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.
As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, many people start thinking about cooking a turkey as the centerpiece of their festive meals. When it comes to selecting the perfect turkey, a 20 pound bird is a popular choice for many households. But if you’ve never cooked a 20 pounder before, you may be wondering – just how big is a turkey of this size?
In this article, we’ll demystify 20 pound turkey dimensions, provide oven recommendations, share cooking time estimates, and offer tips for thawing, roasting, carving and more. Read on for a complete guide to 20 pound turkeys!
Visualizing the Size of a 20 Pound Turkey
It can be hard to conceptualize a turkey’s size from the weight alone, So let’s start by translating 20 pounds into some tangible dimensions to get a better sense of just how big these birds are
The typical size specs for a 20 pound turkey are:
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Length: 18-20 inches
- Width: 12-14 inches
As you can see a 20 pound turkey is a substantial fowl. Standing about a foot tall and nearly two feet long from head to tail it makes quite an impression on a holiday table.
Of course, dimensions can vary slightly based on factors like specific breed, frozen vs. fresh, whether it’s stuffed, and preparation method. But these numbers give you a general idea of what to expect size-wise from a 20 pound turkey.
Oven Size Recommendations for 20 Pound Birds
Now that you know roughly how large a 20 pound turkey is, let’s discuss what size oven you’ll need to roast it.
The standard oven recommendation is having dimensions at least 2 inches wider and taller than your turkey. For a 20 pound bird, that means your oven should have:
- Minimum height: 16 inches
- Minimum width: 18 inches
Most regular ovens meet these size requirements. But if you have a more compact oven, be sure to double check the interior capacity before purchasing an oversized turkey.
As a general rule for oven space:
- Turkeys up to 12 lbs: Look for an oven at least 14 x 10 inches
- Turkeys up to 16 lbs: Look for at least 15 3/4 x 12 inches
- Turkeys up to 20 lbs: Look for at least 16 x 13 inches
Even heat distribution is also important for properly roasting a sizeable bird. If your oven tends to have hot or cool spots, use thermometers to monitor the temperature and rotate the pan halfway through cooking.
Thawing a Frozen 20 Pound Turkey
If you buy a frozen turkey, be sure to allow plenty of time for thawing. Don’t rush this step!
Here are the three safe methods for thawing a large frozen turkey:
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Refrigerator: The gold standard technique. Allow 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 lbs of turkey weight. So a 20 pounder will need 4-5 days in the fridge.
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Cold water: Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Figure about 30 minutes per pound, so 10 hours for a 20 pound turkey.
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Microwave: Follow manufacturer guidelines for power and timing. Check often. Remove giblets first.
Once thawed, let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before roasting so it can finish coming up to temperature. Pat the skin dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Never thaw a turkey at room temperature or in hot water due to food safety risks. Cook within 1-2 days of thawing.
How Long to Cook a 20 Pound Turkey
A whole 20 pound turkey typically needs to roast for approximately 4-5 hours total in order to safely reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F in both the breast and thigh.
Here are some general cooking time estimates based on oven temperature:
- 325°F oven: Around 5 hours
- 350°F oven: About 4 1/2 hours
- 375°F oven: Roughly 4 hours
These times are for stuffed or unstuffed turkeys cooked on a rack in a roasting pan. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness instead of relying solely on time.
Pro tip: Figuring roasting time at about 15-18 minutes per pound is an easy way to roughly estimate based on weight.
And don’t forget to tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for improved moisture and texture.
Convection Oven Recommendations
If cooking your 20 pound turkey in a convection oven, the circulating hot air will decrease cooking time. Account for this when meal planning.
As a general guideline, lower the temperature by 25°F and reduce cooking time by about 30% compared to a standard oven.
For example, roast a 20 pounder for approximately 3 1/2 hours in a convection oven set to 325°F. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm it’s fully cooked.
Cost Comparison of 20 Pound Birds
Turkey prices fluctuate throughout the year, but you can typically expect to pay $1-2 per pound for a whole turkey.
So for a 20 pound bird, plan on spending around $20-40 depending on the season, quality, organic vs. standard, frozen vs. fresh, etc. Times of peak demand like the winter holidays will be on the pricier end.
Turkeys are usually cheapest in late fall when supplies are most abundant. Try to shop slightly ahead of when you need it and pop it in the freezer if possible.
Compared to other proteins like beef, turkey can provide more budget-friendly options for feeding a crowd. Stretch your dollar further by using leftovers.
