How Big Of A Turkey For 8 People

So, You're Having a Turkey Day Feast for Eight, Huh?

Alright, let's dive into this. You're planning a turkey day feast for eight folks. Sounds like a party! But wait, how big of a turkey do you need? Let's figure this out, yeah?

First Things First: Portion Size

You might be thinking, "I want everyone to have enough, but not too much." Right? So, let's talk turkey portions. A good rule of thumb is about 1 to 1.5 pounds per person. That's like, what, a small turkey for each guest? Not quite, but we're getting there.

But Wait, What About Leftovers?

Who doesn't love turkey sandwiches the next day? If you're into leftovers (and who isn't?), you might want to consider getting a bit more. Let's say 1.5 to 2 pounds per person. That's more like it!

Now, Let's Do the Math

So, for eight people, you're looking at about 12 to 16 pounds of turkey. That's a big bird! Imagine a turkey the size of a small dog. That's what you're looking at. Pretty impressive, huh?

But What If I Want a Smaller Turkey?

Maybe you're not into leftovers, or maybe you just want to try something different. You could go for a smaller turkey, like a 10-pounder. That's still a good amount of turkey, but it's more like a big cat than a small dog. Just remember, you might run out sooner.

How Many Lbs Of Turkey Per Person REALLY?

And What About Spatchcocking?

Ever heard of spatchcocking? It's when you flatten the turkey by removing the backbone and breastbone. It cooks faster and more evenly. Plus, it looks kinda cool. But it doesn't change the amount of turkey you need. You still need that 12 to 16 pounds for eight people.

So, There You Have It

For eight people, you're looking at a turkey the size of a small dog. It's a big bird, but it's worth it. After all, it's not every day you get to feed a crowd with a bird that size. Happy turkey day!