Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special gatherings often revolve around a delicious turkey dinner. Cooking a mouthwatering turkey that pleases everyone can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure how much turkey to buy. In this ultimate guide, we’ll help you determine the perfect amount of turkey per person, ensuring you have enough to feed your entire crowd without leftovers.
When planning your turkey dinner, there are a few important factors to consider. First, think about the size of your turkey. Turkeys typically range in size from 8 to 24 pounds, with the average bird weighing around 12 to 14 pounds. The general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person, but this can vary depending on the appetites of your guests and whether you’re serving other dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Now that you have a better idea of how much turkey to buy, let’s explore some additional tips to ensure a successful turkey dinner:
how much turkey per person
Rule of thumb: 1 pound of turkey per person.
- Consider appetites and side dishes.
- 8-24 pound turkeys are common.
- 12-14 pound turkeys are average.
- 8-10 people: 12-14 pound turkey.
- 10-12 people: 18-20 pound turkey.
- 12-14 people: 22-24 pound turkey.
- Account for leftovers and sandwiches.
- Buy a slightly larger turkey if unsure.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Adjust the amount of turkey you purchase based on your specific needs and preferences.
Consider appetites and side dishes.
The rule of thumb of 1 pound of turkey per person is a good starting point, but it’s important to consider the appetites of your guests and the side dishes you’ll be serving.
If you have guests who are known for having large appetites, or if you’re planning on serving side dishes that are particularly filling, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, you may want to increase the amount of turkey you purchase.
On the other hand, if you have guests who are likely to eat smaller portions, or if you’re planning on serving lighter side dishes, such as salads and roasted vegetables, you may be able to get away with purchasing a slightly smaller turkey.
It’s also worth considering whether you want to have leftovers. If you’re hoping to have enough turkey for sandwiches and other meals throughout the week, you may want to purchase a larger bird.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how much turkey you need is to use your best judgment and consider all of the factors mentioned above. It’s always better to have a little too much turkey than not enough.
8-24 pound turkeys are common.
The size of turkey you need will depend on the number of people you’re feeding and their appetites. However, as a general rule, 8-24 pound turkeys are common.
An 8-10 pound turkey will typically feed 6-8 people, while a 12-14 pound turkey will feed 8-10 people. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you may need a 16-18 pound turkey, or even a 20-24 pound turkey.
When choosing a turkey, it’s important to keep in mind that the weight of the turkey includes the giblets and neck. So, if you’re buying a 12-pound turkey, you can expect the actual meat yield to be closer to 10 pounds.
It’s also important to factor in the cooking method when determining how much turkey you need. If you’re roasting the turkey, you’ll lose some weight due to evaporation. As a result, it’s a good idea to purchase a slightly larger turkey than you think you’ll need.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the right size turkey for your needs is to use a turkey calculator. These calculators take into account the number of people you’re feeding, the cooking method, and the desired amount of leftovers.
12-14 pound turkeys are average.
12-14 pound turkeys are considered average because they are a good size for feeding a family of 8-10 people. They are also relatively easy to find in grocery stores and are typically priced lower than larger turkeys.
- Good for 8-10 people: A 12-14 pound turkey will typically yield 8-10 pounds of meat, which is enough to feed 8-10 people.
- Easy to find: 12-14 pound turkeys are widely available in grocery stores and are typically stocked year-round.
- Affordable: 12-14 pound turkeys are typically priced lower than larger turkeys, making them a good value for your money.
- Easy to cook: 12-14 pound turkeys are a good size for roasting in a standard oven. They also cook relatively quickly, making them a good option for busy cooks.
If you are feeding a larger crowd, you may need to purchase a larger turkey. However, if you are feeding a smaller crowd, or if you want to have leftovers, a 12-14 pound turkey is a good option.
8-10 people: 12-14 pound turkey.
A 12-14 pound turkey is a good size for feeding 8-10 people because it will typically yield 8-10 pounds of meat. This is enough to provide each person with a generous serving of turkey, with some leftovers to spare.
When cooking a 12-14 pound turkey, it is important to allow enough time for the turkey to cook thoroughly. A good rule of thumb is to allow 20 minutes per pound of turkey. This means that a 12-pound turkey will take about 4 hours to cook, while a 14-pound turkey will take about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
To ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly, it is important to baste it regularly with butter or oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out.
Once the turkey is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.
If you are unsure whether a 12-14 pound turkey is the right size for your needs, it is always better to err on the side of caution and purchase a larger turkey. This way, you can be sure that you will have enough turkey to feed everyone, with some leftovers to enjoy the next day.
10-12 people: 18-20 pound turkey.
A 18-20 pound turkey is a good size for feeding 10-12 people because it will typically yield 12-14 pounds of meat. This is enough to provide each person with a generous serving of turkey, with some leftovers to spare.
When cooking a 18-20 pound turkey, it is important to allow enough time for the turkey to cook thoroughly. A good rule of thumb is to allow 20 minutes per pound of turkey. This means that a 18-pound turkey will take about 6 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 6 hours and 40 minutes.
To ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly, it is important to baste it regularly with butter or oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out.
Once the turkey is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.
If you are unsure whether a 18-20 pound turkey is the right size for your needs, it is always better to err on the side of caution and purchase a larger turkey. This way, you can be sure that you will have enough turkey to feed everyone, with some leftovers to enjoy the next day.
12-14 people: 22-24 pound turkey.
A 22-24 pound turkey is a good size for feeding 12-14 people because it will typically yield 16-18 pounds of meat. This is enough to provide each person with a generous serving of turkey, with some leftovers to spare.
