N
Common Ground News

Is it better to cook a large turkey or two smaller ones?

Author

David Ramirez

Updated on February 20, 2026

Is it better to cook a large turkey or two smaller ones?

Tip 1: Choose a small, fresh turkey in the 14-pound-and-under category. Large turkeys take longer to cook, making the outer meat likely to overcook and dry out before the interior meat is cooked. If you're feeding more than 12 people, buy two small turkeys rather than one big one.

Furthermore, how do I cook 2 12 pound turkeys?

So if you have two 12-pound turkeys, you'll roast the required time as if you only had one, which is 2¾ to 3 hours at 325°F. And don't forget your thermometer ($15, Target)! Your turkey is done when it registers 175°F in the thigh and 165°F in the breast.

Beside above, what is the ideal turkey size? Choosing the Right Size Turkey

When choosing a turkey to serve on Thanksgiving, figure 1 1/2 pounds per person. If you are serving 10 people on Thanksgiving, choose a bird that is 15 to 20 pounds. Smaller birds that weigh less than 12 pounds have a smaller meat-to-bone ratio, so figure two pounds per person.

Also Know, is a large turkey tough?

With a big turkey, you start running into some big problems. It takes longer to thaw if it's frozen and then exponentially longer to cook. Plus, it tends to cook less evenly, leaving you with a platter of dry meat. These turkeys are also harder to maneuver, flip, carry, carve, and just about everything else.

Is it better to cook turkey covered or uncovered?

A: The Butterball folks recommend cooking the turkey uncovered in a roasting pan. Two-thirds of the way through cooking, Butterball says foil can be placed over the breast area to prevent it from drying out.

How long does it take to cook 2 10 pound turkeys?

Cook the turkeys for a total of about 2 to 4 hours. A 10-lb. turkey in a convection oven requires about 2 hours of cooking, while the cooking time increases to 3 hours in a conventional oven.

Do 2 turkeys take longer to cook?

Two smaller birds will cook faster and so spend less time in the oven, giving the meat less chance to dry out. Smaller turkeys are younger and generally have moister, more tender meat. Fortunately, two small turkeys will take about the same time to roast as one large turkey.

What temperature do you cook a turkey two?

What temperature to cook the turkey? Preheat the oven to 450°F then drop the temperature to 350°F after putting the turkey into the oven. What temperature should the turkey be? The turkey is done when it registers a minimum of 165° in the thickest part of the thigh.

How long do I cook a 13 and a half pound turkey?

10. Calculate Turkey Cooking Time and Temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that's about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Can you cook other things in the oven with the turkey?

Yes, the last thing in your oven should probably be the turkey (unless you're grilling or deep-frying). But any turkey should rest for at least 30 minutes before carving, so take full advantage. Your oven will be free to bake a batch of biscuits, or reheat any oven-baked side dishes that need to be warm before serving.

Can you smoke two turkeys at the same time?

I love the idea of smoking 2 turkeys at the same time on the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker Smoker. You can also cook two foods, like a brisket and turkey. Just make sure the turkey is on the bottom grate so that you don't get turkey drippings on the other food.

Can you roast 2 turkey breasts at the same time?

Roast a pair of turkey breasts at the same time so they are done together. Cooking two turkey breasts will give you a similar amount of meat as a whole turkey, but all white meat. Roasting turkey gives it a rich flavor and it is the most common preparation method for this Thanksgiving favorite.

Should I leave Turkey uncovered overnight?

Be sure to plan ahead — it takes approximately 4-5 days for a 20-pound turkey to fully defrost. 2. For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed.

What is considered a large turkey?

For turkeys smaller than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1½ pounds per person whatever the turkey's size. For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey.

Can I butter my turkey the night before?

Suggestion: Prepare the turkey by placing the compound butter under the skin and rubbing it all over the outside of the turkey as well, then let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

How long should a 20lb turkey cook?

If you're baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you'll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it's unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it's stuffed.

What does butter infused turkey mean?

Self-basting birds have been injected with a salt and flavor solution to help keep them moist while cooking. They come out incredibly moist, almost wet, and can be cooked directly from the package with minimal pre-roast work required.

What size turkey has the most meat?

If there are just two of you for the meal, you'll probably want to aim for something close to six pounds. Even then, you'll have some extra for subsequent meals. To satisfy those who go for dark meat, consider getting a small whole turkey.

Which is better tom turkey or hen?

