Some of us look forward to getting a Thanksgiving turkey even more than we do receiving Christmas gifts each year. Do you splurge at a farmer's market, go to the grocery store or (if really adventurous) visit a turkey farm?
The key question to ask yourself when buying a turkey for Thanksgiving is: How much turkey per person is enough? After all, hosting Thanksgiving dinner holds a lot of responsibility. Guests shouldn't be underserved, but you don't need a turkey so giant it takes until Christmas Eve to cook.
There are other minor details, such as taking into account vegetarians, big eaters or those who only eat white or dark meat. You're also not just making sure friends and loved ones have enough on their dinner plates. It's equally as important to send guests home with plenty of leftovers to enjoy the next day.
While the turkey-per-person equation grows more complicated in your mind, don't forget about your leftovers! Between delicious turkey sandwiches, soups, salads and casseroles, you're going to need every last bit of leftover turkey. So, put your math hat on and get ready to figure out how much turkey per person is enough.
How Much Turkey Is Needed per Person at Thanksgiving?
While numbers vary, we typically recommend serving 1½ pounds of turkey per guest. You should also account for the weight of the turkey bones and bits of meat that can't be carved from the shoulders and neck. These areas are perfect for making stock but shouldn't be counted with the amount of meat a guest is served.
If 1½ pounds of turkey per person seems insufficient, keep in mind all the fabulous Thanksgiving side dishes being served. Between cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans (with or without casserole), the turkey has plenty else to go with it. There are also sure to be plenty of appetizers, even if you have some vegetarians at your table.
If your Thanksgiving gathering is on the smaller side (under eight people), you can treat each person to 2 pounds of turkey per guest. Read on to find out more details on serving larger groups and including leftovers in your Thanksgiving equation.
How Much Turkey Do I Need for 10 Adults?
For 10 adults, you can keep to the amount stated above of 1½ to 2 pounds of turkey per person. A 20-pound turkey should give you enough to cover the 10 people on your Thanksgiving dinner guest list. Set aside enough time to prepare and cook a larger-sized turkey until it comes out of the oven juicy and golden brown.
What About White Meat vs. Dark Meat Preferences?
Many of us struggle with white meat vs. dark meat preferences when asking how much turkey per person is enough. Dark meat is considered more fatty and moist than its white meat counterpart. Many dark meat aficionados believe it has more flavor, while others prefer the texture of white meat.
Since many people prefer white meat to dark meat, you can also separately prepare a turkey breast. This way, everyone can get what they want and you'll have more leftovers to boot. White meat tends to be used more in Thanksgiving leftover recipes, especially for sandwiches.
How Much Turkey Do I Need for a Big Crowd?
If you're serving somewhere between 20 and 30 people on Thanksgiving, hats off to you! It's not easy to prepare an entire Thanksgiving dinner for a big crowd. When it comes to turkey portions, somewhere around 1¼ pounds of turkey per person is a good medium.
You'll need a 25-pound turkey for 20 people and, for 30 people, you're probably better off with two smaller turkeys. Hopefully, having two ovens or a helpful guest can make this huge Thanksgiving celebration a hit for everyone.
How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
If you have too many leftovers after Thanksgiving is over, don't worry. If it is stored correctly, you can use leftover turkey for tasty recipes such as turkey meatloaf and turkey chowder. Slice the remaining turkey meat from the carcass and separate the white and dark meat into labeled plastic bags. You can also keep the boneless turkey separate from the bone-in pieces if preferred.
Turkey should be eaten within three to four days after Thanksgiving but can be frozen for up to three or four months. Wrap turkey in foil and place inside freezer-safe bags, so ice crystals don't form on the meat when it hits the freezer.
READ MORE: Does Pumpkin Pie Need To Be Refrigerated? How to Correctly Store Your Pies
