As the holidays approach, you may be planning your menu and considering what size turkey to buy While a huge 20-pound turkey roasted golden brown makes a dramatic centerpiece for a big family gathering, smaller turkeys can be a better fit for a more intimate holiday meal
So what is the smallest size turkey you can buy? Here’s a look at your options when going petite for your holiday bird
Typical Smallest Turkey Sizes
The typical minimum size for whole turkeys sold in grocery stores is around 10 to 12 pounds. You may occasionally find smaller heritage breed turkeys, but 10-12 pounds is the most common smallest size available.
Brands like Butterball offer whole turkeys under the “Lil’ Butterball” label, ranging from 10 to 16 pounds. These smaller turkeys are perfect for gatherings of 6 to 8 people.
Estimating Turkey Size Needed
Trying to estimate how much turkey you need? Here are some general guidelines:
- For 4 people – Plan on buying a 5 pound turkey
- For 6 people – Aim for an 8 pound turkey
- For 8 people – Choose a 10 pound turkey
The standard recommendation is to allow for 1 pound of turkey meat per person when calculating quantities. But appetites vary, so adjust up or down as needed. Turkey is often served with plenty of delicious sides, so some guests may fill up on those rather than turkey.
Buying Just a Turkey Breast
Another option for a small gathering is to skip buying a whole turkey and just purchase a bone-in turkey breast. Turkey breasts typically range from 3 to 6 pounds.
Going with just a breast eliminates dealing with the trickier dark meat, and allows for faster cook times. However, you won’t get those flavorful drippings to make turkey gravy.
Where to Shop for Small Turkeys
You can find small turkeys, even as petite as 6 pounds, at:
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Local grocery stores like Kroger – Call ahead to check availability of 10-12 pound turkeys or smaller.
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Specialty markets like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods – Often stock small turkeys down to 12 pounds, and turkey breast options.
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Butchers – Ask if they can special order a small turkey in the exact size you need.
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Online mail order sites like D’Artagnan – Order premium organic and heritage breed small turkeys, shipped frozen.
Cooking Times for Small Turkeys
One advantage of going small with your holiday turkey is reduced cooking times. Here are some estimates:
- 6-8 pound turkey – Cook for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours at 325°F
- 10-12 pound turkey – Cook for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours at 325°F
- 14-16 pound turkey – Cook for 3 1⁄2 – 4 hours at 325°F
Always use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part before removing from the oven. Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Handy Tips for Roasting a Small Turkey
Preparing a small turkey is easy, but here are some useful tips:
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There’s no need to stuff a small turkey. This can hamper even cooking.
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Use a roasting pan just large enough to fit the bird to promote browning.
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Cook at 325°F rather than 350°F to prevent drying out.
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Tent turkey with foil during roasting to prevent over-browning.
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Simmer the carcass for flavorful homemade turkey stock.
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Rub herbs under the skin or coat with citrus-herb butter for extra flavor.
Enjoy Your Perfect Small Turkey Feast
You don’t need an enormous bird to enjoy a delicious holiday turkey dinner. With a petite turkey sized just right for your gathering, you can indulge in all your favorite turkey traditions on a smaller scale. Savor every bite of your perfectly cooked small turkey feast this holiday season!
URL 1:
- Turkey – 20
- Pounds – 9
- Size – 5
- Small – 9
- Buy – 4
- Cook – 3
- Gathering – 2
URL 2:
- Turkey – 11
- Pounds – 7
- Size – 4
- Small – 5
- Buy – 3
- Store – 3
- Butterball – 3
URL 3:
- Turkey – 23
- Butterball – 7
- Pounds – 5
- Small – 4
- Size – 2
- Gatherings – 2
You drive, we’ll navigate
We’ve got good news, and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that you’ve set your sights on a tender, juicy, mouthwatering meat monument that’s absolutely deserving of every ounce of that intense desire that’s burning in your gut. The bad news that this product can’t be shipped and can only be bought in-store. (And if you think about it, that’s actually good news, too—it means you’ll probably get to enjoy it a lot sooner than your postman could get it to you.)
