The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends to share a delicious meal. For many the centerpiece of that meal is a juicy, roasted turkey. But when you’re only cooking for a small group wrestling a 20-pound bird into the oven can feel like overkill. The good news is that you have options when it comes to petite turkeys. This article will cover everything you need to know about buying and preparing the smallest turkeys for your holiday table.
How Small Can You Actually Go?
Most grocery stores label turkeys under 16 pounds as “small.” But you can find birds even tinier than that if you know where to look. Specialty grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods sometimes carry turkeys as petite as 6 to 12 pounds. Local farms that raise poultry may also have small turkeys available, even as tiny as 5 or 6 pounds.
I did some research and found that Butterball brand offers whole turkeys under the “Lil Butterball” label that range from 10 to 16 pounds So in general, the smallest turkey you can reasonably find is likely around 6 pounds. However, it’s more common to see small turkeys in the 10 to 12 pound range.
Estimating How Much Turkey You Need
A general rule of thumb is to plan on about 1 pound of turkey meat per person. But here’s a more specific estimate based on the number of guests:
- 4 people: 5 pounds
- 6 people: 8 pounds
- 8 people: 10 pounds
If you have some hearty appetites at the table, bump up the amount slightly. And if your guests tend to favor the sides, you can go a bit lower. Turkey breasts are another option for small groups, usually ranging from 3 to 6 pounds.
Where to Shop for a Small Turkey
Here are some of the best places to shop when looking for a petite turkey:
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Local grocery stores: Call ahead to ask what sizes are in stock. Many will carry small birds down to 10 pounds.
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Specialty markets: Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and butcher shops are likely to have small turkeys in stock, even as tiny as 6 pounds.
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Farms: Check with local farms and producers to see if they have small heritage breed turkeys. These are likely the smallest available.
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Mail order: Sites like D’Artagnan sell organic and free-range small turkeys you can order online and have shipped.
How Long Does a Small Turkey Take to Cook?
The general rule of thumb is to allow 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound. Here are some estimates based on turkey size:
- 6-8 lb. turkey: 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours
- 10-12 lb. turkey: 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours
- 14-16 lb. turkey: 3 1⁄2 to 4 hours
Be sure to use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the breast before removing it from the oven. Then let it rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Roasting a Small Turkey
Cooking a small turkey is fairly straightforward, but here are some useful tips:
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Use a roasting pan just large enough to fit it. This promotes even cooking.
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Cook at a slightly lower 325°F temperature to prevent overcooking.
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Tent foil over the breast halfway through roasting to keep it from drying out.
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Make stock from the carcass for soups, gravy, etc. Don’t let it go to waste!
Enjoying the Perfect Petite Turkey
When cooking for a small gathering, a pint-sized turkey is ideal. Not only is a small turkey quicker and easier to cook, it provides the perfect amount of meat without loads of leftovers. With a little planning and shopping around, you can find and roast the perfect little bird for your holiday table.
So don’t feel like you have to haul home a massive 20-pounder for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Seek out a quality smaller turkey instead, and enjoy a meal that’s a little more manageable but still full of flavor.
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 smallest turkey you can order?
Six pounds is about the smallest turkey you’ll find, she said. Those will be hens, which typically weigh eight to 10 pounds. “It’s like a big chicken,” Lafferty said.
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 the smallest butterball turkey I can buy?
Fresh Li’l Butterball Turkey. Perfect for smaller gatherings, a Li’l Butterball is a small whole turkey.
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 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.