Turkey size is a common question in the kitchen, and it can be tricky to figure out what size turkey to order. This article will help you find the right turkey for your family’s needs and budget.
The 12-pound turkey how many feed is a question that has been asked for years. This article will provide you with the answer to this question and more!
The most recent update was on November 22, 2024.
Bird is a traditional Christmas dinner option, but choosing what size turkey to buy may be difficult.
Choosing a large turkey can result in days and days of leftovers, which may be a problem if you can’t eat them all, but getting one that is too little will leave you scrambling to serve everyone at your dinner table.
We’ve got all the details you’ll need to make sure you buy the proper size turkey, as well as some cooking techniques to keep it juicy.
Here are some quick connections to the material in this page.
What Turkey Size Should I Get?
When choosing a turkey size, consider how many people you’ll be feeding and if you’ll have leftovers for Boxing Day sandwiches, our delicious turkey pasta salad, creamy turkey spaghetti, or our turkey and bacon pie.
Allow 450 grams each dish as a general rule of thumb, and 675 grams per person if you want leftovers. Obviously, it is not the amount that everyone will consume, but it does imply that an additional 225g per person will be wasted.
Size of Turkey and Number of Servings
Here are some examples of turkey sizes and how many people they will feed.
- 4-6 persons may be served with 2-2.5kg.
- 6-7 persons may be served with 3kg.
- 3.5kg of meat can feed 7-8 persons.
- 8-10 persons may be served with 4-4.5kg of meat.
- 5-5.5kg of meat can feed 10-23 persons.
- 6-6.5kg of meat can feed 12-15 persons.
If you’re just cooking for a small party. Depending on how many leftovers you want, a turkey crown may be a better choice.
Is It Better To Buy A Fresh Or Frozen Turkey?
Frozen is more cost-effective, but fresh is preferable if you’re searching for a certain breed.
A turkey should be defrosted in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. If you’re using a fresh turkey, make sure it’s at room temperature before cooking. This is accomplished by taking the chicken from the refrigerator a few hours before cooking.
How Long Should A Turkey Be Cooked?
The length of time required is determined on the size of the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to obtain a temperature of 70C on the inner thigh of the turkey to see whether it is fully done.
The BBC Good Food website offers a fantastic tool for determining how long to roast a turkey based on its weight. To access the roast timer, click here.
Along with the length of time, the temperature at which the turkey should be cooked is also a point of contention. However, starting with a slow and steady bake at 180°C for the length of time suggested for the size of your turkey is an excellent place to start. If you take your time cooking the chicken, you’ll have more chances to baste it and ensure that it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Cooking Techniques for a Juicy Turkey
Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking if it was frozen. Even if it means putting it in the fridge a day ahead of time. It’s better to be safe than to bake a half-frozen turkey on Christmas Day.
Brine the chicken before cooking. Putting the chicken in a simple brine of salt, sugar, and water before cooking can help it stay moist. It will also give the meat a whole new dimension of flavor. You may make the brine your own by adding herbs and spices of your choosing.
Make careful to baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes while it’s cooking to keep it moist. Particularly the breasts, since the turkey breast is drier than the rest of the bird.
Cooking the turkey breasts upside down is an excellent method to ensure that they are not dry. This will enable all of the fluids in the breast to accumulate. After an hour or so, turn the turkey over so that the breasts are pointing up and complete the cooking process in that position to get color.
Starting with foil on the chicken will enable it to cook without browning for a longer period of time.
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The turkey meat yield chart is a helpful tool for those who are cooking a turkey. It will help you determine how much turkey meat you can expect to get from your bird, and it also includes information on the size of the bird.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size turkey do I need for Christmas?
A 15 pound turkey will feed about 10 to 12 people.
What size turkey should I order?
I recommend ordering a 10-12 pound turkey.
What size turkey cooks the best?
You can cook a turkey up to a pound and a half, so it would be best to use a 12-pounder.
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