Here's a handy guide to buying a small turkey: how much turkey to buy, where to shop and how long to cook a smaller bird.
Everything You Need to Know About Cooking a Small Turkey This Thanksgiving
Updated on Oct. 05, 2024
Whether you’re hosting a small group or just want to focus on the side dishes, cooking a small turkey for Thanksgiving can seriously simplify your hosting duties. Here’s what you need to know about buying and roasting a small bird.
The Pros and Cons of a Small Turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving turkeys, bigger isn’t always better. Large turkeys are heavy to lift in and out of the oven. They’re also difficult to cook through without drying out parts of the bird—too often, the white meat is overcooked and almost cottony before the slower-to-cook dark meat reaches a safe temperature. (Here’s our guide to cooking turkey for the best results.)
Cooking a small turkey is, quite simply, quicker, giving you a greater likelihood of juicy meat and crispy (not scorched) skin.
The cons, of course, are that you’ll have less meat to serve—if you’re hosting a small group, refer to our guide below to see how much meat to buy. Also, you’ll have less turkey to enjoy in leftovers.
How small of a turkey can you buy?
Frankly, even a small turkey is fairly sizable; it’s never going to be like cooking a Cornish game hen. Most “small” turkeys range from 10 to 12 pounds, though you may be able to find one smaller. Kroger grocery store even carries a five-pound bird.
How much turkey you’ll need for a small group
- Four guests: 5 lbs.
- Six guests: 8 lbs.
- Eight guests: 10 lbs.
If you’re hosting a vegetarian-leaning group, your family and friends prefer side dishes or you’re serving an alternative Thanksgiving entree, then you may want to buy a tiny turkey even if you’re serving a larger group.
Want to go even smaller? Consider buying a turkey breast, which is a breeze to roast and generally ranges between three and four pounds.
How Long to Cook a Small Turkey
Turkey takes about 15-20 minutes per pound to cook, assuming that you’re beginning with a defrosted but still cool from the fridge bird. Roast at 325ºF until the interior temperature reaches 170º to 175º. (You’ll need an instant-read thermometer to check.)
Where to Buy a Small Turkey
As we mentioned, Kroger grocery stores should stock a range of smaller turkeys, even some as small as five pounds. Trader Joe’s may have turkeys as small as 12 pounds; they also sell cooked, brined turkey breasts. Whole Foods also sells a bone-in turkey breast that weighs about six pounds. Online sources include D’artagnan, which sells organic, free-range turkeys from eight pounds.
Don’t have one of those stores near you? Call your local grocery store and find out what they offer. If you know you want a specific size turkey, contact your butcher ahead of time and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
How Many of These Classic Thanksgiving Recipes Will You Make?
Green Bean CasseroleThis green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
After you've got dinner sorted, snag these Thanksgiving dinner gadgets and dress up your space with Thanksgiving table decor ideas.
Classic Cheesecloth TurkeyThis cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you've ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin PieUsually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Mashed PotatoesMashed potatoes make a wonderful accompaniment to most any meal, so keep this recipe handy. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sausage StuffingEvery family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their kitchens. This is truly a good old-fashioned recipe. —Norma Howland, Joliet, Illinois
Spiced Cranberry SauceWhile this spicy cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it for the holidays. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan
Sweet Potato PoneSweet potatoes are among my favorite vegetables, and this sweet potato pone is my absolute favorite way to prepare them. Not only is it an eagerly anticipated side dish for Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends each year, but also I make it to dress up ordinary meals. You can almost serve it as a dessert! —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Hot CiderI dress up apple cider using lemonade, orange juice, honey and spices for a new version of a classic
fall beverage. —Glenna Tooman, Boise, Idaho
Quick Green Beans with BaconGreen beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Roast TurkeyRubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned turkey moist and tender. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Brussels Sprouts with BaconThere are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Keep an eye on them so they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Buttermilk Biscuits"These biscuits are made from a recipe that's been in our family for years. They're simple to make and smell so good when baking! The wonderful aroma takes me back to those days when Mom made this meal—it's like I'm there in our family's kitchen again, with her busy at the stove."
Hot Spiced Cranberry DrinkI serve this rosy spiced beverage at parties and family gatherings during the winter. Friends like the tangy twist it gets from Red Hots. It's a nice change from the usual hot chocolate. —Laura Burgess, Ballwin, Missouri
Easy Apple CrispHere's an easy apple crisp! This is a delicious dessert perfect for young cooks to prepare. It's super simple to make since there's no crust—just a crumbly topping. Plus, with apples and oats, it's a wholesome treat. —Sheri Hatten, Devil's Lake, North Dakota
Seasoned Brown Rice PilafFor those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any Thanksgiving leftovers are delicious the next day. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
Slow-Cooker Baked ApplesComing home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky
Cran-Raspberry Gelatin SaladJust like Grandma’s, this pretty gelatin salad has full berry flavor without being too tart. It’s perfect for any holiday dinner. —Rosemary Burch, Phoenix, Arizona
Corn PuddingCornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Creamed Pearl OnionsWhen our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year.—Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Special Squash CasseroleSquash has traditionally been a food our family passes up, but this luscious casserole is an exception to the rule. You won't find it among our Thanksgiving leftovers—it's one of the first dishes to go back to the kitchen empty. —Kathleen Cox, Wyoming, Michigan
Creamed SpinachMy mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years.—Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
GravyMake your Thanksgiving or other special-occasion dinner easy with this can't-miss homemade gravy recipe. Use the drippings from your roasted turkey, and the gravy is done in just 20 minutes. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Glazed Green BeansGlazed green beans with onions, bacon, dried cranberries and maple syrup are sweet, savory and 100% addictive.