Is a tom turkey tougher than a hen? Most experts agree that a hen turkey is better than a tom, but it is probably a matter of personal preference. Hens are generally smaller than tom turkeys of the same age. Hens weigh less than sixteen pounds while toms always weigh over sixteen pounds.

How do you prepare a turkey the night before?

Here's How to Prep a Turkey for Thanksgiving
  1. Remove Turkey from the Fridge or Freezer. Take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before you plan on cooking it—it'll cook more evenly when it's not super-chilly.
  2. Clean it up.
  3. Season the turkey inside and out.
  4. Stuff it.
  5. Truss the bird.
  6. Now roast it!

Are bigger turkeys better?

But really, the problem is a larger bird means more time in the oven and that can dry out a bird, especially if you decide to cook stuffing inside. It's tough to cook a big turkey evenly. A small bird, however, can spend less time in the oven so the breast meat stands a better chance at being less dry.

How do I keep my turkey moist?

Roasting a Perfect Turkey
  1. Choose a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one.
  2. Roast two small turkeys rather than one large one.
  3. Brine the turkey.
  4. Rub soft butter under the skin.
  5. Truss loosely, or not at all.
  6. Roast the turkey upside down at first.
  7. Don't overcook it.
  8. Let the turkey rest before carving.

Is Butterball turkey better than other brands?

Cooking method is way more important to the quality of the finished bird than brand. A Butterball may be a better selected bird, but it's twice the price for very much not twice the quality. If you suck at cooking you will screw up a Butterball just as easily as a store brand turkey.

Are small turkeys better?

Got a big crowd? Roast two smaller turkeys (12 pounds or less) instead of one large one. Smaller turkeys fit better in the fridge and roasting pan, plus they cook more quickly and evenly.

What size turkey do I need for 4?

Turkey size for 3-4 people: A 1.5-1.75kg / 3-4lb bird. Turkey size for 5-6 people: A 2-3kg / 5-6lb bird. Turkey size for 7-9 people: A 3-3.5kg / 7-8lb bird. Turkey size for 10-12 people: A 4-4.5kg / 9-10lb bird.

Which is better a frozen or fresh turkey?

Fresh turkeys will hold their moisture better than frozen turkeys, bringing out a meaty texture with deeper natural flavors. If a frozen turkey melts and refreezes, formation of ice crystals in the muscles can occur, making for tough meat. Frozen turkeys are best when flash-frozen packaged immediately to 0°F.

Why are turkeys smaller this year?

Thanksgiving will be smaller this year — and that means smaller turkeys. As families scale down their holiday plans, grocers and supermarkets plan to offer more options.

What size of turkey do I need calculator?

The simple formula for the size turkey to buy is to multiply the number of guests by the amount per person from above. Start by multiplying the number of adults times 1, or 1.5 if you want leftovers. Then multiply the number of children by .

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.

Should I start my turkey at a higher temperature?

Cooking time and temperature

While some cooks like to blast the turkey with high heat (425°F) for 30 minutes and then reduce the temperature, I prefer the simple, carefree method of an even 325°F from start to finish. If your turkey is large, the hot air may have trouble circulating and may create hot spots.

Does turkey cook faster in bag?

"Sheila, I have used an oven bag many times. Yes, your turkey will cook faster and it will be really moist. It may not get nicely browned but you can stick it back in the oven for browning once you take it out of the bag or cut the bag open and pull it down around the turkey and allow it to brown.

Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?

Many people think covering the bird in foil after cooking it is a way to keep moisture in. However, according to turkey farmer Paul Kelly, this is actually the worst thing you can do.

Should I wrap my turkey in foil?

Should I cover my turkey with foil? Roasting a turkey with heavy duty aluminum foil is a method that helps lock in moisture to prevent drying out while in the oven. It's an easy step to help ensure your turkey is tender and moist for dinner.

How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting is optional when roasting a turkey. To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.

How long should I cook a turkey?

How long you cook your turkey can vary, depending on the temperature of the oven and whether or not your turkey recipe calls for a stuffed or unstuffed bird. We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.

How do I cook a 20lb turkey?

Place the bird, breast-side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Cover the whole pan, tenting the bird, with heavy-duty foil so that it's well sealed. Place in the oven and roast the turkey for about 10 minutes per pound. (So, for a 20-pound turkey, about 3 1/2 hours; for a 15-pound turkey, about 2 1/2 hours.)

What side do you cook a turkey on?

So, instead of cooking turkey upside down, stick to roasting right-side up for the most beautiful bird.