What is a Small Turkey and Why You Should Cook One This Thanksgiving

With the holiday season fast approaching many home cooks are starting to think about what size turkey to cook for Thanksgiving dinner. While huge 20-pound birds may seem traditional small turkeys around 10-14 pounds offer some great benefits. In this article, we’ll look at what exactly qualifies as a small turkey, reasons to choose a petite bird, where to shop, proper cooking times, and some mouthwatering recipe ideas. After reading, you’ll see why a small turkey may be the best choice for your next Thanksgiving feast.

What Size is Considered a Small Turkey?

When envisioning the big Thanksgiving turkey we often think of enormous birds weighing 18 pounds or more. However turkeys come in a wide range of sizes. Generally, turkeys under 16 pounds are considered “small”. Here’s a more detailed breakdown

• Turkeys 10 pounds or lighter are extra small,

• Turkeys in the 10-14 pound range are small.

• Turkeys 14-16 pounds are medium-small.

To estimate serving sizes, plan for about 1 pound of turkey meat per person. So a 10 pound turkey will feed 8-10 guests comfortably, while a 14 pound turkey will serve 10-14.

Benefits of Choosing a Smaller Turkey

There are several advantages that make small turkeys a smart choice:

Easier Cooking

With a smaller bird, the breast and thigh meat are more uniform in size and thickness. This promotes even cooking, reducing the chance of dried out breast meat or undercooked legs.

More Flavor

Since there is less overall meat, seasonings and rubs have a chance to penetrate throughout the turkey resulting in better flavor distribution.

Lower Cost

Buying a smaller turkey means saving money on your holiday meal. This can really add up if turkey is a big part of your Thanksgiving budget.

Simpler Carving

A 10-14 pound turkey is much easier to maneuver and carve once cooked compared to wrestling a 20-pounder. Less arm muscle is required!

Less Leftovers

A petite turkey prevents a week of leftovers for a small gathering. Or if you do want leftovers, go for a medium-small bird in the 14-16 pound range.

Where to Buy a Small Turkey

Most major grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons carry small turkeys down to 10 pounds. Be sure to check with your local butcher shop as well. Specialty grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are also great options, some even carrying free-range small turkeys under 10 pounds.

You can also look online at sites like Fresh Direct or D’Artagnan for organic, heirloom breed petite birds if that suits your tastes. Just be sure to order 1-2 weeks in advance since these premium turkeys sell out fast.

Proper Cook Times for Small Turkeys

General guidelines recommend roasting turkey at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per pound. Here are approximate cook times for small, unstuffed turkeys:

• 6-10 pounds: 2 to 3 hours
• 10-14 pounds: 3 to 4 hours

Always confirm doneness by using a meat thermometer. Turkey should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh before removing from the oven. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before slicing for perfectly juicy meat.

For best results, roast your small turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil during the last hour if the skin becomes too browned. Baste occasionally with pan drippings for added moisture and flavor.

Delicious Recipe Ideas for Small Turkeys

Once you’ve got your petite turkey, you’ll need some tasty recipes to make it shine. Here are some of our favorite ways to flavor up a small Thanksgiving bird:

• Maple-Sage Brined Turkey – Brining ensures a juicy, well-seasoned bird. Maple and sage add seasonal flair.

• Apple Cider Thyme Turkey – For incredible flavor, roast your turkey with apple cider, thyme, onions, and garlic.

• Cheesecloth Turkey – Wrapping the turkey in cheesecloth soaked with wine and broth keeps it incredibly moist.

• Sausage and Cornbread Stuffing Turkey – Take your turkey to the next level by stuffing with a savory cornbread, sausage, and apple filling.

• Turkey Roulade – Pound the breast meat flat, then stuff and roll up for dramatic presentation.

• Turkey Breast Roast – Cook just a 2-3 pound bone-in turkey breast for a small group. Simple and elegant.

This Thanksgiving, give a small turkey a try if you are cooking for a petite gathering. You’ll enjoy tender, juicy meat with amazing flavor in a perfectly sized package. Once you go small, you may never cook a huge bird again!

How Much Turkey Per Person?