How Much Turkey Do I Need for 7 Guests? A Guide to Buying the Perfect Bird

Planning Thanksgiving dinner and trying to figure out how much turkey to buy for 7 people? It’s a common scenario that many hosts face. You want to make sure you have enough so that everyone gets their fill, but not so much that you’re stuck eating leftovers well into December.

In this article, we’ll break down a simple formula to help you buy just the right amount of turkey for your 7 person gathering.

The General Rule of Thumb

The most commonly recommended amount is about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person. So for 7 guests, that would mean purchasing a turkey that’s around 7-10.5 pounds.

However there are a few factors that can alter this guideline

• Will there be other main meat dishes served? If you are also serving ham or beef, you may be able to get a slightly smaller turkey.

• Are any of the guests children? Children will likely eat less than 1 pound each. You can estimate about 1/2 pound per child.

• Do you want lots of leftovers? If the goal is turkey sandwiches for days, bump up the amount to 2 pounds per person.

• Boneless vs bone-in turkey Boneless cuts will yield more edible meat per pound Plan for about 8 ounces boneless turkey per person,

• Appetites of your guests: If you have a group with hearty eaters, add an extra pound or two.

Turkey Sizes for 7 People

Here are some more specific turkey size recommendations for a group of 7 adults:

• 7-8 pound turkey – This will provide right around 1 pound per person without a ton of leftovers.

• 10-12 pound turkey – Gives you closer to 1.5 pounds per person and will likely leave you with enough for sandwiches the next day.

• 14-15 pound turkey – Go for the bigger bird if you want lots of leftovers and if you know your guests can pack it away.

• 2 smaller turkeys (10 pounds each) – Consider getting two smaller birds if your oven space is limited. This can help them cook more evenly as well.

Buying Turkey Parts

Another option is to forego buying a whole bird and just purchase turkey parts instead. This gives you more control and prevents you from overbuying.

For 7 people, you could get:

• 3-4 pounds of boneless turkey breast (about 1/2 pound per person)

• 8 turkey drumsticks (slightly more than 1 per person)

• 1 bone-in breast (~5 pounds) plus a few legs

Mix and match parts to get to the approximate amount of meat you need. Cooking times will vary, so research each piece before party day.

Cook Times for Different Turkey Sizes

To ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked through by dinner time, it’s key to know approximate cook times. Here’s a general guide:

• 8-12 lb turkey: 2.5 – 3 hours at 325°F

• 12-16 lb turkey: 3 – 4 hours at 325°F

• 16-20 lb turkey: 4 – 5 hours at 325°F

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached 165°F at the thickest part. Letting the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving will allow the juices to redistribute.

For stuffed turkeys, allot 15-30 additional minutes and check that the center of the stuffing has reached 165°F.

Ordering Your Bird in Advance

Grocery stores often run out of smaller turkeys closer to Thanksgiving, so shop early if you know you need a specific size. Many local farms and specialty markets allow you to pre-order your turkey weeks or months ahead.

You’ll also want to factor in thawing time if you opt for a frozen turkey. Allow 24 hours thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator. A thawed turkey will cook more evenly versus a partially frozen one.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Sized Thanksgiving Turkey

We hope these tips help take some of the guesswork out of buying the ideal turkey for your 7 person Thanksgiving dinner. The right size bird will leave your guests satisfied and smiling around the holiday table. Just don’t forget to save me a leftover sandwich!