what size turkey will feed 6-8 people?

Question

and how long to cook per pound? with stuffing

Answer 1

depends on the people. . . and whether or not you want leftovers afterwards.

I've had about 6 people over, and there were enough side dishes - stuffing, salad, potatoes, beans, veggies, corn, rolls, desert after - that a small 15 pound turkey actually made it perfectly. . . .but then there were no left overs for the day after, and perhaps some people were forced to eat white meat when they wanted dark or vice versa.

typically once you buy the turkey. . . and the stuffing for that matter, there will be instructions inside in terms of timing - based on if you're stuffing, size turkey, etc. (make sure you take everything out - typically they keep the giblets, neck, some string and the instructions, all in the cavity in a plastic bag.)

If you go for the smaller 10-15 pounders, probably around 2-3 hours; 3-4 for the 15-20 pounders (rough estimate again, you see when you buy the turkey). Some turkeys these days also come with a button that will "pop up" when it's done. Good luck finding a whole turkey under 10 pounds or sometimes even under 15. They're rare, and if you go that way, shop early and shove it in the freezer.

My mom always tended to undercook about 30 minutes or so less than recommendations, because they were set to completely cook the turkey and results in a very dry white meat. However, if you've cooked it, and the internal temperature is suitable, then taking it out 30 minutes before and let it sit for the remaining 30 minutes is fine. Like steaks, the internal temperature of the turkey is still hot enough that even sitting at room temp, it's still cooking (just don't cut into it yet), but you let the juices time to get back with the meat.

go larger, and have the left overs. my turkey fajitas have been a universal crowd pleaser for the past 10 years.

Answer 2

What Size Turkey For 8 Adults

Answer 3

Size Of Turkey

Answer 4

For turkey with the bones still in, allow 1 pound of turkey per person. This is a guideline mind you, there's a difference between 6-8 athletic folks and 6-8 dieting folks-possibly 1/2 pound a person difference. Anyhow, leftovers are great and freeze well.
Cook at 350 F 20-30 minutes per pound if you have put the stuffing in the cavity, knock off 5 minutes a pound if it's unstuffed, but again, these are guidelines. Put the bird in the oven and check on him every now and then.
Bon Appetit.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what size turkey will feed 6-8 people?
and how long to cook per pound? with stuffing

Answer 6

I have been cooking the Thanksgiving dinner for my family of 10 for over 30 years. I buy a 16lb. turkey and always have plenty of leftovers for everyone to take home and keep some for Grampa and myself.

If you don't care about leftovers (what sacrilege!!) then figure 6 to 8 oz per person.
You'll still have plenty for those extra big eaters!

Oh, and the cooking time is ALWAYS 20 minutes per pound unstuffed, 25 stuffed. Nothin' more dangerous than undercooked turkey! Ewww!

Have a good one!!

Answer 7

You will need at least a 14 lb turkey. You will have some left over with that size. The directions will be on the package. Buy packaged seasoned dressing. I don't recommend stuffing a turkey because of the salmonella. I bake my dressing in a pan lined with foil for easy clean up. Use Swanson's chicken broth for the liquid in your dressing. I love turkey and dressing. Also the candied yams and cranberry sauce. You have made me anxious for Thanksgiving Dinner, Can't wait. Happy Thanksgiving to you and hope your turkey will be delicious.

Answer 8

I would get a 20+ pounder. It depends on the eating habits of the participants. Usually will cook in 4 to 5 hours, but follow the processor's instructions on the label. Look here for great tips:

http://www.butterball.com/en/main_canvas.jsp?includePage=prep_cook_calculator.jsp&t=Turkey%20Cooking%20Time%20Calculator&s0=plan_n_prep&s1=plan

I would rather have leftovers for people to take and for myself if I put that much time into cooking a meal. And turkey is really versatile! Turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey shakes......

Answer 9

An 8-10 lbs turkey should do it. I asked my gma this last T-Day and she said that 1lb per person is the best way to guestimate. Once you buy the turkey, or stuffing package, it will tell you how long per pound and at what temp. Good luck!

Answer 10

You always assume 1 lb. per person, they don't eat that much but that takes in consideration for bones, etc, so 6-8. Go a little bigger to be safe and for leftovers. Cook approximately 20 min. per lb. when stuffed, 15 unstuffed.