How many people does a 20lb turkey serve?

[COLORADO/MOM/3]

I went to the store yesterday and got a 20 pound turkey...I was quite proud of myself for getting the biggest one in the bin for that particular sale, and mentioned it to DH...he said that after it was cooked it would be like 1 to 2 pounds of meat...I don't think so, but what do you guys think? We are only having 8 people and are having a ham too, but they are staying with us for a few days afterwards and was hoping for left-overs

[Fourboys]

well butterball recommends a 12 pound turkey for 8 people including leftovers so i think you're fine! I have heard half a pound of turkey per person.......when planning

[mvahalik]

You will be fine... last year I had a 12lbs turkey for 11-12 people and we still had leftovers.

[COLORADO/MOM/3]

Thanks you guys, that's what I thought.....but then that DH got me thinking

[selena1075]

I was wondering the same thing. My free coupon only covers up to a 20 pound turkey and I wanted to get one as big as possible. We're having 9 adults, 3 older kids, and 2 young ones (well and a baby too but she won't be eating turkey LOL). I'm hoping 20 lbs will do. Oh, one of the adults is a vegetarian so that means 8 adults actually.

Maybe I should get a small ham too.

[arubagirl]

I picked up my free 20 lb today now it will be just the 5 of us and lots of yummy leftovers

[Fourboys]

I was wondering the same thing. My free coupon only covers up to a 20 pound turkey and I wanted to get one as big as possible. We're having 9 adults, 3 older kids, and 2 young ones (well and a baby too but she won't be eating turkey LOL). I'm hoping 20 lbs will do. Oh, one of the adults is a vegetarian so that means 8 adults actually.

Maybe I should get a small ham too.

i went back to butterballs calculator and for 9 adults, 5 kids, and leftovers it recommends 17.5 pound turkey and 13 cups of stuffing!

i think you're fine. you'll have all those side dishes and dessert too.

[selena1075]

Thanks. Your right lots of side dishes and my Italian SIL will be bringing pumpkin soup and home made gnoccis (that's a meal in itself!).

[shilton]

The general rule is 1-1 1/2 pounds per person. We usually have people over all day and have dinner (sandwiches) as well if we have people over, so I allow more than that per person just because I am really trying to get two meals out of it. I would say that you will be fine with the number you are having and will have some leftovers for casseroles and such.

[candied]

I try to get a big turkey as well - although I don't have one yet. How are you getting a free turkey - I WANT ONE.

Candace