What is a Small Turkey and Why Should You Cook One This Thanksgiving?

Whether youre hosting a small group or just want to focus on the side dishes, cooking a small turkey for Thanksgiving can seriously simplify your hosting duties. Heres what you need to know about buying and roasting a small bird.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner you may be wondering what size turkey to cook for the big feast. While large turkeys are traditional a small turkey is a great option if you are cooking for a smaller gathering. In this article, we will explain what counts as a small turkey, the benefits of choosing a smaller bird, where to buy one, how long to cook it, and share some delicious recipes.

What Qualifies as a Small Turkey?

When we think of Thanksgiving turkeys, an enormous, 20-pound bird often comes to mind However, turkeys come in all shapes and sizes Generally, turkeys that are 16 pounds or lighter are considered “small.” Here is a more detailed breakout

Turkeys 10 pounds or under are extra small.
Turkeys in the 10-14 pound range are small.
Turkeys 14-16 pounds are medium-small.

To give you an idea of serving sizes, plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. A 10 pound turkey will feed 8-10 guests, while a 14 pound turkey will serve 10-14.

Why Choose a Small Turkey?

Cooking a smaller turkey has some major advantages:

Easier to cook: A small turkey cooks more evenly since the breast and thighs are closer in size. This means fewer dry breasts or undercooked legs.
More flavorful: With less meat overall, the flavors have a chance to permeate throughout.
Lower cost: A smaller bird means lower cost for you.
Easier to carve: A 10-14 pound turkey is much easier to maneuver when it comes time to carve.
Less leftovers: For a small gathering, a petite turkey prevents a week of leftovers. Or if you do want leftovers, choose a medium-small turkey.

Where to Buy a Small Turkey

Major grocery chains like Kroger, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods carry small turkeys, some even down to 6 pounds. Check with your local butcher as well.

You can also order directly from online retailers like D’Artagnan or Fresh Direct. They offer organic and free-range petite birds.

Shop early, as the smaller turkeys sell out fast. You want the best selection possible.

How Long to Cook a Small Turkey

General turkey cooking times are 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. Here are estimated cooking times for small, unstuffed turkeys:

6-10 pounds: 2 to 3 hours
10-14 pounds: 3 to 4 hours

Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook until the thigh reaches 165°F. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

For even cooking, roast your turkey breast side up and tent with foil to prevent over browning. Baste occasionally with pan juices.

Delicious Recipes for Small Turkeys

Once you’ve got your small turkey, you’ll need some tasty recipes to highlight its flavor. Here are a few of our favorites:

Maple-Sage Brined Turkey: Brining is key for flavorful, juicy meat. The maple and sage add seasonal flair.
Cheesecloth Turkey: Wrap in cheesecloth soaked with wine and broth for the most tender, flavorful bird.
Cider Thyme Roasted Turkey: Apple cider and fresh thyme make this turkey incredible.
Turkey Roulade: Stuff the breast with flavorful fillings like cornbread, sausage, apples, and spinach.
Turkey Breast: Roast a 2-3 pound turkey breast for a small gathering. So easy!

Next Thanksgiving, give a small turkey a try. You’ll enjoy a delicious, lower stress holiday with all the flavor and tradition.

what is a small turkey

The Pros and Cons of a Small TurkeyWhen it comes to Thanksgiving turkeys, bigger isn’t always better. Large turkeys are heavy to lift in and out of the oven. They’re also difficult to cook through without drying out parts of the bird—too often, the white meat is overcooked and almost cottony before the slower-to-cook dark meat reaches a safe temperature. (Here’s our guide to

Four guests: 5 lbs.
Six guests: 8 lbs.
Eight guests: 10 lbs.

If youre hosting a vegetarian-leaning group, your family and friends prefer side dishes or youre serving an

Thanksgiving Tip – Roast 2 Small Turkeys Instead of 1 Large Turkey

FAQ

What is considered a small turkey?

You’ll find that most “small turkeys” range in size from 10 to 14 pounds, although you may be able to find them as small as 6 pounds. So how much turkey will you need for a small gathering? As a general rule, estimate about 1 pound for serving, give or take a little.

What is a mini turkey called?

Perfect for smaller gatherings, a Li’l Butterball is a small whole turkey. Li’l Butterball turkeys have all the wow factor of a traditional whole turkey, but at a smaller weight so they cook faster and provide fewer servings.

Is a small turkey a hen?

Hens are generally weigh less than 16 pounds and a tom turkey is usually over 16 pounds. Toms are larger with larger bones and less edible portions. However, age not gender is the determining factor where tenderness is concerned.

What size turkey for 2 adults?

The general rule of thumb is 1–1½ pounds turkey per person. If that seems like a lot, remember that a whole turkey comes with a lot of parts that don’t end up getting eaten. “When you buy a whole turkey, a lot of it is bone,” says recipe developer (and former BA staffer) Jessie YuChen.