Carving and Serving a 20 Pound Turkey
Once your big bird is perfectly cooked and rested, it’s time to carve. Here are some tips:
- Use a sharp carving knife and fork for stability
- Remove the legs and wings first
- Then slice vertical cuts along both sides of the breastbone
- Finally, cut the breast meat across the grain into thin slices
When serving a crowd, plan for about 1⁄4 to 1⁄3 pound of turkey per person. Offer both white and dark meat and leave plenty of room for delicious sides!
Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days. Slice or shred remaining meat for sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, and other creative ways to use every last bit.
Roasting the Perfect 20 Pound Turkey
From thawing tips to carving tricks, you now have the inside scoop on successfully preparing a 20 pound turkey.
The key takeaways:
- A 20 pound turkey is around 12-14 inches tall and 18-20 inches long
- Look for an oven at least 16 x 18 inches
- Allow 4-5 days to thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge
- Roast at 325°F for about 5 hours
- Use a meat thermometer to check 165°F temp
- Let rest 20-30 minutes before slicing
- Remove wings and legs, then slice breast meat
- Plan for 1⁄4-1⁄3 pound per serving
This Thanksgiving when you impress everyone with a gorgeous, golden 20 pound turkey straight out of a magazine, you’ll have this guide to thank!
What size turkey should I buy to feed a large group?
You don’t have to buy one large turkey to feed a crowd. Large turkeys are heavy and take a long time to cook. Instead, try dividing the total number of pounds by two and buying two smaller birds. Cooking a small turkey is quicker, and the meat will cook more evenly.
Can you make more light meat vs. dark meat?
If your guests strongly prefer light or dark meat, it’s easy to grab a few extra cuts to ensure you have enough of the desired kind. Prepare turkey breast recipes for light meat lovers, or whip up turkey leg recipes to have more dark meat available. Or skip the whole turkey altogether and only prepare the turkey cut your crowd prefers.
The Perfect Roast: 20-Pound Turkey Edition
FAQ
How many people will a 20 lb turkey serve?
“So, for 10 people you should prepare a 20-pound turkey. Home cooks should expect to yield 40 percent of a cooked bird, and between dark meat and white meat preferences, the yield will shrink even further,” DiSpirito says.
Can you fit a 20 lb turkey in a double oven?
A 30” Freestanding Double Oven Range (lower oven) will hold a turkey about 20 lbs. Note: The turkeys we test are normally in the 20-25lb range, and in those cases we use the lower oven of the double oven.
Is a 20 lb turkey big?
As tempting as a 20-pound turkey may look at the store, you really don’t need one that large for a six-person gathering. The general rule is 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. If that seems like a lot, remember that a whole bone-in turkey comes with parts that don’t get eaten.
What size turkey for 2 people?
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.
Is a 20 lb Turkey a big Turkey?
A 20 lb turkey is considered a large bird. Smaller turkeys, such as 10-12 lb ones, will have smaller dimensions, while larger turkeys, like 25 lb or more, will have bigger dimensions. 5. Can I cook a 20 lb turkey in a convection oven? Yes, you can cook a 20 lb turkey in a convection oven.
Can a 20 lb Turkey be cooked in an oven?
A standard oven should be able to accommodate a 20 lb turkey without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to measure the dimensions of your oven beforehand to ensure a proper fit. 8. How do I know if a 20 lb turkey is fully cooked? The best way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer.
How many people can a 20 lb turkey feed?
A 20 lb turkey can generally feed around 10-12 people, depending on their appetite and the number of side dishes. 2. How long does it take to cook a 20 lb turkey? Roasting a 20 lb turkey at 325°F (162°C) usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
How long does a 20 lb Turkey take to cook?
A 20lb turkey is approximately 24-26 inches long from neck to tail. The wingspan of a 20lb turkey is roughly 4.5 feet. Allow about 15 minutes of roasting time per pound of turkey. So a 20lb bird will need about 5 hours in the oven. When estimating how big of a turkey you need, plan for about 1 pound of turkey meat per person.
What size Turkey should I buy?
The happiest holiday memories are often made around the Thanksgiving table, with the turkey being the ultimate centerpiece! Thankfully (pun intended!), this chart will help you decide what size turkey to buy based on guest count. The general rule of thumb is one pound of turkey per adult and a half pound per child.
How long does it take to thaw a 20 lb Turkey?
Thawing a 20 lb frozen turkey in the refrigerator can take around 4-5 days. Place the turkey on a tray or in a pan to catch any liquid that may drip during the thawing process. 4. How big is a 20 lb turkey compared to other sizes? A 20 lb turkey is considered a large bird.