Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning the star of your holiday meal – the turkey! Choosing the right size turkey can be tricky with so many options available. You want to make sure you have enough meat and leftovers for your gathering, without having too many leftovers or paying for a bird that’s too big. So how many people can you expect to serve with a 12 pound turkey?
Key Factors That Determine How Much Turkey You Need
There are a few key considerations when figuring out what size turkey to buy
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Number of guests – The number of people you are cooking for is the biggest factor. Make sure your guest list is finalized before shopping.
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Kids vs adults – Kids will eat smaller portions than grown adults, so factor kids in accordingly.
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Leftovers wanted? – Buying extra turkey is handy for sandwiches and casseroles after the main meal. Decide if you want leftovers before shopping.
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Big eaters – If your family loves second helpings, size up to have extra.
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Other main dishes – Adding a ham or beef tenderloin? You may need less turkey overall.
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Appetizers – Lots of filling apps can take the edge off appetites for the turkey main course.
How Many Pounds of Turkey Per Person?
As a general guideline, plan for about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per adult when buying your bird. Here is a more detailed breakdown:
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For adults – Estimate 1 pound per person, or 1.5 pounds per adult if you want ample leftovers. This allows for some bone weight.
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For kids – Plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound of turkey per child depending on age and appetite.
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For a 12 pound bird – This size should feed 8-10 adults comfortably with a bit leftover.
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To be safe – Allow for 1.25 pounds per person as your starting amount. Then adjust up or down from there based on your specific guest list.
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For smaller birds under 16 pounds – Plan for 1 full pound per serving since there is a higher meat to bone ratio on smaller turkeys.
The goal is to have around 1/2 pound of cooked turkey meat per adult once the bones are removed after roasting.
How Many People a 12 Pound Turkey Will Feed
Based on general guidelines for turkey sizes, a 12 pound turkey should feed 8-12 people depending on the mix of adults versus kids. Here are more specific estimates:
- 8-10 adults
- 10-12 smaller or lighter eaters such as kids
- 6-8 adults if you want lots of leftovers
If you have a group larger than 12, either size up to a 15-18 pound turkey or plan to supplement with more side dishes. For a big crowd, buying two small turkeys is easier than wrestling one huge bird!
To recap, a 12 pound turkey will comfortably feed 8-10 adults or 10-12 lighter eaters like children. Add a couple extra pounds if you want ample leftovers.
Should I Buy a Whole Turkey or Just Breasts?
Besides weight, you also have to decide between buying a whole turkey versus just turkey breasts:
Whole turkeys are classic and give you the bones for making broth and gravy. They also tend to cost less per pound. Go this route for holiday gatherings of 8+ people.
Turkey breasts are quicker cooking, easier to serve, and have 100% edible meat. Good for smaller groups. Estimate 1 pound of boneless breast per adult.
Either choice can work for feeding 8-12 people. Whole turkeys give you more traditional presentation at a lower cost. Breasts are simpler for a smaller group.
Alternatives to Whole Turkeys for Small Groups
Not everyone wants to cope with a huge whole turkey. Here are some alternatives for smaller gatherings:
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Cook boneless turkey breasts instead of a full bird.
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Buy just turkey drumsticks or thighs to roast.
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Grill or fry turkey tenderloins for a smaller meal.
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Make turkey meatballs, ground turkey, or cutlets instead of roasting a bird.
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Cook a smaller protein like a ham, pork roast, or beef tenderloin as your main dish.
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Roast chickens or game hens instead of one large turkey.
Let your expected number of guests guide you. A 12 pound turkey is perfect for feeding 8-12 people. With the right size bird and side dishes, you’ll enjoy Thanksgiving without any wasted food or expense.
Turkey Shopping Tips to Keep in Mind
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Look for turkeys that are locally and naturally raised whenever possible for better flavor.
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Fresh turkeys need to be cooked within 2 days, so time your shopping carefully.
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Frozen turkeys give you more flexibility. Allow at least 4-5 days of thawing in the fridge after purchasing.
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Smaller birds cook more quickly and evenly compared to oversized turkeys.
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Get your turkey early for the best selection – popular sizes sell out.
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Always use a meat thermometer to confirm your turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh before serving.
With the right size turkey for your guest list, you’ll enjoy a perfect bird this Thanksgiving along with easy leftovers!
How many people will a 12 pound turkey feed?
FAQ
How big of a turkey do I need for 7 adults?
How many people does a 12 pound turkey breast feed?
How much meat is on a 12 pound turkey?
What size turkey feeds 20 people?
How many people can a 12 lb turkey feed?
Alternatively, if everyone tends to pluck light meat from the platter, roast a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. How many people will a 12-lb. turkey feed? Considering that about 1½ pounds of turkey meat will feed one person, a 12-pound turkey will feed eight people.
How many turkeys should a 20 pound crowd eat?
If you’re feeding a crowd of 20, shoot for two 12- to 14-pound turkeys. You could even try different seasoning methods on each and let your guests decide which one they like better. Or, just pick another Thanksgiving main course to serve alongside your medium-sized bird.
How many pound turkeys should a 20 year old eat?
Try spatchcocking. A spatchcock turkey will cut the cooking time in half. Another option: cook two smaller turkeys instead. If you’re feeding a crowd of 20, shoot for two 12- to 14-pound turkeys. You could even try different seasoning methods on each and let your guests decide which one they like better.
How much meat can you eat a pound of raw turkey?
“You’re going to lose twenty to thirty percent,” he says. Noguchi, who has been a chef for more than two decades, says an easy way to shop is to buy one pound of raw turkey for every person you plan to feed. “One pound of raw whole turkey will equal about eight ounces of raw, usable meat,” he says.
How much Turkey Tetrazzini should a family eat?
But if leftovers like late-night turkey sandwiches and turkey tetrazzini are as traditional as the feast itself, plan for two to three pounds per person total. Smaller gatherings don’t necessarily mean smaller turkeys because the meat-to-bone ratio is typically less for birds under 12 pounds. If in doubt, always go bigger at two pounds per person.
How much meat is in a pound of Turkey?
“One pound of raw whole turkey will equal about eight ounces of raw, usable meat,” he says. “With moisture loss, that is about five to six ounces of cooked meat per person.” Keep in mind that if some of your guests are vegetarian, you can purchase a smaller bird. Consider your crowd’s preferences for light meat versus dark meat, too.