Thanksgiving day stress may be increasing as it approaches, and a large portion of it might originate from the bird. One of the most important decisions when preparing a Thanksgiving meal for your loved ones is how much turkey to cook for each person. Get the appropriate size turkey for your party before deciding on a wet or dry brine, stuffing the bird, or serving the dressing on the side.
Undoubtedly, cooking a turkey can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to ruin the fun of your holiday feast.
Don’t panic if you’re freaking out about cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year—here’s everything you need to know about the big bird!
The holidays are a time for feasting, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious turkey dinner? But before you head to the store, you need to figure out how big of a bird to buy. An 18-pound turkey is a popular choice, but how many people can it actually feed?
Here’s a handy guide to help you determine the right turkey size for your Thanksgiving gathering:
Number of Guests:
- 10-12 people: An 18-pound turkey will comfortably feed a group of 10-12 people, with enough leftovers for sandwiches and other post-Thanksgiving meals.
Turkey Size per Person:
- 1 pound per person: This is a general rule of thumb for buying turkey, and it provides approximately 7 cooked ounces of meat per serving.
- 1.5 pounds per person: If you want to ensure everyone gets their fill of turkey and have plenty of leftovers, consider buying 1.5 pounds per person. This will give you about 10 cooked ounces of meat per serving.
Factors to Consider:
- Appetites: Consider the appetites of your guests. If you have a group of hearty eaters, you may want to err on the side of caution and get a slightly larger turkey.
- Side Dishes: The number of side dishes you plan to serve can also influence the amount of turkey you need. If you have a large spread of side dishes, you may not need as much turkey.
- Leftovers: Do you want to have leftovers? If so, factor that into your calculations. An 18-pound turkey will likely yield enough leftovers for several meals for a family of four.
Additional Tips:
- Smaller Groups: For smaller groups, consider buying a turkey breast instead of a whole bird. Turkey breasts are available in various sizes, and they cook much faster.
- Large Groups: If you’re feeding a large crowd, consider buying two smaller turkeys instead of one large one. This will ensure that the turkeys cook evenly and that everyone gets a juicy piece of meat.
- Cooking Time: Be sure to factor in the cooking time when planning your Thanksgiving meal. An 18-pound turkey will take approximately 3-4 hours to cook.
Here’s a quick reference table to help you choose the right turkey size:
| Number of Guests | Turkey Size |
|---|---|
| 4-6 | 4-9 lbs |
| 8-10 | 8-15 lbs |
| 12-16 | 12-24 lbs |
| 18-20 | 18-30 lbs |
Remember, these are just guidelines. The best way to determine the right turkey size is to consider the factors mentioned above and use your best judgment.
Happy Thanksgiving!
How many people will a 12-lb. turkey feed?
Given that approximately one-half pound of turkey meat serves one person, a 12-pound turkey provides enough food for eight people.
How many people will a 20-lb. turkey feed?
A 20-pound turkey will feed between 12 and 14 people.
How many pounds of turkey should you have per person?
FAQ
How big of a turkey do I need for 20 guests?
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Number of Guests
|
Turkey Weight–
|
|
12
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15lbs
|
|
15
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20lbs
|
|
20
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25lbs
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|
25
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32lbs
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How many people can a 18 lb turkey feed?
An 18 lb turkey will typically feed 10-12 people. However, the number of people a turkey can feed will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the appetites of your guests, and how much other food you are serving. What are some factors to consider when determining how many people a turkey will feed?
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.
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 many turkeys should a 20 pound crowd eat?
If you’re feeding a crowd of 20, shoot for two 12- to 14-pound turkeys. You could even try different seasoning methods on each and let your guests decide which one they like better. Or, just pick another Thanksgiving main course to serve alongside your medium-sized bird.