Stupid Question - What Size Turkey Do We Need?

[Lee]

There are going to be 8 of us for dinner on Christmas Day and i havent got a clue what size turkey im going to need :eek:

Anyone know what sort of size turkey would work with enough left for sandwiches the next day?

Regards,

Lee

[chadknowslaw]

I thought a pound a person was a good guideline, but if you want leftovers, go 2 pounds each.

I make the biggest turkey that will fit in the oven. It takes just as much work to prepare a 16 pound turkey as a 6 pound bird. Just get the fresh one and not one that is frozen! Then we have leftovers for several days.

[longboardjim]

agreed! , 2pnds. per person , a turkey between 16 - 18 pnds. gives you the most meat. ( interpreted: larger birds have larger cavities creating the outward illusion you are getting more meat. )

jim

[desslock]

My mom's article on Holiday turkey dinners says:

" The "rule" stated by some authorities is three-quarters to one pound of turkey per serving "

However she goes on to explain why that is typically not the best way to go. Everything you want to know of cooking a turkey, plus everything else needed for a dinner, is here

http://www.texascooking.com/features...urkey&most.htm

It's worth bookmarking.

Steve

[Dzinerbear]

I think my mom generally does about a 20-25 pound bird for 12 people. But she usually cooks a ham, too. I would think 18-20 pounds would do you, Lee. I wouldn't necessarily go by the one pound per person rule. A larger bird will make sure you have lots of white and dark meat to handle everyone's preferences.

Michael

[Special_K]

I agree.
Leftovers are just as important as the main meal. Nothing beats a turkey sandwich!

[Northstar]

I just had 8 people over for thanksgiving and I cooked a 19 pounder and it was almost perfect. We did have small amount little left over.

[Madame0120]

First thing to determin ...

How big is your oven?

My Sisiter bought one that didn't fit in hers.

It was a HOOT watching her return it.

But for Christmas here, I do a standing rib roast.

[Bec]

But for Christmas here, I do a standing rib roast.

what time is dinner ...???

[Madame0120]

what time is dinner ...???

Dinner will be at 5PM - and to keep my Father's tradition alive - we will sit around and whine how hungry we are for 2 hours, while the cook drinks too much scotch.