Is 20 pounds of turkey too big?

A 20-pound turkey isn't too big; it's actually a great size for feeding a good number of people (around 12-16+) and ensuring plenty of leftovers, though its size can pose a challenge for smaller ovens, so consider cooking two smaller birds if your oven is tiny, or spatchcock it for faster, even cooking.

How many people does 20 lbs of turkey feed?

A 20 lb turkey generally feeds 12 to 15 people, providing generous servings with potential leftovers, especially when considering a pound per person (1.5 lbs for more leftovers) and accounting for bone weight, with some sources suggesting it serves up to 14 for a main course or more with ample side dishes. 

Is 20 lbs a big turkey?

As tempting as a 20-pound turkey may look at the store, you really don't need one that large for a six-person gathering. The general rule is 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. If that seems like a lot, remember that a whole bone-in turkey comes with parts that don't get eaten.

Will a 20 pound turkey fit in a standard oven?

A 30" freestanding range (and most 2017 and newer slide-in ranges) will hold a turkey that is about 24 to 26 pounds. For a 30" freestanding double oven range (and most 2017 and newer slide-in double oven ranges), the lower oven will hold a turkey that is about 20 pounds.

How long will it take to cook a 20 lb turkey in the oven?

Roast a 20 lb turkey at 325°F (165°C) for about 4.5 to 5 hours if unstuffed, or 5 to 5.5 hours if stuffed, but always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast, checking around the 4-hour mark for unstuffed birds. 

Is a 20lb turkey too big to smoke?

Will a 20lb turkey fit in a 30 quart turkey fryer?

Large Capacity Outdoor Fryer: 30 QT propane fryer can fit a 20 Pounds turkey that can feed up to 12-14 people.It allows you to fry a larger bird, so it works well if you're usually cooking for a large group.

Is a 30 lb turkey too big?

As a general guideline, plan for 1 pound of turkey per person that you're serving. If you enjoy having leftovers in your fridge, consider 1½ to 2 pounds per person instead. This means a 30-pound turkey could serve up to 30 guests at a time.

What size turkey to feed 10 people?

A turkey crown (2-2.5kg) will feed 6 people. A small turkey (3-4.5kg) will feed 6-8 people. A medium turkey (4-5kg) will feed 8-10 people. A large turkey (6-6.5kg) will feed 12-15 people.

How old is a 20 lb turkey?

The chart below illustrates the averages for White Broad Breasted Turkey growth. Most people have their broad breasted turkeys butchered between 18 and 20 weeks of age. Tom's butchered at 18 weeks will average a carcass of approximately 29 lbs and hens will yield a carcass of approximately 20 lbs.

What if the turkey is too big for the oven?

The turkey is too big to fit in the oven! How can I cook it? Break it down. Cut off the legs and braise them or make a confit, then reheat on Christmas Day.

Do you cover a 20 lb turkey?

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

How big of a turkey do I need for 22 guests?

The following is a guide to how much turkey you will need, based on the number of guests you are expecting: 4-8 people: 10-15 lb turkey. 10-16 people: 15-18 lb turkey. 18-22 people: 19-24 lb turkey.

What size turkey for 20 people butterball?

A general rule is 1 pound of turkey per person, but that amount can vary depending on your dinner plans and guest preferences.

What pound of turkey for family of 4?

For a family of 4, plan for a 6 to 8 pound whole turkey for a meal with leftovers, or a 3 to 4 pound turkey breast if you prefer just white meat and a quicker cook. A good rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 pounds per person for dinner and plenty of leftovers, but you can go smaller if you have many side dishes or smaller appetites.
 

Is a 20 pound turkey enough for 13 people?

The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest. If you're buying boneless meat, assume about 8 ounces per guest. To buy the right size turkey for your party, simply tally up the turkey-eating guests. Add a few pounds on for bones and you've got your turkey weight.

How many servings are in a 20 lb turkey?

A 20 lb turkey generally feeds 12 to 15 people, providing generous servings with potential leftovers, especially when considering a pound per person (1.5 lbs for more leftovers) and accounting for bone weight, with some sources suggesting it serves up to 14 for a main course or more with ample side dishes. 

What size turkey is best for Thanksgiving?

Here's a good rule of thumb, when planning the turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, figure 1-1.5 lbs per person. If you're the kind of person who dreams of turkey leftovers, factor in an extra pound or two.

Will a 20 lb turkey feed?

While 1 pound per person could feel too little, and 1 1/2 pounds per guest might be overdoing it, 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per person is the perfect balance. At that rate, feeding a large party of 15 or more people requires 20+ pounds of turkey.

Are butterball turkeys really better?

Butterball isn't definitively "better" for everyone; it offers convenience and consistent juiciness due to its pre-brining, making it "foolproof" for many home cooks, but it's pricier, and some find its flavor lacking or chemical, while other brands (like local farms or store brands) can offer superior, customizable flavor at a lower cost, depending on your priorities and cooking skill. The choice comes down to balancing cost, effort, and taste preference, as other brands can be just as moist with proper cooking. 

What's the biggest turkey you can put in a deep fryer?

Choosing Your Turkey for the Deep Fryer

It can only be so big if you plan to cook your turkey this way. A standard 30-quart deep fryer can only handle up to a 14-pound turkey. If your bird is larger than this, you'll need to remove the thighs and legs from the body and fry them separately.

What is a good substitute for peanut oil when frying a turkey?

For frying turkey without peanut oil, the best substitutes are other neutral oils with high smoke points (above 425°F), such as Canola, Corn, Safflower, Soybean, Sunflower, or Avocado Oil, with Corn Oil often cited as a great, cost-effective swap for its similar properties to peanut oil. Any of these high-heat oils will work well for deep-frying, especially if you're accommodating a peanut allergy. 

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