This Thanksgiving grocery list generator turns your guest count and menu into a complete shopping list. It sizes the turkey with USDA guidance, scales classic sides and pies to your crowd, adds up shared ingredients like butter, eggs and broth across every recipe, and lays out when to thaw, prep and roast so dinner lands on time.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends 1 pound of turkey per person for a fresh or frozen whole bird, and 1¼ pounds per person for a frozen pre-stuffed turkey. The planner starts from 1 pound per guest and adds more when you want leftovers. Kids count as half.
How Long to Thaw a Turkey
Thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, allowing about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A thawed turkey can stay in the fridge for 1 to 2 more days.
| Turkey weight | In the refrigerator | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds | 1 to 3 days | 2 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 to 4 days | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days | 10 to 12 hours |
For cold-water thawing, keep the turkey wrapped, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook it right after it thaws. Source: USDA FSIS.
How Long to Roast a Turkey at 325°F
| Turkey weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 8 pounds (breast) | 1½ to 3¼ hours | 2½ to 3½ hours (6 to 8 pounds) |
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2¾ to 3 hours | 3 to 3½ hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3¾ hours | 3½ to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 4 to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 4¼ to 4¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours | 4¾ to 5¼ hours |
These times are approximate. The turkey is done when a food thermometer reads 165°F in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. Let it stand 20 minutes before carving. Source: USDA FSIS.
How to Use the Thanksgiving Planner
- Count your guests. Add adults and kids, then pick the appetite and how many leftovers you want.
- Choose the turkey. Pick frozen or fresh, or no turkey at all. The planner shows the size to buy and the roasting time.
- Build the menu. Tick the sides and desserts you are making. The grocery list updates as you go.
- Follow the timeline. Set your dinner time to see when to start thawing, what to prep the day before, and when the turkey goes in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big a turkey do I need for 10 people?
About 10 pounds, using USDA's guideline of 1 pound of whole turkey per person. If you want leftovers, plan on 12 to 15 pounds.
When should I start thawing my turkey?
In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 16 pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days, so for a Thursday dinner, move it to the fridge by Sunday.
When should I buy a fresh turkey?
USDA advises buying a fresh turkey only 1 to 2 days before you plan to cook it, and keeping it in the refrigerator until then.
Is it safe to cook stuffing inside the turkey?
USDA recommends cooking stuffing in a separate dish for the most even cooking. If you do stuff the bird, fill it loosely, cook it right away, and make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F.
How long are Thanksgiving leftovers good for?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use turkey, stuffing and gravy within 3 to 4 days. Frozen, they keep their best quality for 2 to 6 months.
More Free Kitchen Tools
Check how long every dish keeps after the big day with the leftovers storage guide, get back to normal weeknights with the meal planner, and use the roast timer for any other roast this season.