What size turkey do I need is a question which many dinner party planners may find themselves asking. On the one hand, not having enough turkey to go round can be a disaster. On the other hand, order too big a turkey and you are drowning in left overs! (Although we doubt you could ever get enough of Farmisons delicious, award-winning, free range turkey!) If you are planning a festive feast and find yourself wondering what size turkey do I need, then this guide is for you. Whether it is for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any other occasion, turkey is a fantastic option for a roast dinner. Read on to find out what size turkey will suit you best. Plus, we will share the answers to lots of other questions you may have.
Determining the perfect turkey size for your holiday meal can be tricky. You want enough meat without massive leftovers or the stress of not having enough. So what size turkey in kilograms should you buy for 8 adults? Through extensive research, I’ve created this comprehensive guide to take the guesswork out of shopping for the ideal turkey.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
As a general rule, here is how much turkey you need per person:
- 1 pound or 0.45 kg per adult
- 0.5 pound or 0.23 kg per child
For a group of 8 adults and no children, that equals
- 8 adults x 0.45 kg per person = 3.6 kg
So for 8 adults with minimal leftovers a 3.5-4 kg turkey would work.
However, most hosts want ample leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. For generous leftovers, allow 1.5 pounds or 0.68 kg per person.
- 8 adults x 0.68 kg per person = 5.5 kg
In this case, I recommend purchasing a 5.5-6 kg turkey to have lots of leftovers.
Avoid Extreme Turkey Sizes
When selecting your holiday bird in kilograms, steer clear of very large or very small turkeys:
- Turkeys under 3 kg tend to have a poor meat to bone ratio.
- Oversized turkeys over 7 kg take much longer to cook through and may dry out.
For 8 guests, look for turkeys in the 4-6 kg range for optimal results.
Other Turkey Size Considerations
- Round up on kilograms per person for big eaters.
- Verify your roasting pan fits the turkey size purchased.
- Whole frozen turkeys are easier to find than partial breasts.
- You can cook two small turkeys instead of one huge bird if needed.
Turkey Size Reference Charts
These handy turkey size charts give a general idea of how many people different weights will serve. Use the kg column:
Turkey Sizes Without Leftovers
| Turkey Size | People Fed |
|---|---|
| 3-4.5 kg | 6-8 people |
| 4-5 kg | 8-10 people |
| 6-6.5 kg | 12-15 people |
Turkey Sizes With Leftovers
| Turkey Size | People Fed |
|---|---|
| 4.5-6.8 kg | 4-6 people |
| 6.8-8.2 kg | 6-8 people |
| 8.2-9.5 kg | 8-10 people |
| 9.5-11 kg | 10-12 people |
Thawing Your Turkey
Ensure you allow enough time to properly thaw a frozen turkey:
- In the fridge: 24 hours for every 1 kg
- In cold water: 30 minutes per 1 kg, changing water every 30 mins
So a 6 kg turkey takes 6 days in the fridge or 3 hours in water.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Figure roughly:
- 15-20 minutes per 1 pound or 30-40 minutes per 1 kg at 325°F/160°C.
Use a meat thermometer and cook until the breast reaches 165°F/75°C.
The Ideal Turkey Size for 8 Adults
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook a turkey based on its size?
Here are some general guidelines:
- Cook a 2 kg turkey for around 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cook a 4.5 kg turkey for about 3 hours.
- Cook a 6 kg turkey for approximately 4 hours.
What are the different turkey options besides a whole bird?
Popular alternatives to whole turkeys include:
- Turkey crown – Turkey minus the legs and thighs. Takes less time to roast.
- Turkey breast joint – Boneless, often stuffed. Good for smaller groups.
How do I calculate turkey dimensions based on weight per person?
Estimate 1 pound (0.45 kg) per adult and 0.5 pound (0.23 kg) per child. The total weight in pounds or kilograms gives a rough idea of the turkey’s dimensions.
How much turkey should I buy per person?
Plan on 1 pound (0.45 kg) per adult and 0.5 pound (0.23 kg) per child. For leftovers, bump it up to 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) per person. Avoid turkeys under 3 kg or over 7 kg.
What size turkey should I purchase?
Check the turkey size chart. For 8 adults with leftovers, buy a 5.5-6 kg turkey. Allow time to thaw and cook it thoroughly.
Can I serve 8 people with an 8 pound turkey?
It’s risky. After accounting for bones, an 8 pound raw turkey yields only about 6 pounds of meat. For 8 adults with leftovers, a heavier turkey of 10-12 pounds is safer.
How Far in Advance Should I Buy My Turkey?
Turkey is the traditional dish of Thanksgiving and one of the most popular meats to eat for Christmas dinner. As a result, it is advisable to order your turkey well in advance of the big day. This means you can minimise stress for yourself and avoid rushing around at the last minute. In order to avoid disappointment, we recommend placing your Farmison Christmas order from the beginning of September. You can then book a delivery slot for a date between then 19th and 23rd of December for the freshest, most mouthwatering turkey you can imagine. Or, if you have room in your freezer, an excellent option is to order early and freeze your bird. We have a useful freezer guide which spells out everything you need to know about freezing turkey. It couldnt be more simple to eat better meat this festive season.
How Long to Cook Your Turkey for Depending on Size
As a rule of thumb, calculate the time needed to cook your whole turkey by multiplying its weight by 40 minutes per kilo or 20 minutes per lb. For example, we recommend:
- Cooking a 2kg turkey for around 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cooking a 4.5kg turkey for around 3 hours.
- Cooking a 6kg turkey for around 4 hours.
Adding a trivet of vegetables to the tray and covering with foil will help keep the turkey super succulent. Remove the foil for the final 30 minutes of cooking to create a crisp, golden skin. Remember to leave your turkey to rest for between 30 mins to an hour before serving. For more expert advice on how to cook your turkey, take a look at our guide to christmas cooking times.