We Roasted Turkeys Early This Year to Find the Best Ones You Can Order Online (2024)

Our Top Picks

Gunthorp Family Farms' Pasture-Raised Turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, offering exceptional quality and ethical sourcing. Delivered frozen in an insulated box with dry ice, it arrives within 24-48 hours of ordering fully frozen.

The giblets are included for your gravy or stuffing needs but are not stored in a bag, so we had to fish them out with tongs. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any directions. This turkey boasts a mild yet pleasantly gamey flavor, and its iconic appearance when roasted is impressive. We found the flavor and results top-notch. It is also a large bird, so it will serve a sizable Thanksgiving crowd. It has large breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. You can tell the bird was raised well, which confirms the Gunthorp family's dedication to sustainable agriculture and organic standards.

Currently out of stock, but keep an eye out for a restock.

Price at time of publish: $190

• Size: 15.5-18 pounds
• Shipping: Free shipping on orders of 15 pounds and up

The Porter Road Whole Turkey was one of our favorites during testing for many reasons. We thought this turkey was a nice size even though it cooked a bit faster than anticipated. It was very white meat-heavy with larger breasts and smaller thighs. There was little dark meat in general, so this is good for white-meat turkey lovers. Since the breasts were so much bigger, they didn't dry out as readily, resulting in picture-perfect slices of turkey breast screaming for gravy. Although shipping could be improved, we still love the quality of this turkey. We also love the company's commitment to turkeys without added antibiotics or hormones.

Price at time of publish: $156-173

• Size: 13-15.5 pounds
• Shipping: Flat Rate Shipping on Orders $125
  

If you're the designated Thanksgiving chef or the host of this grand feast, you'll appreciate the convenience and quality of this organic whole turkey. The delivery process is seamless, arriving frozen solid, surrounded by dry ice, and including giblets neatly tucked in a bag within the cavity. With a weight of about 13 pounds and priced reasonably, this organic bird offers excellent value for smaller dinner parties.

It's not just about the price; the turkey is juicy, and we loved the irresistible crispy skin we achieved while roasting. Its organic pedigree, animal welfare standards, and the fact that it's free of additives and antibiotics make it an excellent choice for conscientious consumers.

Price at time of publish: Starts at $66

• Size: 8-12 pounds
• Serves: Free shipping on orders of $125 or more

This organic whole turkey is an exceptional choice for those who take pride in hosting Thanksgiving and crafting the perfect feast. The seamless delivery process ensures it arrives frozen solid, surrounded by dry ice, and with giblets conveniently placed in a bag within the cavity. Weighing around 13 pounds and priced reasonably at $84, it's a fantastic value for an organic bird. Its juicy, flavorful meat and irresistibly crispy skin make it a standout. The fact that it's organic and adheres to animal welfare standards underscores its quality.

Whether hosting a smaller family gathering or a larger party, this turkey, air-dried and dry-brined for extra flavor, will make a stunning centerpiece. The included giblets allow you to create a sensational gravy, adding to the overall dining experience. With its commitment to quality, ethics, and impeccable flavor, this organic whole turkey is a top recommendation for a memorable Thanksgiving meal.

Price at time of publish: Starts at $126

• Size: 11-15 pounds
• Shipping: Free shipping over $200

Despite some packaging issues, the Green Circle turkey from D'Artagnan offers a flavorful and convenient option for special occasions. While the delivery process had room for improvement, the turkey arrived fresh and partially frozen. Its manageable size made it easy to carve, and it cooked faster than expected. The result was juicy and delicious meat with a mix of light and dark portions.

The turkey's taste makes it a step above typical grocery store options and suitable for special gatherings. D'Artagnan's Green Circle turkey program, certified by Humane Farm Animal Care, reflects ethical and sustainable practices.

Currently out of stock, but keep an eye out for a restock.

Price at time of publish: $93

• Size: 12-22 pounds
• Shipping: Dependent on the size of the order; your order will ship via FedEx overnight delivery and arrive properly chilled on your selected delivery date

We often turn to Willie Birds for our Thanksgiving needs because the turkey actually tastes like turkey. It's not too gamey and has that true blue turkey flavor you want as the base for your gravy. You can opt to get the fresh turkey brined or unbrined based on your preferences. The turkeys have origins in the Benedetti family of Sonoma and are raised free-range and fed natural grains and vegetable proteins. They don't use added antibiotics or hormones.

We also love the shipping. Williams Sonoma has the exclusive for the birds, and they offer guaranteed shipping by Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can also get the bird shipped beforehand if you prefer to freeze it ahead. We also love that you can use coupons or wait for sale events to score a bird if the price is too high. No matter what you choose, this turkey is a guaranteed hit.

Price at time of publish: $130-230

• Size: 10-22 pounds
• Shipping: $15 or free with reserve shipping

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between pasture-raised, free-range, and organic turkeys?

  They all are methods of farming turkeys. Pasture-raised means the birds can access outdoor space and are encouraged to roam and forage for food. Free-range means they have some access to the outdoors but also live indoors. Both styles vary across farms, however. Organic means the turkeys are raised under strict standards with feed and additives. Since they need to be certified organic, living conditions are regulated.

• What is a heritage turkey?

  Heritage refers to the breed of turkey. They are usually descendants of heirloom breeds raised with a focus on sustainability. They are often more strong or gamy in flavor and have less breast meat than conventional birds.

• How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?

  The rule of thumb is that it takes 24 hours per four pounds of turkey, so larger birds will need a few days. Avoid making any of these common mistakes while thawing your turkey.

• How long does it take to cook a turkey?

  That depends on the size of the bird, but the formula is about 15-20 minutes per pound of unstuffed turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure you have a good thermometer, like one of our favorites from testing, to take the internet temperature, which should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• When should I order Thanksgiving turkey?

  Many purveyors only offer turkeys seasonally. If you have a chest freezer, you can order it as soon as it becomes available, many beginning in September. Otherwise, many sellers guarantee turkeys arrive in time for specific holiday dates like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you don’t have to stress. Check with each seller to see their timing since they differ by site.