A Guide to Thanksgiving Turkey - Serving Size, Thawing and Roasting

As Thanksgiving approaches and you begin to prepare for your
Thanksgiving turkey dinner you may be having questions about how
much turkey you need per person. Or how long does it take to
thaw a frozen turkey? Finally is the all important how long do I
need to roast my turkey. Here are three guides to follow to help
you achieve your perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

Turkey Serving Guide - How much turkey to serve per person

When planning your Thanksgiving turkey dinner it can be
overwhelming wondering how much to serve per person. You will
want to have enough for each person to have at least two
servings and enough for turkey leftovers.

Up to 12lbs. = 1lb. per person 

Over 12lbs. = 3/4lb. per person

Bone in breast = 1/2lb. per person

Boneless breast or role = 1/3lb. per person



Turkey Thawing Guide

Refrigerator thawing is the recommended method for thawing
turkey. It used to be comon practice to thaw turkey in the sink
with cold water. The problem with this method is that bacteria
can grow on the turkey while it is thawing. This is the reason
that refigerator thawing is recommended. 

6 to 8lbs. = 1 to 1 ¾ days

8 to 12lbs. = 1 to 2 days

12 to 16lbs. = 2 to 3 days

16 to 20lbs. = 3 to 4 days

Bone and breast = 1 to 2 days

Boneless breast roll = 1 ½ to 2 days



Turkey Roasting Guide

Pre-heated 325° oven.

6 to 8lbs. = 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ hours

8 to 12lbs. = 3 to 4 hours

12 to 16lbs. = 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours

16 to 20lbs. = 4 to 5 hours

Bone and breast = 1 ½ to 2 ¼ hours

Boneless breast roll = 1 ¾ to 2 ½ hours