Perhaps the most important decision any Thanksgiving host has to make is what size bird to get. That answer relies on how much turkey per person you need. It’s true that some uncles bogart more turkey than is fair or that there are vegetarians who only eat vegetable side dishes, but overall, it’s best to estimate generously so that your guests will be fed and you’ll have enough leftover turkey for later. Check out our best turkey sandwich recipes and our guide on how to reheat turkey when you’re ready for round two the following day.
And Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without all the traditional sides. We also tell you how many side dishes to anticipate:
Yo, fellow Thanksgiving enthusiasts! It’s your boy, [Company Name], here to help you navigate the tricky world of turkey sizes and guest counts. We’ve all been there: staring at a mountain of raw poultry, wondering if it’ll be enough to feed the hungry horde descending upon our homes. Fear not, friends, for I bring you the answer to your turkey-related woes!
So, how many people can a 12-lb turkey feed? Well, buckle up, because the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple number It all depends on your appetite, your guests’ eating habits, and whether you’re aiming for leftovers or a clean plate
Here’s the lowdown:
- For a standard Thanksgiving feast with a variety of sides and desserts, a 12-lb turkey should comfortably feed 8 people. This assumes an average appetite and accounts for the bone weight.
- If you have a bunch of hungry dudes or are planning a lighter meal with fewer sides, you might want to bump it up to a 14-lb turkey. This will ensure everyone gets their fill and leaves with happy bellies.
- On the other hand, if you’re a smaller group with moderate appetites, a 10-lb turkey might be all you need. Just be prepared for some leftovers!
Now, let’s talk leftovers. If you’re like me, you love having Thanksgiving leftovers to enjoy for days (or weeks) after the big feast. In that case, go ahead and get a bigger bird. A 14-lb or 16-lb turkey will give you plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, pot pies, and all your other Thanksgiving-inspired culinary creations.
Here’s a handy chart to help you decide:
| Number of Guests | Turkey Size | Leftovers? |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 | 10-12 lbs | Some |
| 8-10 | 12-14 lbs | Plenty |
| 10-12 | 14-16 lbs | Tons |
Remember, these are just guidelines. You know your guests and your appetite better than anyone. So, use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to adjust the turkey size accordingly.
Pro tip: When in doubt, err on the side of caution and get a bigger bird. It’s always better to have too much turkey than not enough. You can always freeze the leftovers for later!
So, there you have it! Now you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the perfect turkey size for your Thanksgiving feast. Go forth and conquer, my friends, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with delicious food, good company, and plenty of leftovers!
How much turkey per person do I need?
It is advisable to allocate one pound of turkey per person or ½ pound of boneless turkey breast per person. If youre buying a bone-in turkey breast, figure on 3/4 pound per person.
- Whole turkey (8 lbs)
- Dry mix stuffing (12 oz)
- Potatoes (4 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (4 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (two 14-oz cans)
- Pie (1–2)
- Brussels sprouts (1.5 lbs)
- Green beans (2 lbs)
- Whole turkey (16 lbs)
- Dry mix stuffing (24 oz)
- Potatoes (8 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (8 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (three 14-oz cans)
- Pie (2–3)
- Brussels sprouts (3 lbs)
- Green beans (4 lbs)
What if I’m serving a large crowd?
Of course, every rule has an exception. Purchasing a 12- to 14-pound turkey and a breast is a better option if you’re cooking for a crowd larger than 16, as larger turkeys tend to dry out before they’re fully cooked. Prepare and bake the entire turkey on the top rack and the breast on the bottom rack of your oven.
- Two turkeys, one 12- to 14-pound whole and one 6- to 10-pound bone-in breast
- Dry mix stuffing (36 oz)
- Potatoes (10 lbs)
- Sweet potatoes (10 lbs)
- Canned cranberry sauce (four 14-oz cans)
- Pie (3–4)
- Brussels sprouts (4.5 lbs)
- Green beans (6 lbs)
How many people will a 15 pound turkey feed?
FAQ
How much meat is on a 12 pound turkey?
How big of a turkey do I need for 12 adults?
|
Number of Guests
|
Turkey Weight–
|
|
10
|
13lbs
|
|
12
|
15lbs
|
|
15
|
20lbs
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|
20
|
25lbs
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How much turkey do I need for 8 adults?
How much turkey do I need for 14 guests?