How Much is a 10 Pound Turkey? A Helpful Guide

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us start thinking about the centerpiece of our holiday meal – the turkey! For smaller gatherings of 6-8 people a 10 pound turkey is the perfect size. But how much does a 10 pound turkey cost? And what exactly can you expect from a bird of this size? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about 10 pound turkeys.

Average Cost of a 10 Pound Turkey

The cost of a 10 pound turkey can vary widely depending on a few key factors:

• Fresh vs. Frozen – Fresh turkeys tend to be a bit pricier than frozen ones. A fresh 10 pound turkey costs $15-$20 on average while a frozen one runs $10-$15.

• Organic vs. Conventional – Organic turkeys are more expensive than conventionally-raised options. You’ll pay $25-$35 for an organic 10 pound turkey compared to $10-$20 for non-organic.

• Premium vs. Value Brand – Opting for a premium turkey brand like Butterball or Jennie-O will be pricier than a storebrand or value brand bird. Premium 10 pound turkeys run $20-$30.

• Time of Year – Turkey prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. They tend to be most expensive in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Overall, a good average cost for a frozen, conventional 10 pound turkey from a value brand is $15. Fresh, premium and organic birds will cost more. Checking prices at multiple grocery stores can help you find the best deal.

How Much Meat Can You Expect?

Once cooked, a 10 pound turkey will yield around 5-6 pounds of edible meat. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Breast meat: 2.5-3 pounds
• Leg/thigh meat: 1.5-2 pounds
• Wings: 0.5-1 pounds
• Rest is bones/skin/fat

The USDA recommends planning for 0.75 pound of turkey meat per person for a hearty serving.

So a 10 pound turkey will provide roughly 6-8 hearty turkey dinner servings. This is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or dinner party.

Determining Cook Time

Cooking time for a 10 pound turkey depends largely on whether or not you stuff it.

• Unstuffed: Cook for approximately 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours at 325°F.

• Stuffed: Cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours at 325°F. The stuffing adds insulation, requiring more roast time.

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach 165°F. Let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

For best results, opt for dry brining which seasons the meat and keeps it juicy. Brine for 12-24 hours in the fridge before roasting. A compound butter rubbed under the skin adds loads of flavor too.

Turkey Roasting Pan Size

When choosing a roasting pan, allow for 2-3 inches of space all around the turkey. For a 10 pound bird, you’ll need a roasting pan at least 14 inches long and 4 inches deep. This gives ample room for good air circulation as the turkey cooks.

A wire rack in the pan elevates the turkey above the drippings for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan which steams the meat rather than crisping the skin.

Carving a 10 Pound Turkey

Carving a turkey is easier than it looks with the right technique:

• Let turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving so juices redistribute.
• Remove legs and thighs: Cut through joint connecting them to the body.
• Remove wings: Slice through the wing joint.
• Slice breast meat by making thin slices on the diagonal.
• Arrange pieces on a platter and pour pan drippings over everything.

Having a good sharp knife helps make carving much easier. Aim for slices between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Enjoy Your 10 Pound Turkey!

A 10 pound turkey is a versatile choice for smaller gatherings of 6-8 people. With average prices around $15, it provides plenty of delicious meat without too many leftovers. Cook times vary from 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 hours based on whether you stuff it or not. And carving is simple with the right technique. With proper planning and preparation, your 10 pound turkey will be a juicy, flavorful centerpiece to remember.