How to Figure Out What Size Turkey Buy

To figure out what size turkey to buy, you will need to consider the number of people you are serving and the desired serving size per person. Here's a general guideline to help you determine the size of turkey you need:

1. Determine the Number of Servings:

- Estimate the number of people you will be serving.

2. Calculate the Serving Size:

- A typical serving size of turkey is around 1 pound of cooked meat per person. This includes both white and dark meat.

- If you want leftovers or wish to have more generous servings, you can increase the serving size to 1.5 pounds per person.

3. Calculate Total Weight Needed:

- Multiply the number of servings by the desired serving size to determine the total weight of the turkey you need.

4. Consider the Turkey's Weight Range:

- Turkeys typically come in various weight ranges, such as 8-10 lbs, 12-14 lbs, 16-18 lbs, etc.

- Choose a turkey within the weight range that most closely matches your calculated total weight.

5. Allow for Cooking Loss:

- During cooking, the turkey will lose some of its weight due to evaporation and rendering of fat.

- To account for this, add about 1-1.5 pounds to the total weight you calculated.

Example Calculation:

- Let's say you're serving 12 people and want a generous serving size of 1.5 pounds per person:

- Total weight needed = 12 people x 1.5 lb/person = 18 pounds

- Add 1 pound for cooking loss, so you'll need a turkey that weighs around 19 pounds.

Tips:

- If you find a turkey slightly heavier than your calculated weight, it's better to go for the larger size to ensure you have enough meat for your guests.

- Some grocery stores or butchers offer turkeys in specific weight ranges, so you may need to adjust your calculations accordingly.

- Consider the additional weight of any seasonings or stuffing you plan to use inside the turkey.

- If you prefer white meat, you can opt for a turkey breast, which is typically sold separately from the whole turkey.