How Small of a Turkey Can I Buy? Your Guide to Purchasing Petite Poultry

The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s time to start thinking about the star of your festive feast the turkey. But if you’re only cooking for a few people, lugging home a massive 20-pound bird can feel like overkill. No worries – you have options when it comes to small turkeys. This guide will cover everything you need to know to find, buy, and cook the perfect petite turkey for your gathering.

How Tiny Can You Go? Exploring the Smallest Turkeys Available

So exactly how small can you find a turkey? The truth is even a “small” turkey is still a good-sized bird. But you can definitely go smaller than the standard sizes found in most grocery stores.

Here’s a quick overview of just how petite poultry can get

• Most grocery store “small” turkeys range from 10 to 16 pounds.

• Specialty turkey brands like Butterball’s “Lil Butterball” offer birds as little as 8 to 12 pounds.

• Mail order sites provide pasture-raised and organic turkeys from 6 to 10 pounds

• Local farms that raise heritage breed turkeys often have petite birds from 6 to 8 pounds.

So while you probably won’t find a cornish game hen sized turkey, know that you have options well under the traditional sizes. A 6 to 10 pound turkey can be perfect for a small gathering.

Estimating Turkey Size Needed Per Person

Trying to estimate how much turkey you need? Here’s a simple formula:

• For 2 people – plan on purchasing a 6 to 8 pound turkey

• For 4 people – aim for an 8 to 10 pound turkey

• For 6 people – look for a 10 to 12 pound turkey

The general rule of thumb is about 1 pound of uncooked turkey meat per person. But feel free to adjust up or down depending on how turkey-focused your group is. It’s better to have extra than run short!

Where to Shop for a Small Turkey

Looking for the best places to source a petite bird? Here are some options:

• Local grocery stores – Call ahead to specialty meat departments for availability of small turkeys. Many stock 10 to 16 pound birds.

• Specialty markets – Stores like Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market and Whole Foods often carry small turkeys, sometimes as tiny as 6 pounds.

• Butcher shops – Ask your local butcher if they can special order a small turkey for you. This ensures you get the exact size you want.

• Farm stands & markets – Check for pasture-raised heritage breed turkeys that run smaller, usually 6 to 10 pounds.

• Mail order – Online retailers like D’Artagnan or Joyce Farms offer organic and sustainably raised small turkeys shipped right to your door.

Cooking Time for a Small Turkey

The big perk of a small turkey is it cooks faster! Here are general guidelines:

• 6 to 8 pound turkey – Cooks in about 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours at 325°F.

• 10 to 12 pound turkey – Requires around 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours roasting time.

• 14 to 16 pound turkey – Will need roughly 3 1⁄2 to 4 hours in the oven.

Always use a meat thermometer and cook until the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Let the bird rest 15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.

Handy Tips for Roasting a Petite Turkey

Prepping and roasting a small turkey is mostly the same as a larger bird, but here are some useful tips:

• Use a small roasting pan – Choose a pan that fits your bird snugly to promote even cooking.

• Skip stuffing – A small cavity makes stuffing tricky. Cook your stuffing separately for better results.

• Reduce oven temperature – Cook at 325°F rather than 350°F to prevent drying out.

• Watch cooking time – Check temperature early and tent with foil to prevent overcooking.

• Make stock from the carcass – Simmer bones to create rich turkey broth for soups or gravy.

With these handy hints, you’ll be ready to roast your petite turkey to golden, juicy perfection.

Getting Creative with Small Turkey Options

If even a 10 pound turkey sounds like too much, get creative with these alternatives:

• Purchase just a turkey breast – Boneless breasts are typically between 3 to 6 pounds.

• Buy a turkey breast roast – These boneless rolls of white and dark meat are perfect for small groups.

• Cook turkey parts – Opt for bone-in breasts, drumsticks, thighs or wings for individual portions.

• Order a turkey tenderloin – These long, slender cuts of white meat weigh around 1 1⁄2 pounds.

• Grill turkey cutlets – Quick-cooking cutlets satisfy small appetites.

Key Takeaways for Buying and Cooking Small Turkeys

Here are the key points for choosing the right petite poultry for your holiday table:

• For 4 people or less, look for turkeys less than 10 pounds.

• Shop specialty grocers, butchers and farms for birds down to 6 pounds.

• Allow 15-20 minutes per pound cooking time at 325°F.

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature before carving.

• Consider boneless turkey breasts or parts for even smaller yields.

This holiday season, forget struggling with an oversized bird. A small turkey cooked to crispy, juicy perfection is a delicious option for intimate gatherings.