How Many Does a 20-Pound Turkey Feed? A Guide to Thanksgiving Portions
A 20-pound turkey, perfectly roasted, will generally feed 12-14 adults with generous portions or up to 20 people if serving smaller portions with plenty of side dishes.
Estimating Turkey Size for Your Thanksgiving Feast
Calculating the right size turkey for your Thanksgiving or holiday gathering is crucial for ensuring everyone gets their fill without excessive leftovers (unless you love turkey sandwiches for days!). While a 20-pound bird is a popular choice, several factors influence how many people it will realistically feed. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision.
The Importance of Portion Size
The single most important factor in determining how many people a turkey will feed is portion size. Are you planning for heaping plates of turkey with extra slices for sandwiches later? Or are you aiming for a moderate serving of turkey alongside a variety of side dishes?
- Generous Portions: If your guests are known for their hearty appetites and you expect them to want seconds or leftover sandwiches, plan for 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. This will ensure everyone gets their fill, and you’ll likely have some leftovers.
- Moderate Portions: For a balanced meal with plenty of side dishes, aim for 1 to 1.25 pounds of turkey per person. This approach is ideal for gatherings with a diverse menu where the turkey is just one component.
- Light Portions (with kids): For mostly children, aim for 0.75 to 1 pound of turkey per person.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Turkey
A 20-pound bone-in turkey is what we’re primarily discussing here. The bones contribute to flavor during cooking, but they also account for a significant portion of the weight. A boneless turkey breast, on the other hand, will provide significantly more meat per pound.
- Bone-In: Provides richer flavor during cooking; however, includes the weight of the bones.
- Boneless: Offers more meat per pound and is easier to carve, but may lack the same depth of flavor as a bone-in turkey.
- Note: Consider the cook time associated with both options as well.
Considering Your Guests’ Appetites
Think about your guests’ eating habits. Do you have a group of big eaters or people who tend to pick at their food? Adjust your estimate accordingly. Consider these factors:
- Gender: Men generally eat larger portions than women.
- Age: Children typically eat smaller portions than adults.
- Activity Level: Guests who are active or have larger frames may consume more.
Accounting for Leftovers
Many people look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers. If you’re planning on having plenty of turkey for sandwiches, soups, and other dishes, you’ll need to account for that in your initial calculation. Add an extra 0.5 pounds of turkey per person if you want significant leftovers.
Using a Turkey Size Calculator
Several online turkey size calculators can help you estimate the right amount of turkey to buy. These calculators typically take into account the number of guests, their appetites, and whether you want leftovers. These are helpful but using your own judgement is always important.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not accounting for bone weight: Remember that bone-in turkeys have a significant amount of inedible weight.
- Underestimating guest appetites: It’s always better to have a little too much turkey than not enough.
- Ignoring the side dishes: If you’re serving a wide variety of side dishes, you can get away with a smaller turkey.
- Forgetting the kids: Children may eat less turkey than adults, but they still need to be factored into the equation.
FAQs: All Your Turkey Questions Answered
How much turkey does a child typically eat?
A child typically eats half to two-thirds of an adult’s portion. A good rule of thumb is to estimate 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of turkey per child, especially if other tempting options are available.
What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. So, a 20-pound turkey will take about 4-5 days to thaw completely. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. You can also submerge a turkey, sealed in its original packaging, in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow approximately 30 minutes of thaw time per pound.
How long should I cook a 20-pound turkey?
Cooking times vary depending on the oven temperature and whether the turkey is stuffed. Generally, a 20-pound unstuffed turkey will take 3.5 to 4 hours to cook at 325°F (163°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
What’s the best internal temperature for a cooked turkey?
The safe internal temperature for a cooked turkey is 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. The breast should reach 160°F (71°C). Keep in mind that the temperature will rise slightly after the turkey is removed from the oven.
Should I stuff my turkey?
Stuffing a turkey is a matter of personal preference. However, stuffing increases the cooking time and presents a potential food safety risk because the stuffing must reach 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria. If you choose to stuff your turkey, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the stuffing is cooked thoroughly.
How can I prevent my turkey from drying out?
To prevent your turkey from drying out:
- Brine the turkey: Brining helps the turkey retain moisture during cooking.
- Baste the turkey: Baste the turkey with pan juices or melted butter every 30 minutes.
- Use a roasting bag: A roasting bag will trap moisture and keep the turkey moist.
- Don’t overcook: Cook the turkey until it reaches the safe internal temperature, but don’t overcook it.
What’s the best way to carve a turkey?
Rest the turkey for at least 20 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird. To carve, remove the legs and thighs first, then slice the breast meat.
How long can I store cooked turkey in the refrigerator?
Cooked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze leftover turkey?
Yes, you can freeze leftover turkey. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging or place it in an airtight container. Frozen turkey can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
What can I do with leftover turkey bones?
Leftover turkey bones can be used to make a delicious and flavorful turkey stock. Simmer the bones in water with vegetables and herbs for several hours, then strain the broth and use it in soups, stews, or sauces.
My turkey is browning too quickly. What should I do?
If your turkey is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the skin from burning while the inside continues to cook. You can remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
I don’t have a roasting pan. What can I use instead?
If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Elevate the turkey on a rack or bed of vegetables to allow air to circulate around it.
By carefully considering portion sizes, guest appetites, and cooking techniques, you can confidently choose the right size turkey for your Thanksgiving feast and ensure a memorable and delicious meal for everyone.