Spiced Acorn SquashWorking full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Carrot, Parsnip and Potato GratinThanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Caramel Apple StrudelMy father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland
Cranberry FluffCranberry fluff is sweet, tart and creamy all at once. This Midwestern picnic salad (or dessert!) is also easy to riff on, so try the recipe once as is, then play around and come up with your own variations.
Creamed CornThis creamed corn recipe features a rich, from-scratch cream sauce, sweet corn kernels and a nutty Parmesan topping. Enjoy it with your favorite southern dishes.
Baked PearsThis baked pears recipe is very versatile. You can serve it warm or cold and for any size group. Chilled pears can be dressed up with a dollop of whipped topping, fruit-filled yogurt or ice cream. —Betty Schledorn, Ocala, Florida
Sweet Potato Casserole with PecansMom loved sweet potatoes and fixed them often in this creamy, comforting baked sweet potato casserole. With its nutty topping, this side dish could almost be served as a dessert. It's a yummy treat! —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Slow-Cooked Wild RiceThis recipe has become such a family heirloom that I asked my mother's permission before passing it along. It has traveled to weddings, landmark birthdays and wedding anniversaries—and it always makes people happy. —Janet Mahowald, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Maple-Sage Brined TurkeyWhen the leaves start turning, it’s turkey time at our house. We use maple-sage brine to help brown the bird and make the meat incredibly juicy. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Warm Spiced NutsI like to set out bowls of spiced nuts when hosting holiday parties. Sometimes I stir in M&M's to make it a sweet and salty snack. —Jill Matson, Zimmerman, Minnesota
Mashed Red PotatoesThese creamy garlic mashed potatoes are so good, you can serve them plain—no butter or gravy is needed. This is the only way I make my mashed potatoes. —Valerie Mitchell, Olathe, Kansas
Country Turnip GreensIf you’ve never tried making turnip greens, my recipe is an easy, tasty way to start. Pork and onions give the fresh greens wonderful flavor .—Sandra Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Whipped SquashThis is an excellent way to serve one of the season's most delicious vegetables—butternut squash. Its rich flavor and golden harvest color really come through in this smooth vegetable side dish.
—Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Butternut Squash SoupWhen the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this butternut squash soup. The cream adds richness, but if you're looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Glazed Julienned CarrotsThere's just enough butter and sugar in this glazed julienned carrots recipe to bring out its natural sweetness. With just five ingredients, this recipe is ready to serve in minutes. —Mary Lou Boyce, Wilmington, Delaware
Thanksgiving Green BeansMomma made these green beans only at Thanksgiving because, at the time, the ingredients were out of her everyday budget. Her original recipe inside her recipe box had five stars drawn on it. I would have to agree! —Marcia Shires, San Antonio, Texas
Beets in Orange SauceTo ensure your family eats their veggies, why not top your beets with an irresistible orange glaze! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pretty Duchess PotatoesComfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! This recipe is a favorite Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving menu idea. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry SaladOne of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts. —Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Herbed Accordion Dinner RollsTo dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Candied PecansThese candied pecans combine toasty nuts with butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla for a salty-sweet snack that you can eat by the handful or as an accompaniment to salad, cheese, desserts and so much more.
Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels SproutsFor special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Slow-Cooker ApplesauceSlow-cooker applesauce comes together easily, given the appliance's even heat, which transforms sliced fruit into soft homemade applesauce with little more prep than it takes to peel and slice the fruit.
Sweet ‘n’ Tangy CarrotsWith an irresistible brown sugar-mustard sauce, these simple simmered carrots bring bright flavor and color to the table. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Molded Cranberry-Orange SaladWhen I take this dish to potlucks during the holidays, people always ooh and aah. Feel free to top with whipped cream for added appeal. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Sweet Potato CasserolePrepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Easy Apple CakeAfter testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, this old-fashioned cake is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix and, served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, one of my family’s very favorite recipes for decades. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
Icebox RollsI remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Crockpot Mashed PotatoesSour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Fluffy Cranberry MousseThis is a delicious and pretty salad for the holidays, but it's so good that I serve it at other times, too. I got the recipe from a neighbor who had served it with a traditional turkey dinner. —Helen Clement, Hemet, California
Elegant Green BeansMushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Hot Spinach Apple SaladWith a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Sage DressingThis moist, hearty sage stuffing is nicely seasoned with sausage and fresh mushrooms. Sometimes I use it to stuff my Thanksgiving turkey and other times I bake it separately. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Soft Dinner RollsThe dough for these rolls has a nice texture and is simple to shape. The recipe came from an old church cookbook. —Norma Harder, Weyakwin, Saskatchewan
Pumpkin Cranberry BreadWhat makes this pumpkin cranberry bread recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation yielding two loaves that are delicious to share or to stock your freezer for future sweet treats.
