Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or a big Thanksgiving feast, choosing the perfect size turkey is important! You want to have enough to feed everyone (and maybe have some Friday leftovers), but not too big of a turkey that it becomes overwhelming. In this blog post, we will break down the different sizes of turkeys and explain which will be best for your upcoming gathering.
Things to consider when ordering a turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner:
Number of guests
The amount of guests you plan to have at your gathering is the key factor to choosing the right size turkey. We recommend planning for 1 – 1.5 pounds per person, which you might think sounds like a lot. But keep in mind you’re also factoring in the weight of the bones as well as the meat!
Cook time
Smaller turkeys obviously require less time in the oven. So if you prefer a quicker cook time, choose a smaller turkey and add some extra sides. Check out our blog post for some Thanksgiving side dish recipes.
Oven size
Make sure your oven is an appropriate size for the turkey you order. Turkeys need enough space to roast evenly, so if you have a smaller oven, opt for a smaller turkey.
What size turkey do I need?
At Gartner’s, our smoked turkeys typically range from 10-23 pounds. Here’s a quick guide on what size turkey you should order for your gathering based on the amount of guests you have coming.
