Let’s wrap it up in a neat little bow, shall we? For six adults:
- Go with a 10- to 12-pound turkey. It’s the sweet spot.
- Expect leftovers. Embrace them. Name them. Eat them for breakfast.
- Cook about 3.5 hours. Don’t rush the resting time.
- Buy more sides than you think. The turkey is the star, but the mashed potatoes are the supporting actor who steals the show.
And if you accidentally buy a 14-pounder? You know what? You’re fine. You will simply have more leftovers, and your future self will thank you when you’re too tired to cook for three days. There is no wrong answer in the world of turkey, only degrees of deliciousness.