Thanksgiving Turkey???

Question

What is a good size turkey for a family of four to get for thanksgiving?
We have two adults, and two children(4 and 2), we got a turkey a little over 12lbs. Is that going to be enough?
I thought it was, but then my mother in law said it would be too small. Thanks!!

We are not having anyone else over for thanksgiving. Our families live hours away, and can't come, so it will just be my husband, two girls and I.

Answer 1

according to www.butterball.com

Start here
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 2
Do you want leftovers: Yes
turkey: 4.5 lbs
stuffing 3.375 cups 9 oz

my kids are the same ages as yours... I think if you added them as 1 adult it still only says 4.5

try it yourself.. it's in their PLANNING guide... and notice it's WITH leftovers. I think they realize that people eat a lot of the side dishes and not necessarily a lot of turkey. 12 will be MORE than enough. (butterballs are at least 10lbs)

Answer 2

Ansman is correct. I have always heard that to judge what size turkey to buy, figure 1lb per person. In your case all you would need is a 2 - 3 lb. turkey since the children are so young and only eat half that of an adult. I have never seen a Turkey that small. The smallest I have ever seen is 10 lbs. You will have plenty of left overs. Hot Turkey sandwiches, cold Turkey sandwiches, Turkey salad sandwiches. Be careful you might sprout wings and fly!! Happy Thanksgiving from our house to yours :)

Answer 3

That should be plenty big. It really depends on how much you want left over. I recently saw a show on the Food Network where the guy made two 12 pound turkeys for approximately 9 adults, so if it's just you, your husband and 2 small children, then you're all set. Don't let your MIL tell you, she may just not realize that you don't want to eat turkey for 3 months following Thanksgiving.

Answer 4

Its a myth. Tryptophan as another answer stated while in Turkey is not capable of causing drowsiness in the levels found in Turkey. The reason you get sleepy, is that people eat too much on Thanksgiving. If you gorged yourself on any other day the way you do for Thanksgiving, you'd be sleepy then too. It doesn't help if you have a lot of wine either.

Answer 5

The general rule is 1 to 1 and 1/2 pounds per person but the kids don't really count. hon you are going to have plenty of leftovers. The little one's will barely eat an ounce if they are anything like mine were at that age. your turkey should be juicy too because it is smaller. Do not panic, and enjoy Thanksgiving.

Answer 6

12 lbs for 2 adults and 2 kids... That's more than enough, unless you guys really like turkey.

If you didn't already have a turkey, I would have recommended a turkey breast.

PS... your mother in law is full of it...

Answer 7

Perfect, usally the rule of thumb is 1lb person. But in your case a 12 lb turkey is about the smallest size you'll find so enjoy the leftovers.

Answer 8

That will be more than enough and you'll have leftovers too.
That is if you are feeding only four to 8 people.
Your mother-in-law is not correct. (see I know not to say my mother-in-law is wrong)
And when you're figuering out what to do with the leftovers, don't forget turkey frame soup. (you'll find a recipe and if not ask Yahoo answers. We'll help you.

Answer 9

12 lb bird will be more then enough, with the rest of the meal. you will have left over turkey to eat for a few days

Answer 10

In my opinion it will be plenty. However I don't know if you like to have alot of left overs or a little bit of left overs? The left overs should be thrown out in 2 days anyways If you dont freeze it or recook it for another recipe, but like i said i think it will be plenty.