best way to ensure a juicy breast. But finding a large enough vessel to brine a large bird at home (and refrigerator space to keep it chilled) can be problematic. The Williams Sonoma pre-brined Willie Bird turkeys solve that problem nicely. Even better, the brine isn’t just salty water; the spices and citrus add delicious flavor to the turkey, yet it’s subtle enough not to clash with the side dishes. The turkey we tested arrived very cold, with just a bit of ice, unlike rock-hard frozen turkeys that can require multiple days to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. We cooked our bird the day after it arrived. It included a turkey neck inside the cavity (great for making stock or for gravy!) but there were no giblets. It was a delicious turkey, and leftover turkey sandwiches were just as good.
While cooking a turkey whole offers a lovely presentation, if you’re not carving at the table, many people prefer a spatchcocked. With the backbone removed, the turkey can lie flat in the roasting pan, for faster and more even roasting. Spatchcocked birds are available from Williams Sonoma as well, or it can be a do-it-yourself task with the help of a strong pair of poultry shears. Or break the bird down further to use different cooking methods, whether you’re a fan of grilling, roasting, sous vide, or smoking.
Size: 12-22 pounds | Serves: 7-18 people | Shipping: Order by Friday, November 22 for delivery by Wednesday, November 27 via standard UPS shipping or Tuesday, November 26 at 4 p.m. PST via next day delivery for arrival by Wednesday, November 27
Best Turducken
Gourmet Butcher Block The All-Madden Turducken
Well seasoned
Easy preparation
Fast shipping
Free shipping only in selected states
This turducken came to fame thanks to former NFL coach and sportscaster John Madden. Dubbed the official food of the 1997 "All-Madden Team," this hefty dish features two layers of sausage stuffing and one layer of cornbread dressing jam-packed inside a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey. That may sound like a lot—because it is. Weighing in at 16 to 18 pounds, this monster bird can serve 20 to 25 people.
We were impressed with the quick and smooth delivery process as well as the ease of preparation. Turduckens take a minimum of 18 hours to defrost at room temperature and up to five days in the fridge, so plan accordingly. One thing to note is that it arrives without directions, but there are ample instructions on the Goldbelly website for storage, defrosting, and roasting. We roasted the turducken according to those instructions, and the meat came out perfect. We recommend adding about 2 cups of water to the roasting pan in the last hour—combined with the pan drippings this creates a gorgeous, flavorful sauce and makes for easier cleanup.
We appreciated the fact that you do not have to deal with any bones, aside from the wings (which you can save to make turkey stock). Then, you simply cut in half lengthwise and carve to reveal all three types of meat and stuffing.
"If you find the typical Thanksgiving roast turkey bland, this is a great alternative. The Cajun seasoning is tasty with subtle peppery-ness but not overpowering. And the turkey breast came out moist without my having to do anything to it," says our tester Adriana Velez.
Size: 16-18 pounds | Serves: 20-25 people | Shipping: Two-day shipping is available in 16 states, and scheduled delivery is available up to Wednesday, November 27
Best Smoked
Omaha Steaks Smoked Whole Turkey
Cooking bag and pop-up turkey time included
Medium size
Lots of shipping options
Expensive unless you buy more products
Even the most seasoned Thanksgiving chef can have mishaps, and luckily there are mail-order turkeys out there that can be shipped to your table in a pinch if needed. Omaha Steaks is already known for its meat deliveries including steak, chicken, and seafood, but should you need an 8-pound turkey, it's got that as well.
This whole turkey is costly when ordered by itself—but the company offers it half off when any other food item is purchased, too. This Thanksgiving meal catering gives you the chance to pick up any appetizers, sides, desserts, or even wine you may need for dinner, ultimately saving you money.
The turkey is slow-smoked for up to 14 hours in brown sugar and then is delivered frozen. Be sure to account for thawing and cooking times when ordering, even if it is last minute. We had one delivered and it took about five days to fully thaw. We put it in the oven for 2.5 hours, which was a little long, but the bird came out golden brown and smelling delicious. Even though it was overdone, it was easy to cut and the meat was tender.
