11 Adults What Size Turkey?

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends to celebrate the harvest and enjoy a delicious meal. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is, of course, the turkey. But how do you know what size turkey to buy for your party?

The number of guests you’re hosting is the most important factor to consider when choosing a turkey. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1 pound of turkey per person. So, if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 adults, you’ll need a 10-pound turkey.

Of course, there are other factors to consider as well. If you have any small children or elderly guests, you may want to buy a slightly larger turkey so that everyone has plenty to eat. And if you’re planning on having any leftovers, you may want to buy a slightly larger turkey as well.

11 Adults What Size Turkey?
11 Adults What Size Turkey?

Here’s a table that can help you determine the ideal turkey size for your Thanksgiving feast

| Number of Guests | Turkey Size |
|—|—|
| 4-6 | 12-14 pounds |
| 7-9 | 16-18 pounds |
| 10-12 | 20-22 pounds |
| 13-15 | 24-26 pounds |
| 16+ | 28-30 pounds |

Once you’ve chosen the right size turkey, it’s time to start planning the rest of your Thanksgiving feast!

Weight Number of Servings Cooking Time
12-14 pounds 10-12 3-4 hours
15-18 pounds 12-15 4-5 hours
18-20 pounds 15-20 5-6 hours
20-24 pounds 20-25 6-7 hours

How to determine the size of turkey you need

The size of turkey you need will depend on the number of people you are serving, the weight of the turkey, and the cooking method you will be using.

Number of people

As a general rule, you will need about 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you are planning on having a lot of sides or leftovers, you may want to increase the size of your turkey by a few pounds.

For example, if you are serving 10 people, you will need a turkey that weighs between 10 and 12 pounds.

Weight of the turkey

The weight of the turkey will also affect the cooking time. A larger turkey will take longer to cook than a smaller turkey.

For example, a 10-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to cook, while a 12-pound turkey will take about 4 hours to cook.

Cooking method

The cooking method you will be using will also affect the size of turkey you need. If you are roasting the turkey, you will need a larger turkey than if you are smoking or grilling the turkey.

For example, if you are roasting a turkey, you will need a turkey that is about 15% larger than the size of the finished product you want. So, if you want a 10-pound roasted turkey, you will need a turkey that weighs about 11.5 pounds.

Different types of turkeys

There are many different types of turkeys available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types of turkeys include:

Whole turkeys

Whole turkeys are the most traditional type of turkey and are perfect for large gatherings. Whole turkeys can range in weight from 10 to 20 pounds.

Breasts

Turkey breasts are a great option for smaller gatherings or for people who don’t want to deal with the hassle of carving a whole turkey. Turkey breasts can range in weight from 2 to 4 pounds.

Legs

Turkey legs are a delicious and flavorful option that are perfect for roasting or grilling. Turkey legs can range in weight from 1 to 2 pounds.

Wings

Turkey wings are a great appetizer or snack. Turkey wings can range in weight from 1 to 2 pounds.

When choosing a turkey, it is important to consider the number of people you are serving, the weight of the turkey, and the cooking method you will be using. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you choose the perfect turkey for your next holiday meal.

How to Cook a Turkey

There are many different ways to cook a turkey, but the most common methods are roasting, baking, deep-frying, and smoking. The best way to cook a turkey depends on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.

Roasting a Turkey

Roasting is the traditional method of cooking a turkey. It is a simple and straightforward method that produces a juicy and flavorful bird. To roast a turkey, you will need:

A large roasting pan
A roasting rack
A meat thermometer
Cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Optional: herbs, spices, or marinade

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. If desired, rub the turkey with cooking spray, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs, spices, or a marinade to the turkey.
4. Place the turkey on the roasting rack in the roasting pan.
5. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Baking a Turkey

Baking a turkey is similar to roasting a turkey, but it is done in a covered oven. This method produces a moist and flavorful bird, but it can take longer than roasting. To bake a turkey, you will need:

