Regardless of how often you host Thanksgiving, there’s always one big question to answer: Exactly how big of a turkey do I need to make? The size of the turkey matters because it determines how much will be left over for Thanksgiving leftovers as well as how big of a helping each guest receives.
Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1. 25. Youll want to plan on about 1. 25 pounds of turkey per person. That means if youre expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.
We’ve put together a guide to help you choose the ideal turkey size for your Thanksgiving dinner menu in order to make things easier.
Ah, the holidays! A time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. And what’s the centerpiece of many holiday feasts? You guessed it, the mighty turkey! But before you go gobbling up all the information out there, let’s answer the burning question: how big is a 12-pound turkey?
Decoding the 12-Pound Turkey Mystery
A 12-pound turkey is a medium-sized bird perfect for feeding 5-6 people with leftovers. It’s a popular choice for smaller gatherings or those who want to enjoy turkey throughout the week. But remember size isn’t everything! The actual amount of meat you’ll get depends on the turkey’s bone structure and how much skin and fat it has.
Serving Size: A Turkey-tastic Guide
Here’s a handy guide to help you figure out how much turkey you need for your holiday feast:
- 1/2 lb. per person (no leftovers): This is a good option if you’re serving a small group or want to keep things simple.
- 1 lb. per person (includes leftovers): This is a more generous serving size that will ensure everyone has plenty to eat, with some leftover for sandwiches or turkey pot pie.
So, for a 12-pound turkey:
- No leftovers: You can feed 5-6 people comfortably.
- Leftovers: You can feed 4-5 people with generous portions and have plenty leftover.
Turkey Size Chart: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Still feeling a bit lost in the turkey-verse? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Check out this handy turkey size chart:
| Number of People | Turkey Size (No Leftovers) | Turkey Size (With Leftovers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5 lbs. turkey breast | 6-7 lbs. turkey breast |
| 3 | 5 lbs. turkey breast | 10-lb. whole turkey |
| 4 | 6-7 lbs. turkey breast | 13-lb. whole turkey |
| 5 | 8 lbs. turkey breast | 16-17 lb. whole turkey |
| 6 | 10-lb. whole turkey | 20-lb. whole turkey |
| 7 | 11-12 lb. whole turkey | Two 12-lb. whole turkeys |
| 8 | 13-lb. whole turkey | Two 14-lb. whole turkeys |
| 9 | 15-lb. whole turkey | Two 15-lb. whole turkeys |
| 10 | 16-17 lb. whole turkey | Two 17-lb. whole turkeys |
| 12 | 20-lb. whole turkey | Two 20-lb. whole turkeys |
| 15 | 20-lb. whole turkey + 6-7 lbs. turkey breast | Two 22-lb. whole turkeys |
Cooking Tips: From Oven to Table
Now that you know how big your turkey should be, let’s talk cooking! Here are some tips to ensure your turkey is cooked to juicy perfection:
- Thaw your turkey thoroughly before cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add some water to the bottom to prevent it from drying out.
- Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Leftovers: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Leftover turkey is a gift that keeps on giving! You can use it to make delicious sandwiches, soups, stews, and even pot pies. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Turkey sandwiches: Spread some mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and stuffing on your favorite bread.
- Turkey soup: Combine leftover turkey with vegetables, broth, and noodles for a hearty and comforting soup.
- Turkey stew: Add leftover turkey to a stew with potatoes, carrots, and peas.
- Turkey pot pie: Make a creamy pot pie with leftover turkey, vegetables, and a flaky crust.
So there you have it! Now you know how big a 12-pound turkey is, how many people it can feed, and how to cook it to perfection. With this knowledge, you’re ready to tackle your holiday feast with confidence. Just remember to have fun, enjoy the company of your loved ones, and gobble up all the delicious food!
How to Figure Out How Much Turkey Per Person
–Number of Guests – |
Turkey Weight– |
| 4 | 5lbs |
| 6 | 8lbs |
| 8 | 10lbs |
| 10 | 13lbs |
| 12 | 15lbs |
| 15 | 20lbs |
| 20 | 25lbs |
| 25 | 32lbs |
If you have a large number of kids coming, simply round down when calculating your turkey. The children usually devour the rolls and side dishes from the Thanksgiving charcuterie board, stuffing their faces with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cheese and crackers.
What if I’m feeding a large group?
Consider splitting up your family into two groups and purchasing two smaller birds rather than one larger one if you have a large family. This will allow them to cook faster and more evenly.
Make sure you have a substitute Thanksgiving main dish, like sweet potato tortellini or roasted pumpkin lasagna, if you are serving vegetarians or vegans.
If your loved ones just don’t eat turkey, you could cook a smaller bird along with another kind of meat, like a glazed pork loin or spiral ham.
How long to cook a 12 pound turkey in the oven?
What size Turkey should I buy?
The number of guests is the very first start to determine what size turkey to buy. Most turkey portion serving sizing charts are based using a bone-in turkey. A chart might say 1 to 1.5 pounds of purchased turkey per person, so an 8-pound turkey is allegedly perfect for 6-8 people. I say NO! Initially, the bone removes some of that weight.
How long does it take to cook a 12 pound turkey?
Once your 12-pound turkey is in the pan and ready to go into the oven, make sure you set a timer to be sure you check it on time. If you are cooking the turkey at 325°, it will take 3-3 ½ hours to cook. At 350°, it will take 2.5-3 hours. Place your turkey covered in foil in the oven and set a timer for 90 minutes.
How many people can a 8 pound turkey serve?
Most turkey portion serving sizing charts are based using a bone-in turkey. A chart might say 1 to 1.5 pounds of purchased turkey per person, so an 8-pound turkey is allegedly perfect for 6-8 people. I say NO! Initially, the bone removes some of that weight. Secondly, the weight becomes further reduced during cooking.
How many people can a 12 pound turkey feed?
A combination of children, teens, and adults will feed more than a party with all adults that are big eaters. On average, it is best to estimate 1 – 1 ½ pounds per person. For a family of adults and children that are average eaters, a 12-pound turkey will feed 10 people. If it is all adults or big eaters, estimate it to feed 8 people.