Click here to find Diestel Family Ranch turkey and other products near you, and be sure to call your local store for availability—not everybody carries every product.
| Weight | Roasting Time |
| 6-10lbs. | approx. 2 hrs. |
| 10-12 lbs. | 2 – 2 3/4 hrs |
| 12-14 lbs. | 2 3/4 – 3 1/2 hrs. |
| 14-16 lbs. | 3 1/2 – 3 3/4 hrs. |
| 16-18 lbs. | 3 3/4 – 4 hrs. |
| 18-20 lbs. | 4 – 4 1/2 hrs. |
That suggested roasting times may vary. If the turkey is unstuffed, decrease the roasting times listed above by approximately 30 minutes.
To remove the truss just lift the ring and pull it up and over the end of the drumstick. To secure the truss, hold the drumsticks together, lift the ring and pull it over the drumsticks. The nylon truss is oven and microwave safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450º F.
Preheat oven to 325º F. Remove soft oven ready turkey from the bag. After removing the neck and giblets from the body cavities rinse the bird with cold water. Pat turkey dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird this would be the time to do so.
Family Recipe: Simple Rub
Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices or with a paste made of the following ingredients:
4 Tbsp oil, (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.) 4 tsp. salt, or to taste 2 tsp. paprika
Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 2 cups water or broth. Place your beautiful turkey in the oven.
Use a 325º F oven. We would encourage you to check the internal temperature throughout the roasting time to be careful not to over-roast. The internal temperature typically increases more rapidly during the last half of roasting.
There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a rich, golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. For truly marvelous gravy, heat (do not boil) 1 cup white wine. Pour this over your turkey halfway through the roasting time. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven. Cover and let stand for at least 15 minute before carving.
What Size Turkey To Buy – Ace Hardware
FAQ
What is the minimum turkey size?
The smallest whole turkey I have seen sold in stores is about 12 pounds, so if it is just dinner for two, then you might be better off buying just a turkey breast if you like white meat, or a package of turkey drumsticks or thighs if you like dark meat.
What is a petite turkey?
It’s a fully grown, small breed bird with the same Diestel Family Ranch flavor you’d find in a bird four times its size. Translation: this guy makes it easy to win dinner on a whim with big, bold turkey taste ready in a whole lot less time. Product is available in select retail stores. Sizes may vary from 6-10 lbs.
Is a 10 lb turkey too small?
“For four to six people, 11 to 13 pounds is a good range,” Jessie says. (Most of our recipes call for a 12-to-14-pound bird.)Oct 28, 2024
What is the smallest Butterball turkey size?
Butterball Whole Turkey Li’l Turkey Frozen – Weight Between 5 Lb – 9 Lb.
What is the smallest size Turkey?
The smallest size turkey you can typically buy at most grocery stores is around 10 to 12 pounds. This size is ideal for smaller gatherings of 6-8 people, and it provides enough meat for a delicious meal with some leftovers. If you’re hosting a larger group or want more leftovers for sandwiches and soups, you may want to opt for a larger turkey.
Where can I buy a smaller turkey?
Generally, smaller turkeys might be less readily available since larger sizes are preferred for holiday feasts. However, you can still find smaller turkeys online or at various grocery stores, especially if you plan ahead. 3. How many servings would an 8 to 10-pound turkey provide?
How big is a small turkey breast?
Frankly, even a small turkey is fairly sizable; it’s never going to be like cooking a Cornish game hen. Most “small” turkeys range from 10 to 12 pounds, though you may be able to find one smaller. Where can I buy a small turkey breast? As we mentioned, Kroger grocery stores should stock a range of smaller turkeys, even some as small as five pounds.
How much does a small turkey weigh?
Absolutely! Small turkeys are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions throughout the year. They are perfect for intimate gatherings, holiday dinners, or even as a delightful Sunday roast. In conclusion, if you’re in search of a small turkey, you can easily find one weighing around 8 to 10 pounds.
Can you buy a 10 lb Turkey?
While it is possible to find turkeys smaller than 10 pounds, they may not be as readily available at all grocery stores. You may need to check with local specialty markets or ask your butcher to see if they can provide a smaller turkey to meet your needs. What is the recommended serving size for turkey?
Where can I buy a small turkey breast?
As we mentioned, Kroger grocery stores should stock a range of smaller turkeys, even some as small as five pounds. Trader Joe’s may have turkeys as small as 12 pounds; they also sell cooked, brined turkey breasts. Whole Foods also sells a bone-in turkey breast that weighs about six pounds.