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View full sizeAP Photo | MATTHEW MEADThis photo shows a sage-roasted turkey and gravy dinner in Concord, N.H. This turkey recipe adds minced fresh sage to softened butter, which then is rubbed both under and over the bird's skin.
Quick! How many people does a 12-pound turkey feed? How many servings in a can of cranberry sauce? How long should you brine the bird?
Don’t worry. We’re lousy at Thanksgiving trivia, too. That’s why we assembled this Turkey Day cheat sheet. This way you can focus on your family, friends and good eats without having to worry your way through culinary equations.
All serving estimates are generous to allow for plenty of seconds and leftovers.
How big?
For turkeys smaller than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1½ pounds per person whatever the turkey’s size.
- For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey.
- For 10 people, buy a 15-pound turkey.
- For 12 people, buy an 18-pound turkey.
- For 14 people, buy a 20-pound turkey.
The big thaw
The safest way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. You’ll need about 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. You also can put the turkey in a sink of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes, and plan for about 30 minutes per pound.
The brine
Never brine a turkey for more than about 8 to 10 hours. Much longer and the meat will be too salty. Always keep the bird refrigerated during brining. If the turkey is too big, an ice-filled cooler stored outside works, too.
The roast
Roasting temperatures vary widely by recipe. Some go at a slow and steady 325 degrees. Others crank the heat to 400 degrees or 425 degrees for the first hour and then drop it down for the rest of the time.
However you roast, use an instant thermometer inserted at the innermost part of the thigh (without touching bone) to determine when your turkey is done. The meat needs to hit 165 degrees for safe eating, though some people say thigh meat tastes better at 170 degrees.
The following roasting time estimates are based on a stuffed turkey cooked at 325 degrees. Reduce cooking time by 20 to 40 minutes for turkeys that are not stuffed. And remember, a crowded oven cooks more slowly, so plan ahead if your bird needs to share the space.
- 12-pound turkey: 3 to 4 hours at 325 degrees.
- 15-pound turkey: 4 to 4½ hours at 325 degrees.
- 18-pound turkey: 4½ to 5 hours at 325 degrees.
- 20-pound turkey: 5 to 6 hours at 325 degrees.
The rest
The turkey should never go directly from the oven to the table. Like most meat, it needs to rest at least 20 minutes before serving for the juices to redistribute.
The sides
- Carrots:
- Cranberry sauce:
- Gravy:
- Green beans:
- Mashed potatoes:
- Stuffing:
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