Tips for Great Turkeys
Holiday meals call for something truly special—and when it comes to turkey, there’s no room for shortcuts. These expert tips for great turkeys will help you choose the best bird, prepare it safely, and serve it up perfectly for your holiday table.
Looking for tips for great turkeys this holiday season? You’ve come to the right place.
Start with a Fresh, Natural Turkey
At Tony’s, our most popular choice is a fresh, natural turkey. These birds are raised cage-free without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides. They live in temperature-controlled hen houses where they’re safe from predators and disease. Their diet? All-natural grain feed and purified water, both tested regularly to ensure quality.
Even the environment is monitored—hen houses are sanitized between flocks, and the birds are inspected daily. This attention to detail guarantees a clean, chemical-free turkey you can feel good about serving.
Explore Premium Turkey Options
We also offer a limited selection of:
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Certified Organic Turkeys
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Kosher Turkeys (salt-brined and processed under Rabbinical supervision)
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Heirloom Turkeys (heritage breeds with smaller breasts and more dark meat)
Pro tip: Order early—supplies are limited! Learn more about turkey labeling terms here.
Heat-and-Serve Turkey Meals
Want to simplify the holiday prep? Our Heat-n-Serve meals include:
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Roasted or Cajun Deep-Fried Turkey Dinners
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Turkey Breast Dinners
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A full menu of prepared sides and gravy
You can even reserve a fully cooked turkey for easy pick-up.
Heat-and-Serve Turkey Meals
Want to simplify the holiday prep? Our Heat-n-Serve meals include:
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Roasted or Cajun Deep-Fried Turkey Dinners
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Turkey Breast Dinners
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A full menu of prepared sides and gravy
You can even reserve a fully cooked turkey for easy pick-up.
Thinking About Turducken?
Yes, it’s real—and yes, it’s delicious. A Turducken is a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey, all de-boned and stuffed with your choice of dressing. Call ahead to reserve one of these hard-to-find holiday showstoppers.
The Truth About Brining
We recommend skipping “pre-brined” or “enhanced” turkeys. These are often injected with saltwater and artificial flavors. Instead, brine your own turkey using natural ingredients. Tony’s offers three flavorful brine mixes: Traditional, Mulling Spice, and Italian. Watch our how-to video here.
Following these tips for great turkeys will help ensure a moist, flavorful bird every time.
Customize Your Bird
Ask us about:
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Boneless Turkeys (perfect for stuffing)
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Spatchcocked Turkeys (butterflied for faster cooking)
Call your local Tony’s Market to make a special request.
Must-Have Tools: Digital Meat Thermometers
A meat thermometer is essential for perfect results. We recommend our long-lasting digital models. If needed, calibrate them by testing in boiling water (set to 202–203°F in Denver).
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook your turkey to 165°F in the deepest part of the thigh for safety—or up to 185°F if you prefer all traces of pink gone. Plan for about 15 minutes per pound, plus 30 minutes of resting time. Add an extra hour if you’re stuffing the bird.
Stuffing: In or Out?
Cooking stuffing inside the turkey often leads to uneven results. Instead, roast dressing in a pan using rich turkey stock and butter for flavor. If you insist on stuffing, make sure it’s hot when inserted and roast immediately.
Try Inverted Roasting
Start your turkey breast-side down for the first 2/3 of cooking time, then flip it for the final 1/3. This method helps the breast stay juicy and prevents overcooking.
Roasting Tips
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Roasting bags reduce cook time and boost juiciness.
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A heavy roasting pan with a rack improves airflow and prevents spills.
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Never stuff hours ahead or slow roast overnight. Always sanitize surfaces after handling raw poultry.
Want more holiday help?
Explore our full holiday meal offerings here, or stop into any Tony’s Market for personal recommendations from our butchers and chefs.
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