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.
A 20-pound turkey will feed between 12 and 14 people. This is assuming that you are serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with sides and dessert. If you are serving a smaller meal or have a lot of leftovers, you could potentially feed more people with a 20-pound turkey.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of how many people a 20-pound turkey will feed:
- 12-14 people: This is the most common estimate for how many people a 20-pound turkey will feed. This assumes that you are serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal with sides and dessert.
- 10-12 people: This is a more conservative estimate, and it is a good option if you are not sure how much food your guests will eat.
- 15-16 people: This is a more generous estimate, and it is a good option if you have a lot of guests or if you know that your guests are big eaters.
Here are some additional factors to consider when determining how many people a 20-pound turkey will feed:
- The number of sides you are serving: If you are serving a lot of sides, you may be able to feed more people with a 20-pound turkey.
- The size of your guests: If you have a lot of large guests, you may need to cook a larger turkey.
- How much your guests eat: If you know that your guests are big eaters, you may need to cook a larger turkey.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how many people a 20-pound turkey will feed is to use your best judgment. Consider the factors above and make a decision based on your specific circumstances.
Additional tips for feeding a crowd with a 20-pound turkey:
- Cook the turkey ahead of time: This will give you more time to prepare the rest of your meal.
- Carve the turkey ahead of time: This will make it easier to serve your guests.
- Have plenty of leftovers: Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
- Don’t forget the sides: Sides are an important part of any Thanksgiving meal. Be sure to have plenty of sides on hand to feed your guests.
- Have a backup plan: If you run out of food, have a backup plan in place. You could order pizza or have some frozen meals on hand.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have enough food to feed a crowd with a 20-pound turkey
Light Meat vs. Dark MeatIf your guests have a strong preference for light or dark meat, grab a few extra cuts to make sure you have enough of the desired kind. Pick up extra turkey breasts for light meat lovers, and extra legs or thighs to have more dark meat available.If your group only likes one kind, consider skipping the whole turkey altogether and only preparing
Its time to think about turkey prep. While there are many ways to season a turkey, here are two simple recipes to get started:
- For big gatherings: We adore this easy recipe for marinated Thanksgiving turkey.
- For small gatherings: Cooking turkey breasts is simple with this slow cooker recipe.
Once youve chosen the perfect turkey recipe, make sure you know how to prepare it! This handy guide tells you exactly
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.
How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?
FAQ
How many people does a 20 lb turkey feed?
|
Number of Guests
|
Turkey Weight–
|
|
12
|
15lbs
|
|
15
|
20lbs
|
|
20
|
25lbs
|
|
25
|
32lbs
|
Is a 20 pound turkey enough for 14 people?
Is 20 lb turkey too big?
How much actual meat do you get from a 20 lb turkey?