How to Prepare a Small Turkey for a Relaxed Thanksgiving

If you're cooking for just a couple of people or want to skip the hassle of a large turkey, a small bird might be the perfect solution this year.

There are plenty of benefits to cooking a smaller turkey, and we'll dive into them shortly. Think of this as your complete guide to purchasing and cooking a small turkey.

Why Choose a Small Turkey?

There are plenty of reasons you might opt for a smaller turkey this Thanksgiving. Perhaps you're cooking for a smaller crowd, or maybe you want to give more attention to the sides (because, let's face it, they're the best part). Whatever your reason, a small turkey can be just as festive and flavorful as its larger counterpart, with a few extra perks along the way.

Smaller turkeys are easier to cook than their larger counterparts. Their size makes them simpler to move in and out of the oven for basting, and they're more forgiving when it comes to achieving juicy meat and perfectly crisp, golden skin.

Roasting a turkey is challenging due to its size—it’s hard to cook it all the way through without overcooking the skin or drying out the meat. A smaller bird, however, takes the stress out of roasting and delivers better results with less fuss.

What Size Qualifies as a 'Small' Turkey?

When purchasing a small turkey, it's important to keep your expectations in check—don't expect one the size of a cornish game hen or a chicken. Typically, small turkeys range between 10 and 14 pounds, though you may find some as small as 6 pounds.

How much turkey should you buy for a smaller group? A general rule of thumb is to plan on about 1 pound per person. So, for example, a 10-pound turkey should be enough to serve 8 to 10 guests.

If you're looking for something even smaller (say, for just one or two people), consider opting for a turkey breast instead. But honestly, having leftover turkey is never a bad idea.

For dark meat lovers, check out this recipe for Herb-Roasted Turkey Thighs.

Where to Find a Small Turkey

If you want the best selection of small turkeys, be sure to shop early. Popular grocery chains like Kroger, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods are great places to start.

Farmer Focus offers organic, free-range heirloom turkeys, typically weighing around 13 pounds. You can find their products at Fresh Thyme, select Kroger stores, or online through Fresh Direct.

How Long Should You Roast a Small Turkey?

Cooking a small turkey is essentially the same as cooking a larger one, with the main difference being the cooking time—learn how to cook a turkey here.

The general guideline is 20 minutes of cooking time per pound. Check out our turkey cooking time guide for more detailed info. Here's a quick overview of cooking times for turkeys under 14 pounds:

Small Turkey Cooking Time Chart

These times are estimates, so the most reliable way to check if your turkey is done is with an instant-read thermometer. To check, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Below are general cooking times for an unstuffed, whole turkey roasted at 350°F (175°C).

• 6 to 10 pounds: 2 to 3 hours
• 10 to 14 pounds: 3 to 4 hours