{"id":1208312,"date":"2022-11-21T11:00:31","date_gmt":"2022-11-21T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1208312"},"modified":"2025-03-12T14:10:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T19:10:38","slug":"how-much-turkey-per-person","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-much-turkey-per-person\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Turkey Do You Need Per Person?"},"content":{"rendered":"No matter how often you host Thanksgiving, one big question remains the same: Exactly how much turkey do I need to make per person? The turkey's size determines how big of a helping each guest receives\u2014not to mention how much will remain for leftover turkey recipes<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIf you want to ensure your Thanksgiving turkey recipe<\/a>\u00a0will prepare enough turkey for every guest, plan on 1-1\/4 pounds of turkey per person. Once you know the exact number of attendees, use this formula: Number of guests x 1.25<\/strong>, then round up to the nearest whole number. So, if you're expecting 12 guests, plan for a 15-pound bird.\r\n\r\nTo simplify things, we've created a guide to help you pick the perfect-sized turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner menu<\/a>.\r\n

How Much Turkey Per Person for Thanksgiving<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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-<\/span>Number of Guests -<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<\/td>\r\n
\r\n
Turkey Weight-<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
4<\/td>\r\n5 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
6<\/td>\r\n8 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
8<\/td>\r\n10 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
10<\/td>\r\n13 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
12<\/td>\r\n15 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
15<\/td>\r\n20 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
20<\/td>\r\n25 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
25<\/td>\r\n32 lbs<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n[embed_shop_button shop_btn_text=\"Download Chart\" shop_btn_url=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/How-much-turkey-to-make-per-person_social_2.jpg\" \/]\r\n\r\nYou can use this handy chart to determine the perfect size turkey for your Thanksgiving celebration. Preparing 1-1\/4 pounds of turkey per person may seem like a lot, but remember that this weight includes parts that you won't eat (like the bones).\r\n\r\nIf your guest count includes a lot of kids, simply round down when calculating how much turkey to make per person. The kids may not eat as much turkey and go for the rolls and Thanksgiving sides<\/a>\u00a0instead, filling their stomachs with creamy mashed potatoes<\/a>\u00a0and cheese and crackers from\u00a0a Thanksgiving charcuterie board<\/a>.\r\n

What size turkey should I buy to feed a large group?<\/h3>\r\nYou don't have to buy one large turkey to feed a crowd. Large turkeys are heavy and take a long time to cook. Instead, try dividing the total number of pounds by two and buying two smaller birds. Cooking a small turkey<\/a> is quicker, and the meat will cook more evenly.\r\n\r\nIf your family and friends don't love turkey, consider making a smaller turkey plus a different type of meat, such as a spiral ham<\/a> or an orange-glazed pork loin<\/a>. You can also augment the meal with sides like stuffing recipes<\/a> or alternative Thanksgiving main dishes<\/a>, including vegetarian-friendly options like pumpkin lasagna<\/a> or sweet potato tortellini<\/a>.\r\n

Can you make more light meat vs. dark meat?<\/h3>\r\nIf your guests strongly prefer light or dark meat, it's easy to grab a few extra cuts to ensure you have enough of the desired kind. Prepare turkey breast recipes<\/a>\u00a0for light meat lovers, or whip up turkey leg recipes<\/a> to have more dark meat available. Or skip the whole turkey altogether and only prepare the turkey cut your crowd prefers.\r\n

How to Choose a Great Turkey Recipe<\/h2>\r\nIt's time to think about turkey prep. While there are many ways to season a turkey<\/a>, here are two simple recipes to get started:\r\n