Whether youre hosting a small group or just want to focus on the side dishes, cooking a small turkey for Thanksgiving can seriously simplify your hosting duties. Heres what you need to know about buying and roasting a small bird.
When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, a hearty roasted turkey takes center stage. But cooking up a massive 20-pound bird can feel like overkill if you’re only feeding a handful of guests. The good news is you have options when it comes to small turkeys. This article will cover everything you need to know about buying and cooking a petite turkey for your small holiday gathering.
What Qualifies as a Small Turkey?
Most standard supermarket turkeys range from 15 to 20 pounds. Anything under 12 pounds is typically considered a “small” turkey. Here’s a breakdown of common small turkey sizes:
- 6-8 pounds: Extra-small turkey or “hen”
- 10-12 pounds: Small turkey
- 12-14 pounds: Small-medium turkey
Turkey hens are the smallest variety, weighing in at just 6 to 8 pounds. They contain less meat than a full-size tom turkey, but provide the perfect petite portion for a tiny Thanksgiving.
How Much Turkey Do You Need Per Person?
Figuring out how much turkey to buy depends on how many people you need to feed Here are some general turkey portion guidelines based on the number of guests
- 4 people: 5 pounds
- 6 people: 8 pounds
- 8 people: 10 pounds
- 10-12 people: 12-15 pounds
Plan for about 1 pound of turkey meat per person as a baseline. Add slightly more if you have extra hearty eaters at the table. For smaller appetites, reduce it to 3/4 pound per person.
Buying a Whole Turkey Breast
For especially small gatherings of 2-4 people, a whole turkey breast is a great petite option. Turkey breasts range from 3 to 6 pounds. You get just the white meat without the work of dealing with the whole bird. The drawback is you miss out on making turkey drippings for gravy.
Where to Shop for Small Turkeys
You have several options when shopping for a small turkey:
Local Grocery Stores: Many grocers like Kroger or Albertsons will stock turkeys as small as 10 pounds. Call ahead to check availability.
Specialty Markets: Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods carry small turkeys from 10-16 pounds, sometimes down to 6 pounds.
Butcher Shops: Ask your local butcher if they can special order a small turkey. This allows you to get just the size you want.
Mail Order: Websites like D’Artagnan or FreshDirect let you order organic and heritage breed small turkeys delivered straight to your door.
Farms: Check local farms for pasture-raised small turkeys, often available as small as 6 pounds.
How Long to Cook a Small Turkey
Since small turkeys weigh less than larger birds, they cook faster. Here are some general roasting time guidelines:
- 6-8 pounds: 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
- 10-12 pounds: 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours
- 14-16 pounds: 3 1⁄2 – 4 hours
Always use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh and breast before removing it from the oven. Let it rest 15 minutes before carving.
Handy Tips for Roasting a Small Turkey
Roasting a petite turkey is easy, but here are some useful tips:
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Use a small roasting pan: Choose a pan just large enough to comfortably hold the turkey. This promotes even browning.
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Skip stuffing: Because the turkey is small, stuffing is unnecessary and makes cooking more difficult.
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Reduce temperature: Roast at 325°F rather than 350°F to prevent overcooking the exterior.
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Tent with foil: Tent the turkey breast with foil midway through roasting to prevent it from drying out.
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Make stock from carcass: Simmer the bones to create flavorful turkey broth for soups.
Enjoying the Perfect Petite Turkey Dinner
When feeding just a few people, a small turkey is a smart choice. Not only is a petite bird easier to prepare, cook, and carve, but it provides the ideal portion size for smaller gatherings. With some savvy shopping and proper roasting, you’ll enjoy juicy, delicious turkey without loads of stressful leftovers. Embrace the small turkey this holiday season for a perfectly scaled feast!
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Turkeys
What is the smallest turkey available?
The smallest turkeys are usually 6-8 pounds. Specialty grocers like Trader Joe’s sometimes carry turkeys as small as 6 pounds.
Where can I buy a turkey under 10 pounds?
Many standard grocery stores sell turkeys as small as 10 pounds. You can also check specialty stores like Whole Foods or order directly from local farms to find birds under 10 pounds.
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound turkey?
At 325°F, a 10 pound turkey takes around 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours to fully roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Smaller birds cook faster than larger ones.
What’s the difference between a turkey hen and a tom turkey?
A hen is a female turkey and a tom is a male. Hen turkeys are smaller, usually 6-8 pounds versus a 15-20 pound tom. Hens contain less meat but provide a perfect petite portion.
Can I buy just part of a turkey?
Yes, many grocers sell turkey breast roasts or just turkey legs and thighs. This lets you skip dealing with a whole bird.
What’s the best small turkey breed?
Heritage breeds like Narragansett, Bourbon Red, or Black Spanish make excellent small turkeys. Their darker meat has richer flavor than commercial broad-breasted turkeys.
How long does leftover turkey last?
Cooked turkey leftovers stay safe for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Carve turkey off the bone and store in air-tight containers to maximize freshness. Freeze any uneaten portions for later use.
The Takeaway
Buying and cooking a small turkey has plenty of perks. With less meat than a standard turkey, a petite bird serves just the right amount for intimate gatherings of 4 to 8 people without tons of stressful leftovers. Seek out turkeys under 12 pounds at grocery stores, specialty markets, or local farms. Roast your mini turkey at a lower temp and follow basic guidelines for the perfect small holiday bird.
The Pros and Cons of a Small TurkeyWhen it comes to Thanksgiving turkeys, bigger isn’t always better. Large turkeys are heavy to lift in and out of the oven. They’re also difficult to cook through without drying out parts of the bird—too often, the white meat is overcooked and almost cottony before the slower-to-cook dark meat reaches a safe temperature. (Here’s our guide to
- Four guests: 5 lbs.
- Six guests: 8 lbs.
- Eight guests: 10 lbs.
If youre hosting a vegetarian-leaning group, your family and friends prefer side dishes or youre serving an