A large baking dish
A roasting rack
A meat thermometer
Cooking spray
Salt and pepper
Optional: herbs, spices, or marinade

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. If desired, rub the turkey with cooking spray, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs, spices, or a marinade to the turkey.
4. Place the turkey on the roasting rack in the baking dish.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the turkey for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Deep-frying a Turkey

Deep-frying a turkey is a quick and easy way to cook a turkey. It produces a crispy and flavorful bird, but it is important to be careful not to overcook the turkey. To deep-fry a turkey, you will need:

A large pot or deep fryer
A turkey fryer basket
Peanut oil
A meat thermometer
Salt and pepper
Optional: herbs, spices, or marinade

1. Fill the pot or deep fryer with enough peanut oil to cover the turkey.
2. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
4. If desired, rub the turkey with cooking spray, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs, spices, or a marinade to the turkey.
5. Carefully place the turkey in the fryer basket.
6. Lower the turkey into the hot oil.
7. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Carefully remove the turkey from the fryer and drain on paper towels.
9. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Smoking a Turkey

Smoking a turkey is a slow and low method of cooking that produces a flavorful and moist bird. It is a great option for people who want to enjoy a smoked turkey without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. To smoke a turkey, you will need:

A smoker
A turkey
Wood chips
A meat thermometer
Salt and pepper
Optional: herbs, spices, or marinade

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. If desired, rub the turkey with cooking spray, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs, spices, or a marinade to the turkey.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker.
5. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Much Turkey Should I Plan Per Adult For A Group Of 11?

Answer: For a group of 11 adults, you should plan on approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. This means you should aim for a turkey that is between 11 to 16.5 pounds to ensure everyone is well-fed and to allow for some leftovers.

2. Is It Better To Get One Large Turkey Or Two Smaller Ones For A Group Of 11?

Answer: It depends on your preference and oven space. One large turkey (15 to 20 pounds) will generally suffice for 11 adults and can be easier to manage. However, two smaller turkeys can cook more quickly and may provide more even cooking results, as well as a greater amount of the preferred white meat.

3. How Long Should I Cook A Turkey For 11 Adults?

Answer: The cooking time for a turkey will depend on its size and whether it is stuffed. As a general guideline, an unstuffed turkey should be cooked for about 13 minutes per pound at 350°F, so for a turkey large enough for 11 adults (15-20 pounds), you would cook it for approximately 3 to 4.5 hours. Always verify that the internal temperature has reached 165°F for safety.

4. What If Some Of The 11 Adults Are Vegetarian? Should I Still Get A Large Turkey?

Answer: If you have vegetarian guests, you may not need as large of a turkey. Consider the number of meat-eating guests when selecting your turkey size. You might reduce the size of the turkey accordingly and supplement the meal with ample vegetarian options to ensure there’s plenty of food for everyone.

5. How Many Leftovers Will A Turkey For 11 Adults Yield?

Answer: A turkey sized for 11 adults (15-20 pounds) can yield enough leftovers for several days of meals, depending on the portion sizes during the initial meal and the appetite of your guests. On average, you might expect to have enough turkey left for 1-2 additional meals for the same group size.

Final Word

when planning a meal for 11 adults, the size of the turkey should be chosen with both portion sizes and potential leftovers in mind. A rule of thumb is to estimate 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per adult, thus for 11 adults, a turkey weighing between 11 to 16.5 pounds would be adequate.

However, erring on the side of more is advisable, particularly if the occasion warrants additional servings or if the guests have hearty appetites. Therefore, a 15 to 20-pound turkey would be ideal, ensuring there is plentiful food for the meal and for subsequent leftovers, which are often appreciated.

To ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied, it’s better to have a little too much rather than not enough, considering that a larger bird doesn’t only provide more meat, but also larger portions of popular cuts such as the breast.

Keep in mind that the larger the turkey, the longer the cooking time required, so planning for preparation time is also crucial. Opting for a larger turkey accommodates a variety of needs and preferences, making the meal enjoyable for all the guests.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!