You are probably planning on the next family gathering, and you might be wondering how many people a 20 lb turkey feeds.
20 pounds of turkey will feed between 16 – 18 people. This means a person is expected to eat approximately one to one-quarter of the turkey. However, you may take other factors into account.
So, are you wondering how many pounds of turkey you would need for the family or how you can handle the leftovers if there are any? You should read on.
Overview
Since there is an entire event around turkey, you probably want to ensure that everyone on the table is well-fed.
Research has it that over 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving. Also, 22 million turkeys are eaten on Christmas Day and 19 million in the Easter period.
What is the average weight of a turkey?
The average weight of a whole turkey is between 15 – 40 pounds, and the one found in the supermarkets weighs around 15 pounds.
However, during the ceremonial season, it is pretty easy to get your hands on 20 – 30 pounds of turkey.
Farmers work the increased need for turkey, especially during seasonal events. During these events, you can find a whole turkey that weighs between 25 – 30 pounds, and this is because they are usually pumped up.
Now, let us do quick math to help you know how many pounds of turkey you may require for your ceremony.
How many lb of turkey per person?
As earlier mentioned, a single person can eat a little over one pound of turkey. But to stay on the safer side, you can approximate one and a quarter per person.
How many people do 10, 20, and 30 lb turkey feeds?
For 10 lb
Considering that one person is expected to eat just over one and a quarter pounds. It would take about 8 to 9 people to consume 10 lb of turkey.
For 20 lb
Also, considering the previously mentioned pounds per person, it is estimated that 16 to 18 people would consume 20 pounds of turkey.
For 30 lb
30 lb of turkey is estimated to feed around 24 to 26 people.
Factors that may affect the number of pounds needed
You should note that there are other factors to consider when planning on the right pounds you need.
Some of these factors include:
1. The age of your guests
If some of your guests are children, you may want to cut back on the estimated pounds needed. Children do not eat as much as adults, especially if there are other appetizers before the main turkey dish.
Plan on a little below one pound (three-quarters) for the children and adjust your calculations accordingly.
2. The side dish
When calculating the pounds required to feed your family, take into consideration what else would be on the menu. The more dishes to choose from, the less likely they are to eat the turkey.
You should probably scale down on the pounds if there are going to be other enticing side dishes.
3. Time of the day
It is well known that people take dinner more seriously. I tend to eat more in the evening than at noon. It is like another tradition on its own.
If you are serving the turkey after 5 o’clock, you should expect people to eat more. On the other hand, if it is served at noon, you should probably cut back on the pounds.
5 dishes you can make with leftover turkey
You can use these leftover turkeys to make some dishes. Some of these dishes that feature leftover turkey include;
1. Turkey potato chowder
Turkey potato chowder is a creamy, savory, and delicious dish that is pretty easy and quick to prepare.
2. Turkey stuffed bell peppers
Turkey stuffed bell peppers is a simple and easy-to-make dish that can feature leftover turkey, and it is a healthy and delicious thanksgiving leftover recipe.
3. Turkey tetrazzini with spinach
Turkey tetrazzini is a family favorite that can feature leftover turkey, and it is usually creamy and cheesy.
4. Leftover turkey fried rice
Leftover turkey fried rice is a healthy dish that features other ingredients such as leftover turkey, shrimp, scrambled eggs, and vegetables.
5. Turkey wild rice
Leftover turkey wild rice is another classic leftover recipe that is also easy to make.
How long does it take to cook 10, 20, and 30 lb of turkey?
At a cooking temperature of 325°F, these are the estimated turkey cooking time.
- For 10 lb of turkey: three or three and a half hours
- For 20 lb of turkey: five to six hours
- For 30 lb of turkey: seven to eight hours.
Note that the above time is for a stuffed turkey. If it is not stuffed, reduce the above-listed time by 40 minutes each.
To be safe, you can also use a meat-read thermometer. The recommended degree for a whole turkey is 165°F, although some people like to crank it up to 170°F.
Always remember to allow your turkey to rest after removing it from the oven. Like other types of meat, leave it to rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to circulate or redistribute through the turkey.
FAQs
What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
The best way is to refrigerate it two days before you would need to prepare it.
Can you put a turkey in brine?
Yes, you can. But you should never brine a turkey for more than 8 hours; otherwise, it’ll become too salty.
How many pounds of turkey do you need for 10 adults?
For 10 adults, you might need between 12 – 15 pounds of turkey.
Does turkey shrink after it is cooked?
Yes, it does. Turkey loses about 25 percent of its weight after being cooked.
Conclusion
A 20 lb turkey can feed approximately 16 – 18 people. Always consider the factors listed in the article when deciding how many pounds you will need for any crowd.
If there are leftovers, I have also listed some friendly and easy-to-prepare dishes you can make with any leftover turkey.
Thank you for reading this article.
Need help with measurements, rations, and portions? Visit Millenora.
