Choosing the right size turkey is one of the first things to tick off your Christmas shopping list. Go too small and you might run short at the table. Go too big and you could be eating turkey sandwiches well into the New Year.
The good news is that choosing the right bird is simpler than you might think. Whether you're cooking Christmas dinner for two or gathering the whole family around the table, here's our guide to choosing the right size Christmas turkey, with a little help on turkey crowns, portions and leftovers along the way.
What size turkey do I need for Christmas?
Use our handy guide to find the right size for your Christmas table. If you're buying a turkey crown, you'll need less weight because there's a higher proportion of meat to bone.
These are approximate guides rather than exact serving sizes. Your guests' appetites, the number of side dishes and whether you'd like leftovers will all make a difference!
Whole turkey or turkey crown: which should I choose?
There's no right or wrong answer here. It comes down to the sort of Christmas dinner you're planning.
A whole turkey
A whole turkey is a lovely choice for a traditional Christmas gathering. Brought to the table golden and ready to carve, it makes a beautiful centrepiece for the occasion.
A whole bird also gives you the legs, wings and carcass, which are full of flavour. Once Christmas dinner is done, the bones can be used to make a rich stock for soups, sauces and risottos.
Choose a whole turkey if you enjoy the tradition of carving at the table, have a larger group to feed or want to make the most of every part of the bird.
A turkey crown
A turkey crown is the breast of the bird on the bone, without the legs and wings. It's a good option if your guests prefer white meat or you'd like a simpler carving experience.
Because a crown contains less bone, you generally need a smaller bird by weight to feed the same number of people. It can also be a practical choice if you're short on oven space or cooking a smaller Christmas dinner.
If you love the idea of a traditional roast turkey but don't need a whole bird, a crown could be just the thing.
Should I buy a bigger turkey for leftovers?
If, like us, you think Boxing Day is all the better for a good turkey sandwich, it's worth allowing a little extra.
Leftover turkey is wonderful in sandwiches with cranberry sauce, folded through a creamy pie filling or added to a warming curry. You can also use the carcass from a whole turkey to make stock.
If leftovers are part of your Christmas plan, we'd suggest choosing the next size up.
How far in advance should I order my Christmas turkey?
It's worth planning ahead, particularly if you have a particular size or delivery date in mind. Ordering early gives you a better chance of choosing the bird that suits your gathering.
Before ordering, think about:
- Your guest list: How many people are coming for Christmas dinner?
- Your menu: Are you serving several other meats, or is turkey the main event?
- Your leftovers: Would you like enough for Boxing Day?
- Your fridge and oven space: Make sure you have room to store the bird safely and cook it properly.
- Your delivery date: Check your supplier's Christmas delivery schedule and allow enough time for safe storage and thawing, if required.
Always follow the storage, defrosting and cooking instructions supplied with your turkey. A fresh bird and a frozen bird will have different preparation requirements.
A little planning goes a long way.
Choose the right bird, make room in the fridge, and leave yourself time to enjoy the day. After all, Christmas is about gathering around the table and sharing good food with the people who matter most.
Edenmoor
