What Size Turkey Should You Buy?

What Size Turkey Should you Buy?

The countdown to Thanksgiving is on! My travel plans are limited due to COVID-19. However, I am super excited because, with a few others, we are having a small Thanksgiving. I use the word “small” loosely. Few in attendance, but the menu, isn’t.

Turkey

Ham

Sweet Potato Casserole or Candied Yams

Collard Greens

Green Bean Casserole

Dressing

Broccoli Salad

Mac N Cheese (maybe)

Rolls

Cornbread

Pumpkin Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Poundcake

Peach Cobbler

Not to brag, but I am the Queen of the Thanksgiving Turkey. The turkey I craft is delicious. Moist and flavorful. My “Mr. Turkey” recipe comes your way tomorrow.

The big question I always hear around this time is, “What size Turkey should I buy?” I learned this trick from my mother on how to buy the right size turkey.

Estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. Suppose you want leftovers, then factor in 1.5 pounds per person. For children, estimate half a pound of turkey.

Number of people x’s the amount per person =’s the turkey size

Here is a great example:

A turkey for 8 adults and 4 children with no leftovers

8 adults x 1 pound = 8 pounds

4 children x .5 pound = 2 pounds

It would be best if you bought a 10-pound turkey

A turkey for 8 adults and 4 children with leftovers

8 adults x 1.5 pound = 12 pounds

4 children x 1 pound = 4 pounds

It would help if you bought a 16-pound turkey

Bea would also add on an extra pound for turkey salad and for any unexpected guests. In this scenario, Bea would have bought an 18-pound turkey. Let’s just face it my house growing up was Thanksgiving headquarters. I’m talking about Turkey, Thanksgiving sides, and the magical dessert table.

So remember, this equation:

Number of people x’s the amount per person =’s the turkey size

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving - @MaryKRadio