How to Buy The Right Size Turkey For Thanksgiving

One of the most daunting tasks for many hosting their first Thanksgiving is trying to determine how much turkey is required for the big holiday gathering. Preparing this large meal for family and friends can be stressful enough aside from having to worry if there is enough food. The guidelines are pretty simple with purchasing the turkey, though the amount desired can be subjective on what is considered enough.  I typically like leftovers so my rule of thumb is to purchase the bird based on estimate of at least a pound and a half per person. That may seem like a lot of meat to buy, but a turkey weight also includes weight of bones, neck and gizzards. A pound and a half estimate will be more than enough for the hungriest of guests. An estimated range of between 1.50 to 1.75 pounds per person will definitely ensure a few leftover meals after the holidays. Once the meat is picked, it can be conveniently frozen and recreated in delicious dishes like pot pies and tetrazzinis. If the purpose is to minimize excess food, then you can adequately feed your guests at a pound per person assuming there will be other side dishes. The Butterball turkey company has a convenient turkey calculator that also assists with those unsure of how much bird is enough. The cool website also has a thaw calculator which is also imperative to ensure the bird is ready to go in the oven on the big day. The link to this website can be found here.

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