Not sure how much turkey to make per person this holiday season? This handy rule will make your Thanksgiving planning so much easier.
No matter how often you host Thanksgiving, one big question remains the same: Exactly how much turkey do I need to make per person? The turkey’s size determines how big of a helping each guest receives—not to mention how much will remain for leftover turkey recipes.
If you want to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey recipe will prepare enough turkey for every guest, plan on 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person. Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25, then round up to the nearest whole number. So, if you’re expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.
To simplify things, we’ve created a guide to help you pick the perfect-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, many people start thinking about cooking a turkey as the centerpiece of their festive meals But if you’ve never tackled a 20 pound turkey before, you may be wondering – just how big is a bird that size? In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about the dimensions, oven size needed, timing guidelines, and more when working with a 20 lb turkey
Visualizing the Size of a 20 lb Turkey
First, let’s get a sense of what a 20 lb turkey actually looks like. Weight alone doesn’t give us the full picture so here are the typical dimensions
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Length: 18-20 inches
- Width: 12-14 inches
So we’re talking about a bird that stands about 1-1.5 feet tall and stretches nearly 2 feet long from head to tail. It’s a substantial piece of poultry! Of course, the exact size can vary somewhat based on breed, whether it’s stuffed or not, and other factors. But this gives you a general ballpark.
To put it in perspective, here’s how a 20 lb turkey compares to other common sizes:
- 10 lb turkey: 9 inches tall, 13 inches long
- 16 lb turkey: 11 inches tall, 16 inches long
- 25 lb turkey: 14 inches tall, 22 inches long
As you go up in weight, the dimensions increase accordingly. So a 20 pounder falls right in the middle ground – bigger than a 16 pounder, but smaller than a 25 pound beast.
Oven Size Requirements
One key consideration when purchasing a 20 lb turkey is whether or not it will actually fit in your oven. Here are the recommended minimum oven dimensions:
- Height: 16 inches
- Width: 18 inches
So your oven needs to be at least 2 inches taller and wider than the bird itself. This allows adequate airflow circulation so the turkey cooks evenly.
Most standard ovens meet these requirements. But if you have a more compact model, take measurements first before buying an oversized turkey. You definitely don’t want to realize on Thanksgiving morning that it doesn’t fit!
As a general guide, you’ll want your oven capacity to be:
- Turkeys up to 12 lbs: 14 x 10 inches minimum
- Turkeys up to 16 lbs: 15 3/4 x 12 inches minimum
- Turkeys up to 20 lbs: 16 x 13 inches minimum
It’s also crucial that your oven maintains an even, consistent heat. If there are known hot or cold spots, use oven thermometers to keep an eye on this and rotate the pan during roasting.
Thawing a Frozen Bird
If your turkey is frozen, make sure to account for the thawing time. This is not a step to rush! There are three safe methods:
Refrigerator: The gold standard. Allow 24 hours of fridge thawing for every 4-5 lbs of turkey. So a 20 lb turkey will need a good 4-5 days in the fridge.
Cold Water: Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Estimate about 30 minutes per pound, so 10 hours total for a 20 lb turkey.
Microwave: Follow your microwave’s defrost setting guidelines carefully, checking often. Remove giblets first if still in the turkey.
Once thawed, let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature before roasting so it can finish coming up fully to temp. Make sure to pat the skin dry thoroughly and apply any seasonings or oils.
Never thaw a turkey at room temp or in hot water, as this poses a food safety risk. Cook within 1-2 days of thawing.
Cooking Time Guidelines
A whole 20 lb turkey typically needs to roast for about 4-5 hours in order to safely reach an internal temperature of 165°F in both the breast and thigh. Here are some estimates based on oven temp:
- 325°F oven: Approximately 5 hours
- 350°F oven: Approximately 4 1/2 hours
- 375°F oven: Approximately 4 hours
These times are based on an unstuffed turkey roasted in a rack set inside a roasting pan. Always check with a meat thermometer for doneness instead of just going by time.
A handy shortcut is to calculate 15-18 minutes per pound for an approximate time range. So for a 20 lb turkey, estimate anywhere from 5-6 hours of roasting time.
And be sure to tent and let the cooked turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for better texture and moisture.
Adjustments for Convection Ovens
If you’ll be cooking your turkey in a convection oven, some adjustments are needed. The circulating hot air decreases cooking time significantly compared to a standard oven.
Here are the general guidelines:
- Reduce temperature by 25°F
- Cooking time reduced by about 30%
So you’d roast a 20 lb turkey for around 3 1/2 hours at 325°F in a convection oven. Rely on a meat thermometer and adjust time if needed.
Cost Comparison
Turkey prices fluctuate most noticeably around the holidays. But on average, expect to spend:
- $1-2 per pound for a whole turkey
- $20-40 for a 20 lb bird
The winter holiday season tends to be the priciest time for turkeys. While late fall when supplies are plentiful offers better deals. Consider buying a bit early and freezing if your freezer space allows.
