As we head into the holiday season, many of us are planning smaller gatherings and looking for a petite turkey to feed just a few people. But with most turkeys weighing between 15 to 20 pounds where can you find a high quality small turkey between 8 to 12 pounds that’s perfect for a cozy dinner for 4 to 6?
I’ve cooked my fair share of huge 20 pound butterballs over the years to feed large gatherings. But for holidays with just my immediate family, I prefer a small turkey that’s faster and easier to cook. No wrestling a massive bird in and out of the oven or ending up with a week’s worth of leftovers to deal with. A small turkey is simply less work and less waste.
If you’re in the market for a small turkey this season, here are the best places to find birds that weigh 10 pounds or under:
Check Brands That Specialize in Small Turkeys
Several national turkey brands have started offering smaller birds specifically marketed as “small turkeys,” Here are some top options
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Butterball Fresh Lil’ Butterball – Butterball’s petite turkey ranges from 8 to 12 pounds. These little birds are all natural with no hormones added.
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Plainville Farms Small Turkey – Available in 10 to 13 pounds, Plainville Farms turkeys are certified humane and raised cage free.
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Diestel Family Ranch Petite Turkey – Diestel turkeys are pasture raised and weigh between 6 to 10 pounds.
All these brands are widely available at major grocery store chains. Use their store locators online to find a small turkey near you.
Look for Small Turkey Options at Local Farms
In addition to national brands, I’ve had great luck sourcing petite turkeys from local farms and butchers.
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Check out your local farmer’s market to see if any vendors sell small turkeys or take custom orders.
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Visit a local butcher shop to ask if they have or can get turkeys under 12 pounds from nearby farms.
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Search online farm directories like LocalHarvest.org to locate a farm in your area selling small turkeys.
Choosing a local turkey supports small businesses plus you get more custom options like organic and heritage breeds.
Standard Grocery Store Turkeys Are Often Too Large
Heading to your neighborhood supermarket? Pay close attention to the size labels even on turkeys marketed as “small.”
The typical grocery store small turkey ranges from 14 to 18 pounds. That’s still too big if you only need to serve 4 to 6 people.
Carefully check the specific weight printed on the label before purchasing. Don’t assume a “small” turkey is petite enough for a small gathering.
Plan Ahead to Ensure You Can Get a Small Turkey
Because petite turkeys are less common, it’s important to plan ahead:
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Check for small turkey availability at local farms and brands 4-6 weeks before your holiday meal.
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Popular options like Lil’ Butterballs can sell out before Thanksgiving or Christmas.
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If you wait until the week of, you’ll likely struggle to find the perfect small turkey.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Small Turkey
For intimate holiday dinners, a turkey of 10 pounds or less is perfect. Small turkeys cook faster, are easier to handle, and provide the right amount of meat without endless leftovers.
With small birds available from national brands, local farms, and butchers, you can easily find the ideal petite turkey. Plan ahead and your holiday meal will be relaxed, delicious, and sized just right.
You drive, we’ll navigate
We’ve got good news, and we’ve got bad news. The good news is that you’ve set your sights on a tender, juicy, mouthwatering meat monument that’s absolutely deserving of every ounce of that intense desire that’s burning in your gut. The bad news that this product can’t be shipped and can only be bought in-store. (And if you think about it, that’s actually good news, too—it means you’ll probably get to enjoy it a lot sooner than your postman could get it to you.)
Click here to find Diestel Family Ranch turkey and other products near you, and be sure to call your local store for availability—not everybody carries every product.
| Weight | Roasting Time |
| 6-10lbs. | approx. 2 hrs. |
| 10-12 lbs. | 2 – 2 3/4 hrs |
| 12-14 lbs. | 2 3/4 – 3 1/2 hrs. |
| 14-16 lbs. | 3 1/2 – 3 3/4 hrs. |
| 16-18 lbs. | 3 3/4 – 4 hrs. |
| 18-20 lbs. | 4 – 4 1/2 hrs. |
That suggested roasting times may vary. If the turkey is unstuffed, decrease the roasting times listed above by approximately 30 minutes.
To remove the truss just lift the ring and pull it up and over the end of the drumstick. To secure the truss, hold the drumsticks together, lift the ring and pull it over the drumsticks. The nylon truss is oven and microwave safe and can withstand oven temperatures of up to 450º F.
Preheat oven to 325º F. Remove soft oven ready turkey from the bag. After removing the neck and giblets from the body cavities rinse the bird with cold water. Pat turkey dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird this would be the time to do so.
Family Recipe: Simple Rub
Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices or with a paste made of the following ingredients:
4 Tbsp oil, (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.) 4 tsp. salt, or to taste 2 tsp. paprika
Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up. Cover the bottom of the pan with approximately 2 cups water or broth. Place your beautiful turkey in the oven.
Use a 325º F oven. We would encourage you to check the internal temperature throughout the roasting time to be careful not to over-roast. The internal temperature typically increases more rapidly during the last half of roasting.
There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a rich, golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. For truly marvelous gravy, heat (do not boil) 1 cup white wine. Pour this over your turkey halfway through the roasting time. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven. Cover and let stand for at least 15 minute before carving.
How To Find A Small Turkey And Tips For Small Thanksgiving Dinner
FAQ
Is it possible to buy a small turkey?
Yes, turkey breasts can get pretty big, but you can find small ones, which are less complicated to roast than a whole turkey — not that roasting a whole …Nov 9, 2016
What is a small turkey called?
A baby turkey is called a poult and they are active as soon as they hatch.
What size turkey for 2 adults?
| Number of Adults | Pounds of Turkey (with leftovers) | Pounds of Turkey (without leftovers) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | 3 to 6 | 2 to 4 |
| 6 to 8 | 9 to 12 | 6 to 8 |
| 10 to 12 | 15 to 18 | 10 to 12 |
| 14 to 16 | 21 to 24 | 14 to 16 |
Do they make mini turkeys?
… and robust, the MiniCLASSIC has been carefully bred to deliver all of the desirable characteristics that turkeys have historically been appreciated for.