When cooking a 22-24 pound turkey, it is important to allow enough time for the turkey to cook thoroughly. A good rule of thumb is to allow 20 minutes per pound of turkey. This means that a 22-pound turkey will take about 7 hours and 20 minutes to cook, while a 24-pound turkey will take about 8 hours.
To ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly, it is important to baste it regularly with butter or oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out.
Once the turkey is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.
If you are unsure whether a 22-24 pound turkey is the right size for your needs, it is always better to err on the side of caution and purchase a larger turkey. This way, you can be sure that you will have enough turkey to feed everyone, with some leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Account for leftovers and sandwiches.
When determining how much turkey to purchase, it is important to factor in leftovers and sandwiches. After all, turkey sandwiches are a classic post-Thanksgiving meal!
To ensure that you have enough turkey for leftovers and sandwiches, you can either purchase a larger turkey than you think you need, or you can cook two turkeys. If you choose to cook two turkeys, you can roast one turkey on Thanksgiving Day and the other turkey the next day.
Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. It can also be used to make turkey salad, turkey pot pie, and turkey tacos.
Turkey sandwiches are a quick and easy lunch or dinner option. They can be made with leftover turkey, bread, and your favorite condiments. You can also add other ingredients to your turkey sandwich, such as cheese, bacon, avocado, or lettuce.
By accounting for leftovers and sandwiches, you can ensure that you have enough turkey to enjoy all week long.
Buy a slightly larger turkey if unsure.
If you are unsure how much turkey to purchase, it is always better to err on the side of caution and buy a slightly larger turkey. This way, you can be sure that you will have enough turkey to feed everyone, with some leftovers to spare.
- You can always have leftovers: Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. It can also be used to make turkey salad, turkey pot pie, and turkey tacos.
- It’s better to have too much than not enough: Running out of turkey on Thanksgiving is a major disaster. Avoid this by purchasing a slightly larger turkey than you think you need.
- You can freeze the leftovers: If you don’t think you will be able to eat all of the leftover turkey right away, you can freeze it for later. This way, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast all week long.
- It’s better to be safe than sorry: When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. By purchasing a slightly larger turkey, you can ensure that you have enough food for everyone.
So, if you are unsure how much turkey to purchase, remember the old adage: “It’s better to have too much than not enough.” Buy a slightly larger turkey, and you can be sure that you will have a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.
FAQ
Have questions about how much turkey to buy? Here are some frequently asked questions along with their answers:
Question 1: How much turkey do I need per person?
Answer: As a general rule, plan for 1 pound of turkey per person. This will give you enough for a generous serving of turkey, with some leftovers.
Question 2: What if I have picky eaters or some guests with large appetites?
Answer: If you have picky eaters or some guests with large appetites, you may want to increase the amount of turkey you purchase. Plan for 1.5 pounds of turkey per person in this case.
Question 3: How do I account for leftovers and sandwiches?
Answer: If you want to have leftovers and sandwiches, you can either purchase a larger turkey or cook two turkeys. Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and casseroles.
Question 4: What size turkey should I buy?
Answer: The size of turkey you need will depend on the number of people you are feeding and their appetites. As a general rule, an 8-10 pound turkey will feed 6-8 people, a 12-14 pound turkey will feed 8-10 people, an 18-20 pound turkey will feed 10-12 people, and a 22-24 pound turkey will feed 12-14 people.
Question 5: What if I buy too much turkey?
Answer: Don’t worry, leftover turkey can be frozen and enjoyed later. Simply wrap the cooked turkey tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Leftover turkey can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about cooking turkey?
Answer: There are many resources available online and in cookbooks that can provide you with more information about cooking turkey. You can also find helpful tips and advice from experienced cooks on cooking forums and social media groups.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about how much turkey to buy. Remember, it’s always better to have a little too much turkey than not enough. Happy Thanksgiving!
Now that you know how much turkey to buy, here are a few tips to help you cook the perfect turkey:
Tips
Here are a few practical tips to help you cook the perfect turkey:
Thaw the turkey properly. If your turkey is frozen, you need to thaw it properly before cooking it. The best way to thaw a turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. You can also thaw the turkey in a sink filled with cold water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
Season the turkey inside and out. Once the turkey is thawed, season it inside and out with your favorite seasonings. You can use a simple salt and pepper rub, or you can get more creative with your seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
Roast the turkey at a low temperature. The best way to cook a turkey is to roast it at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out. Roast the turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound.
Let the turkey rest before carving it. Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bird.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that your family and friends will love. Happy Thanksgiving!
Now that you know how to cook the perfect turkey, here are a few additional tips to help you make the most of your Thanksgiving dinner:
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how much turkey to buy and how to cook it perfectly. Here’s a summary of the main points:
How much turkey per person: As a general rule, plan for 1 pound of turkey per person. This will give you enough for a generous serving of turkey, with some leftovers.
Consider appetites and side dishes: If you have picky eaters or some guests with large appetites, you may want to increase the amount of turkey you purchase. Also, consider the side dishes you’ll be serving. If you’re serving filling side dishes, you may be able to get away with purchasing a slightly smaller turkey.
Buy a slightly larger turkey if unsure: It’s always better to have a little too much turkey than not enough. If you’re unsure how much turkey to buy, err on the side of caution and purchase a slightly larger turkey.
Tips for cooking the perfect turkey: Thaw the turkey properly, season it inside and out, roast it at a low temperature, and let it rest before carving it.
Closing Message
With a little planning and preparation, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that your family and friends will love. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving feast!