Compared to other proteins like beef, turkey can be a more budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd. Get extra value from your investment by using leftovers.
Carving and Serving
Once your 20 lb turkey is perfectly cooked and rested, it’s finally time to carve! Here are some tips:
- Use a sharp carving knife and meat fork for control
- Remove the legs and wings first
- Then slice vertical cuts of breast meat alongside the breastbone
- Finally, carve across the grain into thin slices
Plan for about 1/4-1/3 pound of turkey per person when serving a group. Offer both white and dark meat, and make sure to leave plenty of room for delicious sides!
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Slice or shred to create easy turkey sandwiches, soups, salads, and casseroles.
From handling the size to roasting times, you now know what to expect when cooking a 20 lb turkey. The key takeaways:
- A 20 lb turkey is 12-14 inches tall and 18-20 inches long
- Confirm your oven is large enough, at least 16 x 18 inches
- Allow 4-5 days to thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge
- Roast at 325°F for around 5 hours
- Check temperature to ensure 165°F doneness
- Let rest before slicing and carving
- Plan for 1/4-1/3 pound per serving
With proper thawing, seasonings, and roasting, your 20 lb bird will shine as the star of your holiday table! A meat thermometer is indispensible for success.
Now you can relax and enjoy time with loved ones, confident that your turkey will turn out perfectly juicy and delicious.
What size turkey should I buy to feed a large group?
You don’t have to buy one large turkey to feed a crowd. Large turkeys are heavy and take a long time to cook. Instead, try dividing the total number of pounds by two and buying two smaller birds. Cooking a small turkey is quicker, and the meat will cook more evenly.
Can you make more light meat vs. dark meat?
If your guests strongly prefer light or dark meat, it’s easy to grab a few extra cuts to ensure you have enough of the desired kind. Prepare turkey breast recipes for light meat lovers, or whip up turkey leg recipes to have more dark meat available. Or skip the whole turkey altogether and only prepare the turkey cut your crowd prefers.
The Perfect Roast: 20-Pound Turkey Edition
FAQ
How many people will a 20 lb turkey serve?
“So, for 10 people you should prepare a 20-pound turkey. Home cooks should expect to yield 40 percent of a cooked bird, and between dark meat and white meat preferences, the yield will shrink even further,” DiSpirito says.
Is a 20 lb turkey big?
As tempting as a 20-pound turkey may look at the store, you really don’t need one that large for a six-person gathering. The general rule is 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. If that seems like a lot, remember that a whole bone-in turkey comes with parts that don’t get eaten.
What is the best size turkey for 2 people?
A general rule of thumb is to allow for 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you want leftovers and/or have hearty eaters, you may want to plan for 1 1/2 to 2 pounds/person. Additionally, larger turkeys require longer cooking times — and larger roasting pans — so keep that in mind when planning your meal.
Will a 20-pound turkey fit in my oven?
For a 30″ Freestanding Double Oven Range (and most 2017 and newer Slide-in Double Oven Ranges), the lower oven will hold a turkey that is about 20 pounds.
Is a 20 lb Turkey a big Turkey?
A 20 lb turkey is considered a large bird. Smaller turkeys, such as 10-12 lb ones, will have smaller dimensions, while larger turkeys, like 25 lb or more, will have bigger dimensions. 5. Can I cook a 20 lb turkey in a convection oven? Yes, you can cook a 20 lb turkey in a convection oven.
How long does a 20 lb Turkey take to cook?
A 20lb turkey is approximately 24-26 inches long from neck to tail. The wingspan of a 20lb turkey is roughly 4.5 feet. Allow about 15 minutes of roasting time per pound of turkey. So a 20lb bird will need about 5 hours in the oven. When estimating how big of a turkey you need, plan for about 1 pound of turkey meat per person.
Can a 20 lb Turkey be cooked in an oven?
A standard oven should be able to accommodate a 20 lb turkey without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to measure the dimensions of your oven beforehand to ensure a proper fit. 8. How do I know if a 20 lb turkey is fully cooked? The best way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer.
How many people can a 20 lb turkey feed?
A 20 lb turkey can generally feed around 10-12 people, depending on their appetite and the number of side dishes. 2. How long does it take to cook a 20 lb turkey? Roasting a 20 lb turkey at 325°F (162°C) usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
What size Turkey should I buy?
The happiest holiday memories are often made around the Thanksgiving table, with the turkey being the ultimate centerpiece! Thankfully (pun intended!), this chart will help you decide what size turkey to buy based on guest count. The general rule of thumb is one pound of turkey per adult and a half pound per child.
Can you cook a 20 lb Turkey in a convection oven?
Yes, you can cook a 20 lb turkey in a convection oven. However, since convection ovens circulate hot air, the cooking time may be reduced. It is advisable to consult your oven’s manual or follow a trusted recipe for cooking times. 6. How much does a 20 lb turkey cost?