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesMy recipe takes mashed potatoes to the next level with a savory topping of cheese, onions and bacon. —JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Apple Cider PunchApple cider punch, garnished with orange slices and spiced with cinnamon and allspice, is a chilled fall drink you'll love serving when it's still too warm for hot mugs.
Triple Cranberry SauceCranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped PotatoesTry as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Stuffed MushroomsStuffed mushrooms are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether for a dinner party or just a casual weeknight, these sausage and cheese-filled bites are a breeze to whip up and absolutely irresistible.
Southern Collard GreensCooking collard greens is easier than you’d think. This southern collard greens recipe is full of smoky, savory flavor, and the broth is good enough to drink. You’ll want to dunk a piece of cornbread in it!
Creamy Mashed PotatoesWhenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Make-Ahead Turkey GravyThis make-ahead turkey gravy is a lifesaver when preparing multiple dishes for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Baker’s Dozen Yeast RollsA yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cinnamon Apple PieWhether baked in a skillet or a deep-dish pie plate, a hefty cinnamon apple pie is a real stunner.
Sage Sausage DressingPort is a sweet red wine that's often served as a dessert beverage, but it adds a deep flavor to our family's hearty stuffing. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin
Sweet Potato PieThis creamy sweet potato pie is subtly spiced and slices beautifully! We suggest baking up a few sweet potato pies around the holidays to give to friends and family. —North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
Grandma’s Cranberry StuffWhat could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Party-Ready Macaroni and CheeseYou'll always have a winner at the party when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & AlmondsIf Brussels sprouts taste bitter to you, roast them for a gentle sweetness that goes with cranberries and almonds. This side dish won us over. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Wild Rice Stuffed SquashI made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Crescent RollsI always have to double this buttery, homemade crescent roll recipe because they never last long. You can shape them any way you'd like, but to me, a crescent shape is so pretty. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia
Tender Whole Wheat RollsEven though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Sweet Potatoes with MarshmallowsA twist of orange juice and nutmeg makes this sweet potato with marshmallow refreshing and bold, while a stick of butter, some sugar and a scattering of mini marshmallows maintain the status quo on Thanksgiving.
Slow-Cooker Green BeansGreen beans may seem like the simplest of side dishes, but these slow-cooker green beans with brown sugar and soy sauce just might become your star attraction.
Garlic and Herb Mashed PotatoesCream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Scalloped CornThis comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Garlic Knotted RollsUsing frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu.
Parmesan Mashed PotatoesFluffy and flavorful Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect mix of spuds, butter and sour cream with a bold cheesy finish.
Veggie Mac and CheeseThis creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Traditional Thanksgiving Menu FAQ
How do I choose the right size turkey?
The best way to decide how much turkey you need is to count up your guest list. We recommend planning on about 1-1/4 pounds of turkey per person. That may seem like a lot, but remember that the turkey will lose moisture as it cooks. The bird's total weight also includes inedible parts (like the bones).
If you multiply your total guest count by 1.25, you can calculate the total weight needed. For example, four guests should look for a 5-pound turkey, eight guests would need a 10-pound bird and groups of 12 should look for a 15-pounder. If several of your guests are children, you can round down. Most kids will gobble up Thanksgiving side dishes and starches over poultry. Alternatively, if you want to ensure leftovers, add an extra pound or two to your calculation.
How many sides should you have at Thanksgiving?
Side dishes are the highlight of Thanksgiving for most people, so we recommend serving at least three. If you're hosting more guests than usual, you may want to add extra side dishes or augment your meal plan with Thanksgiving soups or Thanksgiving appetizers.
To keep people happy, we like to serve at least one or two sides from a few crucial categories. Look for make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes to save time on the big day.
- Starches: Filling, cozy and comforting, starches are meant to be a bit indulgent. Consider making dishes that soak up extra gravy, like mashed potato recipes, dinner rolls, stuffing or sweet potato recipes, like the classic marshmallow-topped casserole.
- Produce: Thanksgiving vegetable sides offer exciting flavors and textures that liven up the dinner table. Think crunchy green beans, Brussels sprouts, winter squash or creamed corn. Balance savory veggie sides with something tart and acidic, like homemade cranberry sauce or cranberry relish.
