Does any one know how many pounds of turkey do you need to serve 12 people 5 of them being kids from age 6-16.!
Answers: the rest of us are adults.. and of course kids dont eat too much except for deserts because they want to go and play... thanks for your help!
I usually figure on about a pound/person, but, depending on your desire for leftovers you might go a bit more. Usually small children are offset by the big eaters--such as my teenage nephew affectionately called "the disposal;" and my brother who can eat more turkey and rolls than a small nation.
So, if you don't want leftovers, get a 12 pounder; if you want leftovers for yourself and/or others, go up from there. I find that at about 18 pounds and up have a little more fat and are, therefore, a little juicier. I'd go for an 18 pounder myself--I love a good turkey sandwich later!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A 12-lb turkey will feed about 8 adults. I wouldn't get over a 14-pounder for your crowd.
Its best to go with about 1-2 lbs per person, assuming that they will take some home or eat more than other people.
I have a large family and we bought a 21lb turkey for about 11 people.
Rule of thumb is 1/2 lb. per person. You do want to have leftovers for soup or sandwiches don't you?
1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person is a pretty good rule. So an 18lb. turkey would work.
plan on 3 to 4 ounces per serving plus the carcass weight of about half the total turkey.
My daughter's friend who is cooking the turkey just bought a 20 pounder so my daughter has invited more people for T Day dinner!! Already invited 5 families plus all the strays who didn't have family in the area.