When planning a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or intimate holiday feast, you’ll want to skip the massive 18-20 pound turkey and go for a smaller bird But where can you source a top quality small turkey between 6-12 pounds? This guide covers the best places to buy petite turkeys ideal for feeding just a few people.
Check Out Specialty Small Turkey Brands
Several major turkey producers offer smaller whole birds specifically marketed as “small turkeys.” Here are some reputable brands to look for:
Butterball Fresh Lil’ Butterball
Butterball’s Fresh Lil’ Butterball turkey ranges from 8-12 pounds – perfect for gatherings of 4-6 These miniature Butterball turkeys are
- All natural with no artificial ingredients
- Never frozen
- Gluten free
- Low sodium
- No added hormones or steroids
- American Heart Association certified
Lil’ Butterball is sold at major stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more Use the Butterball store locator to find one near you
Diestel Family Ranch Petite Turkey
Family-run Diestel Ranch in California provides pasture-raised turkeys including a petite 6-10 pound turkey. Diestel petite turkeys are:
- Antibiotic free
- Fed a vegetarian diet
- Free range
- Air chilled
Check the Diestel Ranch store locator to find their small turkey.
Plainville Farms Small Turkey
Plainville Farms in Massachusetts offers all natural turkeys including a 10-13 pound small turkey. Their turkeys are:
- Raised cage free
- Fed an all vegetarian diet
- No antibiotics ever
- Air chilled
- Certified humane
Find Plainville Farms’ petite turkey with their store locator.
Visit Local Farms and Butchers
Ask at your local farmer’s market or neighborhood butcher shop for small turkeys from regional farms.
Farmer’s markets let you buy direct from local farms – inquire about placing custom orders for petite turkeys.
Independent butchers source turkeys from nearby farms. Check availability around Thanksgiving.
Choosing local supports small businesses and provides heritage breed options.
Standard Grocery Store Turkeys Can Be Too Large
Even a “small” minimally processed turkey from a typical grocer may exceed your needs. A standard small turkey is usually 10-15 pounds – still big for few guests.
Carefully verify the weight before purchasing. Don’t assume a “small” turkey is petite enough.
Ordering Smoked Turkey Online
For ultimate convenience, order a ready-to-eat smoked turkey breast online. Sites like D’Artagnan offer 6 lb. smoked turkey breasts requiring just gentle reheating.
Plan Ahead for Your Small Turkey
Since petite turkeys are less common, plan ahead to secure one. Check local farms and specialty brands several weeks before your event.
Popular small turkey selections like Lil’ Butterball can sell out before the holidays. Avoid the scramble by ordering your tiny turkey early.
Choosing the Right Small Turkey Size
As a general rule, estimate around 1 pound of turkey per person. For a dinner for four, a 6-8 lb. turkey should suffice. Bump up to a 10-12 lb. bird for gatherings of 6-8.
Buy 1-2 pounds extra for leftovers and servings with abundant white and dark meat.
Benefits of a Small Turkey
A petite turkey between 6-12 pounds makes sense for an intimate holiday dinner of 2-6 people. The advantages include:
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Lower price – Smaller birds cost less than a massive 18-20 lb. turkey.
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Faster cooking time – A small turkey roasts much quicker than a bulky bird.
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Easier to maneuver – A compact turkey simplifies prep like rubbing oils or seasonings under the skin.
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Moist, tender meat – The meat cooks more evenly on a small frame.
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Just enough leftovers – Avoid wasting pounds of leftover meat from an oversized turkey.
Enjoy Finding the Perfect Small Turkey
With small turkey options from specialty brands, local farms, and advanced ordering, you can source the ideal petite turkey. A bird between 6-12 pounds makes sense for a cozy holiday meal for 2-6. Plan ahead and then relax until it’s time to roast your fabulous small turkey!
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.
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.
Finding a small Thanksgiving Turkey
FAQ
Are there 5 lb turkeys?
Sizes and prices. Our Turkeys range in size from 5 to 16 pounds.
What size turkey for 2 adults?
| Number of Adults | Pounds of Turkey (with leftovers) | Pounds of Turkey (without leftovers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | 3 to 6 | 2 to 4 |
| 6 to 8 | 9 to 12 | 6 to 8 |
| 10 to 12 | 15 to 18 | 10 to 12 |
| 14 to 16 | 21 to 24 | 14 to 16 |
Is it possible to buy a small turkey?
Most “small” turkeys range from 10 to 12 pounds, though you may be able to find one smaller. Kroger grocery store even carries a five-pound bird.Oct 5, 2024
What is a small turkey called?
A baby turkey is called a poult and they are active as soon as they hatch. “Predators such as foxes and hawks may take a few young turkeys, and cold spring rains can easily chill the poorly-feathered young birds.