Size: 8 or 12 pounds | Serves: 8-12 people | Shipping: 2-5 business days or less—express, rush, and Saturday rush shipping available
Best Ham and Turkey Sampler
Harry & David Sliced Ham and Turkey Sampler
Preparation is easy
Nice smoky flavor
Great for gifting
Turkey tasted slightly salty
Known for fruit baskets and nut selections, Harry and David is also one of the best places to order turkey and ham online. The pre-sliced ham and turkey sampler lets you enjoy the best smoked meats all year long. After testing, we give both the ham and the turkey high marks for flavor and freshness. It arrives pre-sliced so all you have to do is take it out of the refrigerator and heat it on the big day.
If you're someone who gets more excited about sides than the turkey, this sampler could be the perfect addition to your table. You can spend all your time on cranberry, dressing, and casseroles and still have a delicious choice of meat to round out your meal. It's also ideal for next-day sandwiches and would make a great gift for someone any time of the year.
"I really enjoyed the smoky flavor of both the ham and the turkey, and the convenience cannot be beaten," Hoban, who also taste-tested this turkey and ham combo, says. "If you want to save hours on prep time, this should be your go-to. I'd recommend this to anyone who doesn't want their entire day to be about cooking a turkey. It's the perfect low-maintenance addition to a table full of delicious sides."
If you're looking around the rest of the site, you can also buy a complete meal, so you won’t even have to worry about side dishes. The fun doesn’t stop there—you can pick up some relish, buy a platter to serve the food on, or pick up an extra dessert or two.
Size: 4 pounds | Serves: 6-8 people | Shipping: Order by Friday, November 22 for delivery before Thanksgiving Day via standard shipping, Monday, November 25 for delivery before Thanksgiving Day 2-Day Express, or Tuesday, November 26 for delivery before Thanksgiving via Overnight delivery.
Best Free-Range
Fossil Farms Turkey Whole Bird
Large range of turkey sizes
Very flavorful turkey
Well packed for shipping
Prepared foods are local delivery only
No cooking instructions
Fossil Farms sells turkeys raised in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where they are free to roam and fed a vegetarian diet that includes a variety of grains. These Nicholas-breed turkeys are never given antibiotics, steroids, or hormones.
Turkeys are available in a wide variety of sizes, from 12 pounds up to 22 pounds, so you can find the size you need to feed just about any size of the family. Other options from the company include game birds like quail and goose.
We tested a 9-pound bird that came well-packed and still mostly frozen, despite a one-day delay in shipping. There were no cooking instructions included, so we were on our own for time and temperature, but this wasn’t a problem since turkey recipes abound online, and meat thermometers in the breast and thigh worked well to alert when the bird was done. Compared to grocery store birds, we found this one much more flavorful. Of course, the turkey stock made from the bones and bits was incredibly flavorful as well.
"This is not a standard grocery store turkey, that's for sure. The flavor was much deeper—more turkey-like. The stock I made from the bones and bits was outstanding," says our tester Donna Currie.
Size: 8 to 24 pounds | Serves: 14 to 32 people | Shipping: Next Day Air is required for delivery the week of Thanksgiving
Final Verdict
Check out D'Artagnan for a gourmet selection of old-breed turkeys sustainably raised on free-range farms.
How We Taste Tested Mail-Order Turkeys
We have facilitated two mail-order turkey taste tests in order to find the best options to include on this list. For both tests, we ordered several turkeys from different retailers to the homes of our experienced product testers and editors so that they could prepare them for their own Thanksgiving or other holiday dinners and provide feedback. During this year's test, turkeys arrived at the testers' homes in late June.
We Observed
- The turkey's freshness. One of the most important aspects of a mail-order turkey is the fact that you don't get it at your local grocery store—it's delivered to you. This is both a good and bad thing. Good because you don't have to pick and choose from what's offered at the store, but can be bad if the process goes wrong or the turkey isn't packaged correctly. Once the turkeys arrived at the houses of our testers, they took at a look at the birds and noticed any thawing, blemishes, slimy or sticky gray skin, and foul smells. They also noted if the turkey arrived with giblets or not, with the wing tips intact or not, if the legs were tied or not, etc.
- The ease of preparation. Cooking a turkey is no easy feat, and our testers were tasked with marking down each detail. Many arrived without instructions, but we were still able to thaw and cook them all. We asked them to mark how long it took for the bird to thaw, and subsequently how long it took to cook. After cooking our testers also noticed how easy it was to cut and serve the meat.
