Planning a Thanksgiving dinner can be as daunting as the feast itself, especially when it comes to the centerpiece: the turkey. Questions arise even before you begin cooking: What size turkey should I buy? How much turkey per person is really enough? If you’re wondering “How Many Pounds Of Turkey Per Person” for your Thanksgiving gathering, you’re not alone.
We understand the Thanksgiving turkey dilemmas. To simplify your holiday planning, we’ve consulted our team of test kitchen experts to provide the ultimate guide on turkey buying and hosting, ensuring you purchase just the right size bird for your celebration.
Before heading to the grocery store, it’s crucial to have a headcount of your guests. Knowing approximately how many people you’re serving is the first step to buying the correct size turkey and effectively planning your cooking schedule. This foresight allows you to not only select the right bird but also to accurately calculate the roasting time. With the turkey’s oven time in mind, you can then organize your other Thanksgiving dishes accordingly, perhaps even delegating some sides to your guests. Imagine, this year, Thanksgiving might actually run smoothly!
Calculating Turkey: How Much is Enough Per Guest?
It’s tempting to grab the largest turkey you see, but a 20-pound bird is likely overkill for a small gathering. The generally accepted rule is to estimate 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. This might sound like a lot, but remember that a whole turkey includes bones and parts that aren’t typically eaten. “When you buy a whole turkey, a significant portion of its weight is bone,” explains recipe developer Jessie YuChen. Smaller turkeys actually have a higher bone-to-meat ratio. For smaller groups desiring leftovers, Jessie suggests increasing the estimate to 2 pounds per person to guarantee ample extra turkey. “For a group of four to six people, a turkey in the 11 to 13 pound range is ideal,” Jessie advises. Most standard turkey recipes are indeed designed for a 12- to 14-pound turkey.
Beyond bones, a whole turkey’s total weight includes cartilage and less desirable meat cuts around the shoulders, neck, and back. These parts are better utilized for making flavorful turkey stock rather than serving on your Thanksgiving platter. Therefore, purchasing one pound of turkey per person doesn’t translate to a pound of edible meat for each guest.
Finding the Right Turkey Size for Your Guest List
If you’re considering buying a larger turkey to ensure everyone is satisfied and has their fill of tryptophan, Bon Appétit contributing editor Amiel Stanek points out a critical factor: larger turkeys are more prone to uneven cooking. “To ensure the turkey breast remains moist while the dark meat cooks thoroughly,” he explains, “you’ll achieve the best results with a turkey that is 15 pounds or less.” If you are hosting a large crowd, consider cooking two smaller, moderately sized turkeys side-by-side. Alternatively, you could roast one turkey a day or two in advance and reheat it on Thanksgiving Day.
If a 15-pound turkey seems too small for your extensive guest list, Amiel and Jessie recommend supplementing with an additional meat or protein option, regardless of your party size. “I like to add steak or lamb chops,” Jessie suggests, “They feel very festive and are much simpler to prepare than a whole turkey.” Offering a second main course not only serves as a backup if your turkey is smaller than anticipated or a bit lean, but it also effectively stretches your turkey to serve more people. Aim for a total of 1 to 1½ pounds of protein per person, including your supplementary dish, and you can be confident you’ll have more than enough food for everyone.
In summary, when figuring out how many pounds of turkey per person, remember the 1 to 1.5 pound rule, consider opting for 2 pounds per person for leftovers, and think about cooking multiple smaller birds for large gatherings to ensure even cooking. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to buy the perfect turkey and host a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving.
