The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Beginners is right here! Roasting a Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to be intimidating—especially if it’s your first time! This straightforward, no-fuss recipe will help you get a tender, juicy turkey with crispy skin, perfect for impressing your guests (or just yourself!) without all the stress. This guide covers each step, from prepping the turkey to using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, so you can confidently serve the best Thanksgiving turkey—even if this is your very first roast.
Butterball turkeys are a holiday staple for many families With their tender and juicy meat, Butterball turkeys have become synonymous with delicious holiday meals But when it comes to choosing the right size Butterball turkey for your gathering, things can get confusing. This article will break down Butterball turkey sizes so you can easily pick the perfect bird for your next feast.
Overview of Butterball Turkey Sizes
Butterball offers whole frozen turkeys ranging from 8 to 24 pounds. The most common sizes are:
- 10-12 pounds (feeds 7-10 people)
- 14-16 pounds (feeds 10-14 people)
- 16-18 pounds (feeds 14-18 people)
- 18-20 pounds (feeds 18-22 people)
- 20-24 pounds (feeds 22-26 people)
They also have smaller “single-serve” whole turkeys from 8-10 pounds. For easy reference, here is a handy chart of the most popular Butterball turkey sizes and how many people they will feed
| Size | Pounds | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8-12 lbs | 4-8 people |
| Medium | 12-16 lbs | 8-12 people |
| Large | 16-20 lbs | 12-16 people |
| X-Large | 20-24 lbs | 16-22 people |
Butterball states that 1 pound of turkey feeds 1 person. So an 8-pound turkey feeds about 8, while a 24-pound turkey feeds up to 24. Use this 1 pound per person rule as a starting point when estimating the size you need.
How to Choose the Right Butterball Turkey Size
Picking the proper Butterball turkey size depends on a few key factors:
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Number of guests – Allow about 1 pound per person, adding a couple extra pounds if you want leftovers.
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Side dishes – If you’ll serve lots of sides, you may need slightly less turkey per guest.
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Appetites – Consider if you have extra hearty eaters who may want larger portions.
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Leftovers – Add 2-3 pounds if you really want leftovers for sandwiches, soups, etc.
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Cooking method – Smaller turkeys (12 lbs and under) work best for frying, while bigger ones (16 lbs and up) are better for roasting.
As a general guideline, I recommend 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person when choosing a Butterball. This provides ample portions with leftovers. For example, a 16-18 pound turkey comfortably feeds 10-12 people.
Here are some common party sizes with my recommended turkey poundage:
- 4 people = 10-12 pound turkey
- 6-8 people = 14-16 pound turkey
- 10-12 people = 18-20 pound turkey
- 16-18 people = 22-24 pound turkey
Keep in mind Butterball turkey sizes go up in 2-pound increments. You may need to round up or down to the nearest available weight.
Frequently Asked Questions on Butterball Turkey Sizes
Here are answers to some common questions about Butterball turkey sizes:
What’s the typical Butterball turkey size?
The most popular and readily available Butterball sizes range from 14-18 pounds. This covers holiday meals for most families of 8-12.
What’s the smallest frozen Butterball turkey?
The smallest whole frozen Butterball is 8 pounds. This single-serve size feeds about 4.
What’s the largest frozen Butterball turkey?
The largest frozen whole Butterball is 24 pounds. This extra-large turkey feeds up to 24 guests for a grand holiday feast.
Can I buy a fresh Butterball under 12 pounds?
No, whole fresh Butterball turkeys only come in sizes 12 pounds and heavier. For smaller fresh turkeys under 12 pounds, you’ll need to buy from a specialty grocer.
What Butterball turkey size fits in my oven?
Check your oven’s interior dimensions. Generally, 16-18 pound turkeys fit standard ovens, while 20-24 pound extra-large turkeys may require a commercial oven.
Can I buy just a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
Yes, Butterball sells boneless turkey breast roasts, typically ranging from 2 to 8 pounds. One boneless breast feeds about 4-8 people.
Choosing the Best Butterball Turkey Size
When estimating your perfect Butterball turkey size, it’s better to go slightly bigger than smaller. You’ll have ample portions for guests, with bonus leftovers. Leftover turkey makes amazing sandwiches, casseroles, soups and more.
As a general rule of thumb, allow 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person when selecting your Butterball. Add 2-3 extra pounds if you really want leftovers. Also factor in oven size, appetites, and side dishes when deciding.
With Butterball’s wide selection of whole turkeys from 8 to 24 pounds, you’re sure to find just the right turkey to create a delicious holiday feast. Happy feasting!
Slice + Serve
Take the turkey out of the oven, tent it with aluminum foil, and let the turkey rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve on a cutting board. I recommend making this Amazing Turkey Gravy as a great accompaniment.
Roast Turkey in the Oven
Place your turkey (breast side up) on a roasting rack in the bottom of the roasting pan. Lower the oven temperature to 350° F once the turkey goes in. A roasting rack is ideal for even cooking, but if you don’t have one, try placing thickly sliced onions or vegetables on the bottom of the pan to lift the turkey off the surface.
Pro Tip: A 14-pound turkey will take about 3 hours; check the thickest part of the breast- you want it at 165° F and a thigh at 175° F internal temperature.