How Much Will a 20 Pound Turkey Feed 2 People?

It’s that time of year again when we start planning our holiday meals and wondering how big of a turkey we need to buy As a small household of 2, figuring out the right turkey size can be tricky You want enough meat for your holiday feast plus some leftovers, but you don’t want a huge bird taking up space in your fridge and going to waste. So how much does a 20 lb turkey actually feed 2 people? Let’s break it down.

Turkey Math – Figuring Out Portions

When determining what size turkey to buy the general rule of thumb is to plan for 1-1.5 pounds of uncooked turkey per person. This will provide around 3/4 pound of cooked meat per serving.

For just 2 people, that equates to

• 2-3 lbs of uncooked turkey
• Around 1.5 lbs of cooked meat

Clearly a 20 lb turkey is overkill for only 2 guests! But we also want those coveted leftovers. Here’s a simple formula to find the right turkey size:

Number of guests x 1.5 lbs

For 2 guests:

2 x 1.5 = 3 lbs of uncooked turkey

However, turkeys usually start around 10 lbs at the smallest. So while 3 pounds of meat would be perfect for 2, we have to size up to allow for leftovers.

How Much Will a 20 Pound Turkey Feed?

Let’s say we purchase a 20 lb turkey to share between 2. Here’s how much cooked meat we can expect:

• 20 lb raw turkey
• About 14 lbs cooked meat
• Feeds around 15 people normally
• For 2 people – about 7 lbs each

That’s a lot of leftovers! A 20 pound turkey for just 2 guests provides over 3 pounds of cooked meat per person.

While that may sound like a lot, turkey meat is very versatile for leftovers. From sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more, you can get creative with using up all that extra turkey.

Tips for a Small Turkey Feast

Here are some tips for making the most of a large bird for a small Thanksgiving gathering:

• Cook just the breast – Rather than roasting the entire 20 lb turkey, consider cooking just the breast portion. This will provide plenty of white meat without as much waste.

• Serve sliced meat – Carve up the entire breast and serve slices, rather than whole pieces per person. This prevents over-portioning.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook the breast only to 165°F, then let rest before slicing. Be careful not to overcook.

• Make stock from scraps – Use the wings, legs, bones and scraps to make your own turkey broth. This prevents any waste.

• Get creative with leftovers – Shred and freeze extra turkey for future casseroles, sandwiches, soups and pot pies. The possibilities are endless!

Sample Menu for 2 with a 20 lb Bird

Here’s a sample holiday menu for 2 featuring a generous 20 lb turkey:

Main Course

• Sliced turkey breast
• Gravy
• Cranberry sauce

Sides

• Green bean casserole
• Mashed potatoes
• Dinner rolls

Dessert

• Pumpkin pie
• Whipped cream

With leftovers, you’ll also have enough turkey for sandwiches, turkey noodle soup, enchiladas, pot pie, and more!

The Verdict?

While a 20 pound turkey may sound very large for just 2 people, the abundance of leftovers makes it worthwhile. With proper portioning, creative recipes, and smart storage, none of that delicious holiday bird will go to waste.

In the end, it’s easier to scale down a large bird than to try finding a tiny turkey. So go ahead and buy the biggest one that fits your budget. With the right techniques, you can still keep your small Thanksgiving feast under control while enjoying turkey for weeks to come.