What is a good turkey size for serving eight people?

A 7 1/2-pound turkey serves seven to eight people and a 10-pound turkey serves eight to 10 people. A larger bird has a larger meat-to-bone ratio. Any leftovers can be stored and used for sandwiches, soups, pot pies and stews.

Turkeys can be bought fresh or frozen. A frozen 7 1/2-pound turkey takes 12 to 14 hours to thaw in a cool room, and a frozen 10-pound turkey takes 18 to 22 hours to thaw. A fresh turkey should also be brought to room temperature before cooking. After cooking the bird, let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes before carving.