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.
The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning that big turkey dinner. One of the most common questions when prepping a holiday feast is “how many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, this helpful guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when determining the right turkey size for your gathering.
Estimating Turkey Servings
As a general rule of thumb, plan on around 1-1.25 lbs of raw turkey per person. This allows for about 3/4 lb – 1 lb of cooked meat per serving. So for a 20 lb turkey, you can expect to feed:
- 16-20 people at 1 lb per serving
- 13-16 people at 1.25 lbs per serving
However, this is just a baseline estimate. The actual number of servings can vary based on several factors
Number of Guests
Obviously the more people attending your dinner the larger the turkey should be. Make a headcount and use it to plan portions.
Ages and Appetites
Adults tend to eat more than seniors and children. If you’re feeding a crowd with lots of big eaters, size up. For lighter eaters, size down.
Side Dishes
With plenty of side dishes and appetizers, people may fill up before eating a large turkey portion. In this case, you can get away with less turkey.
Leftovers
One big perk of a big bird is leftovers! If you want ample extra turkey, buy slightly larger.
Turkey Type
A boneless turkey breast may yield more meat pound-for-pound than a whole turkey with bones.
By factoring in these elements, you can dial in a more accurate turkey size. It’s better to have a little extra than run short.
Turkey Cooking Times
Another important consideration is cook times. As the weight increases, so does the time needed to roast the turkey fully:
- 8-12 lbs: 2.5 – 3 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 3.5 – 4 hours
- 18-20 lbs: 4 – 4.5 hours
- 20-24 lbs: 4.5 – 5 hours
A 20 lb turkey will likely need a good 4.5+ hours in a 325°F oven. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider breaking it up into two smaller birds that will cook faster.
Handling Leftovers
One bonus of a large bird is leftovers for turkey sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more. Here are some tips for storing leftovers safely:
- Allow the turkey to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Carve meat from the bone and store in shallow airtight containers.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Freeze extras in freezer bags or airtight containers for 2-6 months.
Get creative with leftovers! Turkey pot pie, turkey tetrazzini, turkey salad, and turkey noodle soup are all excellent ways to use up extra meat.
Alternatives for Smaller Groups
If you’re feeding fewer than 15 people, a 20 lb turkey may be overkill. Here are some more manageable options:
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Turkey Breast – Roast a 5-7 lb bone-in turkey breast for 8 or fewer.
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Turkey Tenderloins – Grill or pan sear 2-3 lb tenderloins for 6 or fewer.
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Turkey Legs – Braise or grill turkey legs and thighs for a smaller gathering.
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Other Main Dishes – Consider a spiral ham, beef tenderloin, or plant-based main alongside a 10-12 lb turkey.
Tips for Choosing the Right Size
Here are some final tips for navigating turkey sizes:
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For a more accurate headcount, ask guests to RSVP.
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Research turkey sizes at local grocers to plan your purchase.
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Allow 1-2 lbs extra if you want lots of leftovers.
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Buy two small birds rather than one huge turkey if needed.
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Consider oven size – be sure the turkey fits!
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Shop early – large birds sell out.
With the right information and a little planning, you can determine the perfect turkey size for your upcoming holiday feast. Focus on the unique needs of your gathering, and you’ll wind up with a meal that feeds everyone just right with minimal leftovers or waste. Happy turkey time!
More Thanksgiving Dinner Tips
We have a whole guide of tips for buying turkey because there’s a lot to consider! Here are a few top-level tips:
- Decide if you want to brine the turkey: If you plan to brine a turkey at home, make sure the bird is not labeled as kosher, enhanced or self-basting. These labels indicate that the turkey has already been brined.
- Consider the turkey’s size: After calculating the turkey’s size based on the number of people you’re serving, determine what size roasting pan you’ll need—and double-check that the bird will fit into the one you have at home.
- Look for a well-rounded bird: When shopping for a turkey, look for a bird with a well-rounded shape. The breast should be especially rounded, which indicates that the meat will be especially juicy. Avoid turkeys with flat spots, a sign that the bird may have been thawed and refrozen.
How Much Turkey Per Person for Thanksgiving
–Number of Guests – |
Turkey Weight– |
| 4 | 5 lbs |
| 6 | 8 lbs |
| 8 | 10 lbs |
| 10 | 13 lbs |
| 12 | 15 lbs |
| 15 | 20 lbs |
| 20 | 25 lbs |
| 25 | 32 lbs |
You can use this handy chart to determine the perfect size turkey for your Thanksgiving celebration. Preparing 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person may seem like a lot, but remember that this weight includes parts that you won’t eat (like the bones).
If your guest count includes a lot of kids, simply round down when calculating how much turkey to make per person. The kids may not eat as much turkey and go for the rolls and Thanksgiving sides instead, filling their stomachs with creamy mashed potatoes and cheese and crackers from a Thanksgiving charcuterie board.
How many people will a 20 lb turkey feed?
FAQ
How many people does a 20 lb turkey serve?
Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird in Los Angeles budgets for 2 pounds per person as does Rocco DiSpirito, executive chef at The Standard Grill in NYC. “So, for 10 people you should prepare a 20-pound turkey.
How much meat will a 20 pound turkey yield?
It is usually expressed as a percentage of the live weight of the turkey. For example, a turkey with a live weight of 20 pounds may yield 12 pounds of meat, which would be a yield of 60%.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to cook?
- Stuffing: Stuffed turkeys take longer to cook.
- Oven temperature: Cooking temperature affects cooking time.
- Size of turkey: Larger turkeys take longer to cook.
- Oven cooking bag: Oven cooking bags can speed up cooking time.
What size turkey for 10 adults?
A turkey crown (2-2.5kg) will feed 6 people. A small turkey (3-4.5kg) will feed 6-8 people. A medium turkey (4-5kg) will feed 8-10 people. A large turkey (6-6.5kg) will feed 12-15 people.
How many people can a 20 pound turkey feed?
This can be tricky depending on who you are serving. However, plan 1 to 1.25 pounds per person. So, you should expect that your 20 pound turkey can feed up to 16-20 persons which is okay. A lot of persons wonder if they need to brine and baste their turkey during cooking.
How much is a 20 pound turkey?
The retail price of a fresh turkey is around $ 1.51 per pound, or $ 30.20 for a 20-pound bird. How much money is a 16 pound turkey? And that’s in part because turkey prices are the lowest that they’ve been since 2010, according to Farm Bureau the report.
Why do bigger turkeys feed more people per pound?
The reason bigger turkeys feed more people per pound is that it isn’t the bones that get bigger as a turkey’s overall weight increases, it’s the breasts. Therefore, a larger bird will feature a higher ratio of white meat to bone. Leaving you with one more reason to be thankful during this holiday season.
How long does a 20 lb Turkey take to cook?
Here are some general turkey cooking times as the weight increases: As you can see, a 20 lb turkey will take over 4 hours to roast in the oven. Be sure to plan accordingly so your turkey is ready on time! One great thing about having leftovers is you can create fun new dishes! Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover turkey:
How long does a 20 lb Turkey take to thaw?
A frozen 20 lb turkey needs about 5 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Submerge in cold water for faster thawing of 2-3 days if needed. When shopping for your holiday meal, use a calculation of around 1 – 1 1/4 lbs of turkey per person as a guideline for getting the right size bird.