Where can I buy XL turkey breasts from?

  • Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
SMF is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

doodlydoobarbecue

Newbie
Original poster
Jul 29, 2024
8
6
Los Angeles, CA
I'm in California and having the hardest time sourcing turkey breast that's >2.5 lbs. per breast. In Texas, you can throw a rock and hit a few dozen at an HEB, but not here.

None of our grocery stores have it, and I've called like five local butchers that have turkey, but they don't have it at that size and won't order it. I even called the Butcher Shoppe in Pensacola who were VERY kind and helpful--they have them but unfortunately the shipping cost greatly exceeded the turkey cost!

Does anyone have a recommendation? I'd be willing to pay something like $10-$11/lb. (shipping included) for some good quality, large turkey breasts. Thanks!
 
Bone in? Boneless? Either way, simply cook more small ones. I really don't see an issue with XL vs small, so maybe some clarification on why they must be XL is in order.
 
Bone in? Boneless? Either way, simply cook more small ones. I really don't see an issue with XL vs small, so maybe some clarification on why they must be XL is in order.
Preferably boneless because I like smoking them Texas BBQ style (and my knife skills could use some work!).

I have been smoking the two pounders and the taste is good but I just like the visuals of the larger ones when carving up and serving it!

I realized now I also have access at Costco to like 18+ lb. turkeys and I could just butcher them myself...good time to learn, right?
 
  • Like
Reactions: DougE
I realized now I also have access at Costco to like 18+ lb. turkeys and I could just butcher them myself...good time to learn, right?
Not overly hard to learn. Just remove the wings and leg quarters and spatchcock the breast, or keep going and debone all of it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: chopsaw
Bone in breasts have more flavor. They carve so easy. Meat is separated from bone with a thin knife. Then sliced thin or thick.

check my Thanksgiving cook

RG
 
Here's a couple different ways to do turkey breast .

 
I totally get this. Was bumped and stuck in Texas. Went to a Rudy's and was FLOORED with their turkey. HUGE almost brisket slices. I went down this rabbit hole and from memory there was some hints these breasts are actually several glued together to get that big. Honestly, would forgo that and get larger whole birds snip the breasts and cure the wings/legs. Poultry shears worth their went in gold if you like poultry like I do. Somewhat convinced Rudy's turkey brine had a little of their sauce in the marinade/injection.
 
I totally get this. Was bumped and stuck in Texas. Went to a Rudy's and was FLOORED with their turkey. HUGE almost brisket slices. I went down this rabbit hole and from memory there was some hints these breasts are actually several glued together to get that big. Honestly, would forgo that and get larger whole birds snip the breasts and cure the wings/legs. Poultry shears worth their went in gold if you like poultry like I do. Somewhat convinced Rudy's turkey brine had a little of their sauce in the marinade/injection.
Nice, great idea. Do you do like a wet brine with Prague powder and make those carnival-style turkey legs? Never tried it but definitely is sounding like I should be breaking down whole turkeys at this point instead of seeking out the breasts only.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zwiller
Nice, great idea. Do you do like a wet brine with Prague powder and make those carnival-style turkey legs? Never tried it but definitely is sounding like I should be breaking down whole turkeys at this point instead of seeking out the breasts only.
Yes all the time. Oh man you have to try it. I run chicken drums that way pretty frequent. Pops low salt brine is my go to.
 
SmokingMeatForums.com is reader supported and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Clicky