A 12 pound turkey can provide a substantial number of servings for a Thanksgiving or holiday meal. But exactly how many servings can you expect to get from a turkey of this size? There are a few factors to consider when estimating turkey servings.
Serving Size Estimates
According to the USDA, the general guideline is to estimate 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person. This means a 12 pound turkey would feed about 12 people. However, this is just an estimate. Serving sizes can vary based on a number of factors.
Here are some general serving size estimates for turkey:
- 4 ounce serving of turkey has about 140 calories and provides a lean protein portion for one person.
- An average turkey leg or wing weighs around 1 pound and provides a generous portion.
- Sliced breast meat portions are often around 3-4 ounces each.
- Smaller appetizer portions may be 2 ounces of cubed turkey meat.
So you can see serving sizes range quite a bit based on if you’re having a turkey sandwich, appetizers, or plated turkey dinner. The number of people you can expect to serve also depends on these factors.
Amount of Meat on a Turkey
According to the National Turkey Federation, about 75% of the weight of a whole turkey is edible meat. The other 25% is mostly bone and skin that is not eaten.
For a 12 pound whole turkey:
- 12 lbs total weight
- x 0.75 edible meat factor
- = 9 lbs of edible cooked turkey meat
If you estimate 4 ounces per serving, here’s how many servings you can get from a 12 pound turkey:
- 9 lbs of edible cooked meat
- 16 ounces in 1 pound = 144 ounces of turkey meat
- 144 ounces / 4 ounce per serving = 36 servings
So a 12 pound turkey will provide approximately 9 pounds of edible meat, which works out to about 36 servings of 4 ounces each. This is quite a lot, so keep reading for how to estimate servings based on meal portions and number of people.
Estimate Servings by Meal Portions
Rather than calculating servings by precise weights, an easier method is to estimate servings based on typical meal portion sizes. Here are some simple serving estimates based on meal portions for a 12 pound turkey:
| Meal Portion | Serving Size Estimate |
|---|---|
| Sliced turkey breast | About 24 servings |
| Turkey sandwiches | 12 large sandwiches |
| Hearty turkey dinner plate | 12 plated dinners |
| Turkey appetizers | 24-36 appetizer portions |
These serving numbers are based on roughly 4-6 ounces of turkey meat per average portion. This varies based on your menu, but provides a general estimate.
Estimate Servings by Number of People
The easiest way to estimate turkey servings is simply by the number of people you want to serve. Here are some estimates for a 12 pound turkey based on head count:
- Feeding 4-6 people – This will provide very generous portions with some leftovers. Perfect for a smaller gathering of family.
- Feeding 6-8 people – Still generous portions, but allows for heartier appetites. Provides a main course with a bit of leftover turkey.
- Feeding 10-12 people – An average portion size for most guests. Allows for appetizers, main course, and limited leftovers.
- Feeding 12-15 people – Smaller portions, but enough turkey for a taste. You may need side dishes to supplement.
The number of servings from a turkey can range quite a bit from 12 very generous portions to 36 smaller servings for appetizers. The serving size you require will depend on your meal plans and number of guests. A 12 pound turkey is a versatile size for many holiday meals.
Leftover Turkey
Don’t forget about leftovers when estimating turkey servings! Even if you are only feeding 6-8 for your meal, you will likely have leftover turkey from a 12 pound bird. Here are some tips for enjoying delicious leftover turkey:
- Slice or cube leftover turkey for sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
- Use chunks of turkey in soups, chilis, and casseroles.
- Heat up sliced turkey with gravy for open faced turkey sandwiches.
- Mix diced turkey with barbeque sauce and serve on rolls.
- Make turkey pot pie or turkey tetrazzini with leftover turkey.
Leftover turkey will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F when using leftovers.
Cooking Time for a 12 Pound Turkey
A 12 pound turkey will require significant roasting time in the oven. Here are some general turkey cooking time guidelines:
- Cook at 325°F oven temperature.
- Estimate 15-18 minutes per pound total cooking time.
- A 12 pound turkey will take about 3-4 hours total cooking time.
