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One of the main reasons Thanksgiving is also known as Turkey Day is because everyone wants to eat turkey! However, before you go place an order, you should figure out how much turkey each person will need to feed everyone around your holiday table. The large, eye-catching centerpiece is among the most important items on your shopping list. Fortunately, we’ve got an easy formula to help you figure it out, so you can go back to choosing your favorite turkey recipe!
To account for the bones and other inedible portions of the turkey, a general guideline is to estimate 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per guest. That should be plenty especially with everyones favorite Thanksgiving side dishes on the dinner table. Of course, you could always aim for 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per person if you have any ardent supporters of white or dark meat or if you want to send everyone home with a bag of leftovers. In this manner, there will be enough for leftover turkey pot pie the next day and everyone will be sure to get their favorite cut.
The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the inevitable question: how much turkey do I need per person for Thanksgiving? Fear not, fellow feast-planners, for I am here to guide you through the treacherous terrain of turkey math.
First, let’s establish a baseline: 1 pound of turkey per person is the general rule of thumb. However, this is just a starting point. Several factors can influence the amount of turkey you’ll need, so let’s delve deeper into the delicious details.
Consider the Bird’s Anatomy:
- Bones: A whole turkey comes with a lot of bones, which, while essential for flavor, don’t contribute much to the edible meat. Remember, you’re not buying a pound of turkey, you’re buying a pound of edible turkey.
- Light Meat vs. Dark Meat: Some guests might prefer white meat, while others crave the juicy dark meat. If you have a discerning crowd, consider purchasing separate breasts and legs to cater to their preferences.
- Leftovers: Do you dream of turkey sandwiches for days on end? If so, factor in some extra pounds for those post-Thanksgiving feasts.
Adjusting for Different Appetites:
- Big Eaters: For those with bottomless pits for stomachs, consider increasing the amount to 1.5 pounds per person.
- Light Eaters: If you have guests who tend to graze lightly, 1 pound per person might be sufficient.
- Large Gatherings: For large groups, consider purchasing two smaller turkeys instead of one giant bird. This ensures even cooking and juicier meat.
Beyond the Bird:
- Side Dishes: Don’t forget about the plethora of Thanksgiving side dishes that will fill your guests’ plates. Factor in the abundance of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce when estimating turkey consumption.
- Pre-Dinner Snacks: If you’re serving appetizers or snacks before the main event, your guests might have less room for turkey.
The Final Verdict:
While the 1-pound-per-person rule is a good starting point, don’t be afraid to adjust based on your specific circumstances. Remember, it’s always better to have too much turkey than not enough. After all, leftovers are the true heroes of Thanksgiving.
Bonus Tip: When purchasing a turkey, opt for a fresh bird over a frozen one for superior flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try brining your turkey for extra juicy and flavorful meat.
Happy Thanksgiving! May your feast be filled with laughter, delicious food, and plenty of turkey to go around.
6 people = 8 lb. turkey
This Thanksgiving, if you’re entertaining for two or four people, consider purchasing a turkey breast in place of the whole bird. Breasts are much easier to work with, and many people’s favorite part of the turkey is the white breast meat! They take less time to thaw and cook. You should budget 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person for a boneless breast—hell, you can even cook one in an air fryer!
How much turkey do you need per person this Thanksgiving?
Although you already know that each person should have at least 1 1/4 pounds of turkey, we’ve simplified the recipe to make shopping this holiday season easier. Find out what size turkey to shop for for your family feast:
How many pounds of turkey should you have per person?
FAQ
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