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Thanksgiving for 10 — Turkey Size, Food Quantities & Timeline

Thanksgiving for 10 people is the sweet spot — large enough to feel like a proper feast, small enough to manage without a second oven. A 12–14 pound turkey perfectly feeds 10 with leftovers. Side quantities: 2 lbs green beans, 4 lbs mashed potatoes, one 9×13 pan of stuffing, one pan of sweet potatoes, one pie per 5 people. Use the planner to work backwards from your dinner time and build the complete day-of schedule.

For 10 people, a 12 lb turkey gives 2–3 lbs of leftovers (ideal for sandwiches and soup). A 14 lb turkey gives 4–5 lbs of leftovers. If your group wants significant leftovers, choose the larger bird. If everyone wants just enough for dinner, the 12 lb is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
At 325°F: an unstuffed turkey takes about 13 minutes per pound. A 14-lb turkey takes roughly 3–3.5 hours. A stuffed turkey takes 15–18 minutes per pound. Always verify with a thermometer at 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh — the only reliable doneness test.
How many days does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
Allow 24 hours of refrigerator thawing time for every 4–5 pounds of turkey. A 14-lb turkey needs 3 days. A 20-lb turkey needs 4–5 days. Never thaw at room temperature — the bacteria danger zone starts at 40°F. Cold water thawing is a faster alternative (30 min per pound, changing water every 30 min).
Should I brine my Thanksgiving turkey?
Wet brining (submerging in a salt solution for 12–24 hours) adds moisture and flavor but requires refrigerator space and a large container. Dry brining (rubbing with salt and refrigerating uncovered 1–3 days) is easier, produces crispier skin, and is often preferred by experienced cooks. Both work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size turkey for 10 people?
For 10 people at Thanksgiving: a 12–14 pound turkey is ideal. Plan 1.25 pounds of raw turkey per person for generous servings plus some leftovers. A 12 lb turkey feeds 10 with minimal leftovers; a 14 lb turkey feeds 10 with good leftover potential. Both sizes are manageable for one person to handle and fit in most standard home ovens.
How much stuffing do I need for 10 people?
For 10 people: one 9×13 baking pan of stuffing (approximately 6 cups uncooked bread, yielding 8–10 cups finished). At 3/4 cup per person: you need 7.5 cups, so a standard recipe (one 9×13 pan) covers 10 people comfortably. For stuffing lovers who take generous portions: make 1.5 batches. Cook stuffing outside the turkey for food safety.
How much mashed potatoes do I need for 10 people?
For 10 people: 4–5 pounds of potatoes (raw) yields approximately 8–10 cups of mashed potatoes. At 3/4 cup per person as a Thanksgiving side: 7.5 cups for 10. Plan 4 lbs raw for standard portions, 5 lbs for generous portions or potato enthusiasts. Mashed potatoes reheat well — make them the day before in a slow cooker or reheat in a covered pot with added butter and cream.

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