Thanksgiving is about a month away, but chances are you’re already planning your big family dinner. This holiday wouldn’t be complete without a delicious roasted turkey, but picking the right one is easier said than done. It all starts with choosing the turkey of the right size, and these tips will help you make the best possible choice.
Big vs. Small
Big turkeys may look better in pictures, but they’re not such a great option for more reasons than one. If their giant size looks too good to be true, chances are they’ve been pumped with chemicals, instead of being naturally grown. Smaller birds are also a better option because they tend to thaw faster and cook more consistently.
Number of People
The number of people you’re hosting will determine how big your bird should be and if you should get more than one. Aim for one pound of turkey per person or switch to two if you want to make sure there will be enough meat for leftovers.
Oven and Roasting Pan Size
Big turkeys aren’t a great option if your oven isn’t so large. Make sure that your turkey can actually fit inside your oven so you could roast it without cutting it into pieces beforehand. The same goes for the roasting pan that you’re going to use to serve your turkey.
