Butterball turkeys are a staple for holiday meals and family gatherings With their juicy, tender meat and hassle-free preparation, it’s no wonder they’re so popular But when it comes to choosing the right size Butterball turkey, things can get confusing. This article will break down Butterball turkey sizes so you can easily determine how big you need for your next meal.
Overview of Butterball Turkey Sizes
Butterball offers whole frozen turkeys ranging from 8 to 24 pounds The most common sizes are
- 10-12 pounds (feeds 7-10 people)
- 14-16 pounds (feeds 10-14 people)
- 16-18 pounds (feeds 14-18 people)
- 18-20 pounds (feeds 18-22 people)
- 20-24 pounds (feeds 22-26 people)
They also offer smaller “single-serve” whole turkeys from 8-10 pounds. For easy reference, here’s a chart of the most common Butterball turkey sizes and how many they serve
| Size | Pounds | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 8-12 lbs | 4-8 people |
| Medium | 12-16 lbs | 8-12 people |
| Large | 16-20 lbs | 12-16 people |
| X-Large | 20-24 lbs | 16-22 people |
Butterball states that 1 pound of turkey feeds 1 person. So an 8 pound turkey feeds about 8 people, while a 24 pound turkey feeds up to 24. Use this 1 pound per person guideline as a starting point when choosing your turkey’s size.
How to Choose the Right Size
Choosing the proper size Butterball turkey depends on a few factors:
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Number of guests: Estimate 1 pound per person, adding a couple extra pounds if you want leftovers.
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Number of side dishes: If you’ll serve lots of sides, you may need slightly less turkey per person.
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Appetites: Consider if you have extra hearty eaters who may want larger portions.
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Leftovers: Add 2-3 pounds if you really want leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, soup.
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Turkey cooking method: Smaller turkeys (12 lbs and under) work best for frying, while larger ones (16 lbs and up) are better for roasting.
As a general guideline, I recommend allowing 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person when choosing your Butterball. This provides ample portions with leftovers. A 16-18 pound turkey comfortably feeds a group of 10-12 for example.
For easy math, here are some common guest counts with my recommended turkey size:
- 4 people = 10-12 pound turkey
- 6-8 people = 14-16 pound turkey
- 10-12 people = 18-20 pound turkey
- 16-18 people = 22-24 pound turkey
Keep in mind Butterball only sells their turkeys in 2 pound increments. So you may need to round up or down to the nearest available size.
Common Questions on Butterball Turkey Sizes
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Butterball turkey sizes:
How big is a typical Butterball turkey?
The most popular and commonly available sizes range from 14-18 pounds. This covers holiday meals for most families of 8-12 people.
What’s the smallest frozen Butterball turkey?
The smallest whole frozen Butterball turkey is 8 pounds. This “single-serve” size feeds roughly 4 people.
What’s the largest frozen Butterball turkey?
The largest frozen whole Butterball turkey is 24 pounds. This extra-large turkey feeds up to 24 people for a grand holiday feast.
Can I buy a fresh Butterball turkey smaller than 12 pounds?
No, whole fresh Butterball turkeys only come in sizes 12 pounds and up. For smaller fresh turkeys under 12 pounds, you’ll need to buy from a specialty retailer.
What size Butterball turkey fits in my oven?
Check your oven’s interior measurements. As a general guide, 16-18 pound turkeys fit in standard ovens, while 20-24 pound extra-large turkeys may require a commercial oven.
Can I buy just a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
Yes, Butterball sells boneless turkey breast roasts, typically ranging from 2 to 8 pounds. One boneless breast feeds about 4-8 people.
Choosing the Best Butterball Turkey Size
When estimating your ideal Butterball turkey size, it’s better to go slightly larger than smaller. You’ll have ample portions for all your guests, with bonus leftovers after. Leftover turkey also makes incredible sandwiches, casseroles, and soups.
I recommend 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest as a general guideline for choosing the perfect Butterball. Add 2-3 extra pounds if you really want lots of leftovers. Consider oven size, appetites, and number of sides too when deciding.
With Butterball’s wide range of whole turkey sizes from 8 to 24 pounds, you’re sure to find the right amount of delicious turkey for your next meal. Happy feasting!
