What is the Average Weight of a Thanksgiving Turkey?

For many families, Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without a perfectly roasted turkey as the centerpiece of the holiday meal But if you’ve been tasked with cooking the turkey this year, one of the first questions you probably have is how big of a bird should I buy? Determining the right size turkey for your gathering is an important part of meal planning Here’s a closer look at the average weight of a turkey for Thanksgiving and how to choose the best size bird for your table.

Typical Weight Range

The typical weight of a Thanksgiving turkey can vary quite a bit, but generally falls somewhere between 12 to 24 pounds Here’s a quick rundown of typical turkey sizes

• Small turkeys: 8-12 pounds
• Medium turkeys: 12-16 pounds
• Large turkeys: 16-24 pounds
• Extra large turkeys: 24+ pounds

Turkey sizes over 24 pounds are not as common for Thanksgiving, but may be available through specialty suppliers. The most common sizes for the typical family Thanksgiving are between 12 and 18 pounds.

Choosing the Right Size

So how do you determine what size turkey is best for your Thanksgiving meal? Here are some tips:

• Plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. For a gathering of 8 people, a 12 pound turkey would be sufficient.
• Add a couple extra pounds if you want ample leftovers.
• Opt for a smaller turkey (12-14 lbs) for a smaller gathering of 6-8 people.
• Go for a larger turkey (16-18 lbs) for a bigger group of 10-12 people.
• Allow for even more turkey if children will be attending. They tend to eat less but you want to make sure there are seconds.

If you’re not sure how many people will be attending, it’s better to err on the larger side. Extra turkey is perfect for leftovers!

Pros of a Smaller Turkey

Opting for a smaller 12-14 pound turkey has some advantages:

• Takes less time to thaw if frozen
• Cooks more quickly
• Easier to handle and manoeuvre in the oven
• Can easily fit in a smaller oven
• Provides just enough for a smaller gathering without huge amounts of leftovers

Pros of a Larger Turkey

Larger 16-24 pound turkeys work well for big holiday crowds:

• Provides more generous portions for lots of guests
• Yields plentiful leftovers
• Can feed a crowd without needing to cook multiple turkeys
• Impressive, festive centerpiece for a grand holiday spread

Typical Weights by Turkey Variety

Turkey sizes can also vary slightly depending on the specific breed or variety:

• Heritage breed turkeys are on the smaller side, usually between 8-16 pounds.

• Wild turkeys are lean with less fat and tend to be smaller as well, around 8-12 pounds.

• Kosher turkeys are on the larger side ranging from 18-24 pounds since they contain more salt and absorb extra moisture.

• Self-basting or frozen turkeys can range widely in size though the most common sizes are 12-18 pounds.

• Fresh turkeys are most frequently found between 12-24 pounds.

• Organic and free-range turkeys are typically in the 14-18 pound range.

Factors Affecting Size and Weight

Several factors can affect the final weight and size of a turkey:

• Age – Older turkeys are larger and heavier. Young turkeys under 16 weeks are more petite.

• Gender – Toms (males) generally weigh more than hens (females).

• Breed – Heritage breeds are smaller than broad-breasted commercial turkeys.

• Feeding – What the turkey was fed impacts its rate of growth and weight.

• Hormones – Some producers may use hormone injections to boost growth.

• Free range vs. confined – Free range turkeys get more exercise so weigh slightly less than confined turkeys.

Checking the Weight

If you buy your turkey from a local farm or butcher shop, you can simply request a turkey in your desired weight range. Grocery stores also typically stock turkeys in a variety of common sizes. However, if you want to verify the exact weight, here are some tips:

• Check for a weight label sticker on the packaging
• Weigh on a kitchen scale once you get home
• Request the staff weigh it for you at time of purchase

This lets you confirm if the turkey is the proper size for the number of guests you expect.

Impacts of Turkey Weight on Cooking

The weight of your turkey will affect certain aspects of preparation and cooking:

• Thawing – Larger turkeys require more time in the refrigerator to thaw. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.

• Seasoning – Turkeys over 12 pounds need extra seasoning since the skin surface area is larger.

• Roasting time – Whole turkeys require about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325??F. A larger bird will need a longer total roasting time.

• Space needed – Make sure your oven and pans can fit a large turkey if choosing one 20+ pounds.

• Carving – A heavier turkey requires more strength and skill to properly carve after cooking.

Choosing the Best Size for You

Here are some final tips for picking the ideal turkey size for your Thanksgiving meal:

• For a smaller gathering of 6-8 people, a 12-14 lb turkey is perfect. Easy to cook and provides great leftovers.

• For 8-12 guests, aim for a mid-size turkey around 14-18 lbs. This gives you enough meat without tons of leftovers.

• Crowds larger than 12 will need a big bird around 18-22 lbs. Go even bigger if you want lots of leftovers.

• Don’t forget to factor in extra servings if kids are attending or if guests tend to take larger portions.

Storing Leftover Turkey

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without turkey sandwiches and creative leftover recipes like turkey pot pie, turkey tetrazzini, or turkey enchiladas. Here are some tips for storing extra turkey properly:

• Allow the cooked turkey to cool completely before refrigerating.

• Carve turkey off the bone before storing. Cut meat into smaller portions for quicker chilling.

• Refrigerate leftover turkey in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and quality.

• Frozen turkey keeps well for 4-6 months. Maintain quality by double wrapping in freezer bags or airtight containers.

• Reheat thawed or cooked turkey to an internal temperature of 165??F.

Choosing Your Bird Early

To make sure you get a turkey of the ideal size for your gathering, it helps to shop early. Popular sizes can sell out as Thanksgiving nears. Your best bet is to select your turkey 1-2 weeks in advance if purchasing fresh or frozen. If opting for a farm-raised heritage breed turkey, you may need to order even earlier depending on availability. That way you can relax knowing you have the perfect centerpiece for your upcoming holiday feast!