There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when buying a turkey. Firstly, how many people are you serving? From here you should consider how many adults versus children, whether they’re light or heavy eaters, and whether or not you want leftovers.
Our turkey expert has some great pointers for how to pick a turkey:
Fresh or Frozen Turkey?
Choosing a fresh or frozen turkey depends largely on preference, but also on how soon you plan on cooking your turkey. Make the right decision for you by considering these general tips.
- Fresh turkeys are ready to prepare. Fresh turkeys are best if held in the refrigerator for 24 hours before final preparation.
- Frozen turkeys can be purchased weeks in advance, but need several days to thaw and require adequate space in your freezer and refrigerator.
- Allow 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey. Turkeys need to be thawed in the refrigerator or by cold water thawing. Check out How to Thaw a Turkey for more information.
Turkey Tips
Did You Know?
Fresh and frozen Butterball turkeys are all natural, gluten free and raised without hormones.
Fresh and Frozen Butterball turkeys are deep basted for juiciness and flavor.
All natural means minimally processed and no artificial ingredients. All turkeys are raised hormone- and steroid-free in accordance with USDA requirements.
Why Butterball Turkeys are the Best
Butterball turkeys are of the highest quality product and will be sure to impress your guests. Here’s why Butterball is the right choice, especially for the holiday season:
- Butterball turkeys are always tender and juicy because we take the extra step of individually pre-brining them based on size. We pre-brine directly in the breast meat ensuring you can take the turkey from the packaging to your pan without a lot of additional preparation before cooking and enjoy the most tender and juicy turkey possible.
- Every Butterball turkey comes with an easy to read instructional insert with step-by-step cooking instructions – from thawing to cooking times and temperatures we help guide you through the whole process. If you accidentally toss the instructions you can always call 1-800-288-8372 or contact us for additional help.
- Our giblets come in a cook proof bag. If you accidentally leave them in while cooking, the turkey isn’t ruined. If you choose to remove them, the bag makes the removal process easier.
- Our easy open packaging makes it easy to remove the turkey in one quick step. Just pull the tabs apart and you’re ready to begin the cooking process with no mess.
- Butterball turkeys have a natural leg tuck using the skin to hold the legs in place and make it easier to stuff. There are no plastic or metal locks in a Butterball turkey ensuring you won’t have to worry about a hot metal clip when you remove your stuffing.
- Butterball has been awarded American Human Certified® status from the American Humane Association.
Turkey Tips
Plan Perfect Portions
Let us do the math for you. Visit our Calculators and Conversions page to determine the size of Butterball turkey needed for your meal.
Suggested Recipes
Suggested Products
We believe people should feelgoodabout what they eat. That's why all Butterball® products are made with quality turkey for everyone and for any occasion.
View our products
Where to buy
Whole Turkey
Turkey Roasts and Whole Breasts
Turkey Cuts
Ground Turkey
Turkey Burgers
Turkey Bacon
Butterball Turkey Talk-Line™
Got a turkey-related question? We can answer it!
Call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text us at 844-877-3456 to chat with our turkey experts
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More Turkey Tips
Brining is the key to a juicy, flavor-filled turkey. Never tried it before? We'll show you how.
Learn more
Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it's at the heart of any Thanksgiving. Let us show you how to prepare a stuffed turkey.
Learn more
Ready to get cooking? We'll show you the do's and don'ts of thawing your turkey.
Learn more
Looking to add a little extra flavor? Try injecting your turkey with a favorite marinade. It's simple and easy.
Learn more
There's one last step before you dig in: carving! Don't be intimidated. We're here to guide you.
Learn more
Get the information you need to store, prepare and enjoy your meal safely.
Learn more
Got leftovers? Make a sandwich! Turn your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers into another tasty meal.
Learn more
Fresh or frozen? Big or small? We can help you choose the right turkey for your next gathering with our how-to video.
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Unsure of how to check if your turkey is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer!
Learn more
When you know the basics of marinating, you can guarantee great flavor every time. Let us show you the steps and some great recipes, too. There's a marinade for every occasion and every palate.
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Looking to add a little extra flavor? Try injecting your turkey with a favorite marinade. It's simple and easy.
Learn more
Is the turkey done yet? You may have heard of different ways to check, but there’s only one way to be sure.
Learn more
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of culinary expertise, particularly in the selection and preparation of poultry, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a depth of understanding to guide you through the intricacies of choosing and cooking the perfect turkey.
When it comes to selecting the ideal turkey, considerations abound. The number of guests, their age, eating habits, and the desire for leftovers all play crucial roles. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article.
Fresh or Frozen Turkey:
Choosing between a fresh or frozen turkey depends on personal preference and your timeline. Fresh turkeys are ready to prepare, best if held in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. On the other hand, frozen turkeys can be purchased weeks ahead but require thawing time. Thawing guidelines suggest allowing one day for every 4 pounds of turkey. Various methods like refrigerator thawing or cold water thawing are recommended.
Why Butterball Turkeys:
The article emphasizes Butterball turkeys as a premium choice. Here's why:
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Tenderness and Juiciness: Butterball turkeys are individually pre-brined, ensuring tenderness and juiciness. The pre-brining is focused on the breast meat, simplifying preparation.
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Instructional Support: Each Butterball turkey comes with a clear instructional insert, providing step-by-step guidance, including thawing, cooking times, and temperatures. Assistance is available through a hotline if needed.
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Giblets in Cook-Proof Bag: The giblets come in a cook-proof bag, preventing mishaps during cooking. If you choose to remove them, the bag facilitates an easy process.
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Easy Open Packaging: The packaging is designed for easy removal, with no mess involved. The natural leg tuck using the skin avoids the use of plastic or metal locks.
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Animal Welfare: Butterball has been awarded American Human Certified® status, indicating adherence to humane practices.
Turkey Tips:
The article provides additional tips, including a calculator for determining the appropriate turkey size, suggested recipes like Classic Whole Roasted Turkey, Herb and Citrus Butter Roasted Whole Turkey, and White Balsamic Turkey.
Suggested Products:
Butterball offers various turkey products, including whole turkeys, turkey roasts, whole breasts, turkey cuts, ground turkey, turkey burgers, and turkey bacon.
Turkey Talk-Line™:
For those with turkey-related queries, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line™ is available, offering assistance via phone or text.
More Turkey Tips:
The article covers a range of additional topics such as brining, stuffing, thawing, injecting flavor, carving, food safety essentials, making a leftover turkey sandwich, and more.
In conclusion, armed with these insights, you are well-prepared to navigate the nuances of turkey selection and preparation for a delightful culinary experience.