- Who the turkey is best for. Turkeys come in all kinds of sizes and types, and are quite different from each other. Some are stuffed, others are smoked, and some are fresh and un-brined. Some are under $50 while others are over $300. After storing, thawing, cooking, and eating the mail-order turkeys, our testers were asked what type of family or home their turkey would be a good fit for.
We Rated
- Delivery Process: The first step of this taste test wasn't cooking the turkey or tasting it—instead it was getting the package delivered and inside our tester's homes. They noted if they had to sign for the turkey or if it was left out, and whether it came fully frozen or not. Then it was time for the thawing process.
- Taste: After thawing, cooking according to the instructions, and carving, our testers finally got to taste their turkey. Conclusions were drawn about the flavor, moistness, tenderness, and how it compares to other turkeys they've tested and some they've had before.
- Value: After plates were finished and our testers digested, we asked them about the price of the turkey and whether or not they think it is a valuable option for a holiday meal.
What to Look for in a Mail Order Turkey
Size
How many people are you feeding? Some companies offer a variety of turkey sizes, while others only have one, so you’ll need to calculate how much meat is necessary before you order. The general rule of thumb is you need 1 pound of turkey per guest if you don’t want any leftovers; plan for 1.5 pounds per guest if you want to have meat to spare.
Precooked
When it comes to mail-order turkeys, you typically have two options: a precooked bird that just needs to be reheated or a frozen or uncooked turkey that you have to prepare yourself. The best option for you ultimately depends on how much work you want to do.
Flavor
Many companies offer pre-cooked turkeys that are seasoned in various ways. Some are hickory-smoked, some are apple-smoked, and some are even fried. Consider what else you’re serving to find the perfect turkey flavor to round out the meal.
FAQs
How much turkey should you order per person?
The general rule when buying a whole turkey is 1 pound of turkey per person. That seems like a lot of meat for a single diner to eat, but a whole turkey has a lot of inedible bones to consider. Of course, if you’re looking forward to lots of leftovers and a big pot of soup, or if you like to give leftovers to guests, it’s fine to buy a larger bird and enjoy turkey sandwiches for days.
What is a heritage turkey?
A heritage turkey may be from one of many breeds of turkey that are closer to their wild ancestors—but they’re still domesticated.1 A heritage breed turkey is likely to have a much smaller breast and may have a stronger flavor than the big-breasted birds that are found in the supermarket.
What is the difference between free-range and organic turkeys?
Free-range turkeys have access to the outdoors.2 This doesn’t mean, however, that they spend a lot of time outside—they simply have to have access for this label to be applied, and they can get most or all of their food supplied by the farmer. Pasture-raised turkeys sound like they’d be similar to free-range, but they have more freedom and are raised on food they get outdoors, and are not supplemented with grain.3 Organic turkeys may be free-range, but they don’t have to be. Organic turkeys are raised on an organic diet, which may be supplied entirely by the farmer.4 They can also graze on organic pasture. In addition to organic food, these turkeys are never given antibiotics.
How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
It takes one day for every 4 pounds of frozen turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. The outside of the turkey may feel thawed in less time, but the thicker areas and joints take longer. Turkeys should never be thawed on the counter at room temperature. If the turkey needs to be thawed quickly, it can be placed in a sink full of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. If the turkey is too large to stay submerged, it should be turned every 30 minutes. It will take a minimum of 30 minutes for each pound of turkey, so this still isn’t quick—a 12-pound turkey will take about six hours.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Donna Currie is a cookbook author as well as a writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats, specializing in all the latest kitchen gadgets. When the local butcher comes up short, Donna Currie knows where to find what she needs online. She’s ordered from half of the companies on this list on her own, and she personally prepared and tested three of the turkey options on this list for The Spruce Eats.
This roundup was updated by Sharon Lehman, a home cook, registered dietitian nutritionist, and writer for The Spruce Eats, where she specializes in small kitchen appliance reviews.
Amanda McDonald is an editor at The Spruce Eats and has over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing about all things food — from what new products are at the grocery store to chef-approved hacks that keep tricky leftovers fresh for days. She updated this story to include the most up-to-date information.