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

Is a smaller or bigger turkey better?

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.

What is the best size turkey to cook?

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.

Do small turkeys taste better than large turkeys?

Taste is going to come down to the quality of the bird and the prep. With two birds you have smaller turkeys with less mass meaning they’ll cook faster. With a bigger turkey you get a better meat to waste ratio.

Can you cook two turkeys one oven?

Yes. Cooking two turkeys of about the same weight does not double the roasting time. Cooking time is determined by the weight of one bird. Just make sure there is sufficient oven space for proper heat circulation.

What size turkey is the most tender?

Size is key — smaller birds tend to be more tender; if you have a lot of guests coming, think about cooking two small turkeys instead of one large one. Gender plays a role too — female birds, known as hens, tend to be slaughtered younger (i.e., smaller); larger turkeys are typically males, known as toms or stags.

Are Smaller turkeys tougher?

Actually, it’s not really the turkey’s fault, that tough bird. … A small bird, however, can spend less time in the oven so the breast meat stands a better chance at being less dry. The advantage to two small birds is more drumsticks, more delicious, crispy skin and an easier meat-management program.

How many people will a 12 turkey feed?

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.

Should turkey be room temperature before cooking?

First, Bring Your Bird to Room Temp

Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting. If you plan to stuff your turkey, wait until you’re ready to put it in the oven before putting the stuffing in the turkey.

Why did my turkey turn out tough?

The water is in the cells of the turkey from the skin to the bones to the muscle and the fat. … The bonds within the molecules begin to break down, causing proteins to unravel and the muscle meat becomes more tender. Of course the longer the turkey is cooked, the more the proteins are denatured and the meat gets tougher.

How big of a turkey can you get?

If the result is larger than 15 or 20 pounds then consider getting more than one turkey for the meal. For example, let’s plan the right amount of turkey for 10 adult guests and 8 children.
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What Size Turkey Should you Buy?

Are big turkeys good?

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.

How long does it take to cook two turkeys at once?

Don’t double the roasting time: Even though you’ll have two birds cooking, this doesn’t mean you should double the cooking time for your turkey. 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.

How do I cook two turkeys in one oven?

How to Cook Two Turkeys in One Oven

1. Select two turkeys that are approximately the same weight. …
2. Preheat the oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Dry each turkey with paper towels and place breast-side up on separate wire racks inside separate roasting pans.
4. Tuck the wing tips under the shoulder of each bird.

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.