When it comes to planning a turkey feast, one of the most common questions is, "How much turkey do you need per person?" Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a special family gathering, getting the right amount of turkey ensures everyone leaves satisfied without overwhelming you with leftovers.

Yet, you still want to ensure you have leftovers for those easy meals the following days after a holiday! So, buying the right size bird is key for serving your guests and ensuring you can enjoy that delicious feast for a couple days afterwards. So, here’s a guide to help you determine the perfect turkey size for your party.

Factors to Consider

Appetite: Consider the appetite of your guests. If your group includes hearty eaters or you know people will go back for seconds, you might want to err on the side of more turkey.

Number of Side Dishes: The number and richness of side dishes can affect how much turkey each person will consume. With a variety of filling sides like stuffing, Bacon Mashed Potatoes, and casseroles, guests might eat a little less turkey if they are filling up on delicious sides.

Leftovers: Decide if you want leftovers (let’s be real, everyone wants leftovers!). Many people enjoy having leftover turkey for sandwiches, wraps, soups, or other dishes. If so, plan for an extra half-pound or so per person.

Boneless vs. Bone-In: Bone-in turkey includes the weight of bones, so you’ll need a larger bird compared to boneless turkey. Typically, a bone-in turkey yields about 60% meat and 40% bone.

General Guidelines

Adults: A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per adult. This takes into account both bone-in and boneless options and ensures enough meat for the main meal and some leftovers.

Children: For children, plan for about 0.5 to 1 pound of turkey per child. Younger children typically eat less, so adjust accordingly based on the age and appetite of the children attending.

Leftovers: If you want to ensure ample leftovers, add an additional half-pound per person to your total. For example, if you have 10 adults, plan for an extra 5 pounds of turkey.

Turkey Size Chart

Number of Guests	Turkey Size (Pounds)	With Leftovers (Pounds)
4 Adults	4-6	6-8
6 Adults	6-9	9-12
8 Adults	8-12	12-16
10 Adults	10-15	15-20
12 Adults	12-18	18-24
14 Adults	14-21	21-28
16 Adults	16-24	24-32

Special Considerations

Turkey Breast: If you’re serving only boneless skinless turkey breast plan for about 0.5 to 0.75 pounds per person. This is ideal for smaller gatherings or if your guests prefer white meat.

Different Cuts: If you’re offering a combination of turkey cuts (breast, thighs, drumsticks), ensure you have a good mix to satisfy different preferences. Adjust the total weight accordingly to maintain the overall portion guideline.

Buffet-Style Serving: For buffet-style meals where turkey is one of several main courses, you can plan for slightly less turkey per person, around 0.75 to 1 pound per adult.

Tips for Buying and Preparing Your Turkey

Buy Early: Purchase your Organic Prairie® Turkey in advance to avoid the holiday rush and ensure you get the right size. Frozen organic turkey can be bought weeks ahead, which makes planning easy.

Thaw Properly: If using a frozen turkey, allow ample time for thawing. The USDA recommends thawing in the refrigerator, allowing about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Watch our video, How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey.

Cooking Time: Plan for about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound for a turkey roasted at 325°F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Featherweight Planning for Your Turkey Feast

Determining how much turkey you need per person is essential for a successful and stress-free gathering! Not to mention, key to ensure you have tasty and delicious leftovers to snack on in the following days. By considering factors like appetite, side dishes, and the desire for leftovers, you can ensure that everyone at your table enjoys a delicious and satisfying meal without overwhelming you with excess. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a large holiday feast, these guidelines will help you plan the perfect amount of turkey for your guests (and for you!).