How Much Turkey To Buy Per Person For Thanksgiving

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There’s a lot to juggle come Thanksgiving. There are pies to bake, potatoes to mash, tables to set ― but none of it means anything if you mess up the turkey. 

Unfortunately, there are many ways a turkey can go wrong on the big day. It’s not that they’re hard to cook, it’s that not many of us have much experience feeding a large crowd. So, first things first, you have to figure out how much turkey you’ll need to buy in order to feed everyone (with enough for the all-too-important leftovers, too). 

Luckily, this is really easy to do ― and even easier with the First-Timer’s Guide To Roasting A Turkey by Column Five Media. Here’s the basic rule: one pound of turkey per person. If you want leftovers ― or have big eaters coming to your house this year ― plan 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per person. Stick with that, and your Thanksgiving is off on the right foot. 

Read the infographic for more information on how to roast a turkey ― and then check out the recipes below.

Now that you know how to cook it, here are some recipe ideas to take it up a notch or two.