- Always use a meat thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
For best results, coat the turkey with oil or butter, season well with salt and pepper, and tent with foil to prevent overbrowning. Let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Types of 12 Pound Turkey Options
There are a few options when purchasing a 12 pound whole turkey:
Fresh Turkey
- Sold fresh/refrigerated, not frozen
- Use within 2 days of purchase
- Best flavor and texture
- Most expensive per pound
Frozen Turkey
- Previously frozen for storage and transport
- Less expensive than fresh
- Thaw in refrigerator 2-3 days before cooking
Organic and Free-Range Turkey
- From turkeys allowed access outdoors
- Lean with robust flavor
- More expensive than standard turkey
Kosher Turkey
- Salted and processed according to kosher dietary laws
- May have enhanced flavor from brining
- Higher cost than standard turkey
Self-Basting Turkey
- Injected with a salt solution to help keep moist
- Less work to prepare and baste
A fresh 12 pound turkey is ideal for holiday meals. But frozen and kosher turkeys also provide delicious options at different price points.
Tips for Preparing a 12 Pound Turkey
Preparing the perfect holiday turkey requires advanced planning and proper technique. Here are some useful tips:
Thaw Safely
- Keep frozen turkey in original wrap in refrigerator 2-3 days to thaw.
- Allow about 5 hours per pound for a 12 pound turkey to thaw.
- Use a leak-proof bag or container to prevent cross-contamination.
Season Well
- Pat turkey dry and coat with olive oil or softened butter.
- Generously season under and on top of skin with salt and pepper.
- You can also stuff herb butter under the skin or in the cavity.
Maintain Proper Heat
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure oven temp is 325°F.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F in breast and thigh.
- Allow at least 20 minutes resting time before carving.
Basting and Tenting
- Baste turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes while roasting.
- Tent with foil to prevent over-browning as needed.
- Uncover skin last 30 minutes if crispy skin is desired.
Following these simple guidelines will help you achieve turkey perfection!
Carving a Whole Turkey
Carving a large whole turkey into perfect portions takes some skill. Here are some tips for carving like a pro:
Tools You Need
- Carving fork to hold turkey in place
- Long slicing knife with thin, sharp blade
- Cutting board large enough for turkey
- Platter to arrange sliced turkey on
Carving Instructions
- Remove any stuffing from cavity and set aside.
- Place turkey breast side up on cutting board with legs facing you.
- Insert carving fork deep into breast to hold turkey in place.
- Using knife, slice horizontally between leg and body, down to the joint.
- Pop leg out of socket and slice through to remove whole leg.
- Remove wings in same manner by slicing through the joint.
- Make vertical slices along both sides of breast bone to remove whole breast halves.
- Cut breast meat into thin slices.
- Arrange slices neatly on platter for serving.
Take your time and slice carefully. Voila! Beautifully carved turkey ready for your holiday feast.
White and Dark Meat Comparison
Turkey has two distinct types of meat – white breast meat and dark leg/thigh meat. Here’s how they compare:
White Turkey Meat
- Comes from the breast
- Tender, mild flavor
- Lower fat than dark meat
- Prone to drying out
Dark Turkey Meat
- From legs and thighs
- Rich, bold flavor
- Higher fat content keeps it moist
- More savory, hearty taste
A turkey provides a perfect balance of lean, delicate white meat along with juicy, flavorful dark meat. Both have their merits depending on your palate!
Turkey FAQs
Is stuffing the turkey safe?
Stuffing a raw turkey introduces contamination risks from handling. It’s much safer to cook stuffing separately to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can you freeze a 12 pound turkey?
Absolutely. Allow the cooked turkey to cool completely, then carve, pack into airtight containers or freezer bags, label, and freeze up to 3 months.
Can you cook a turkey from frozen?
It is possible but will take significantly longer. It’s best to thaw turkey completely in the refrigerator before roasting for food safety and even cooking.
Should you brine a turkey?
Brining helps keep turkey extra moist and flavorful. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge turkey, and refrigerate 12-24 hours before roasting.
What temp should turkey be when done?
Cook until the breast and thigh areas reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Conclusion
A 12 pound turkey can provide anywhere from 12 to 36 generous servings depending on how you carve it and the portions you require. In general, estimate about 1 pound per person, with several pounds of leftover meat. Prepare your turkey with advanced thawing, proper seasoning, careful roasting, and expert carving techniques. A 12 pound bird can gracefully feed a holiday gathering with wonderful turkey flavor to spare.
