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Thanksgiving 2026

How much food do you need for Thanksgiving?

Quick answer

Per guest, plan about 1 lb turkey, ½ lb potatoes, ¾ cup stuffing, ⅓ cup gravy, ¼ cup cranberry sauce, 1–2 rolls, and 1 pie for every 8 people.

Thanksgiving food per person

DishPer guest
Turkey (whole)1 lb
Potatoes for mashing0.5 lb
Stuffing0.75 cup
Gravy0.33 cup
Cranberry sauce0.25 cup
Green beans0.25 lb
Dinner rolls1.5 roll
Pie (9-inch)0.125 pie

These are common rules of thumb. Big eaters, lots of side dishes, or wanting leftovers? Add about 25%.

Tips for hosting

  • Count kids as about half a serving.
  • The more side dishes you serve, the less of each one people eat.
  • Keep a holiday budget with our budget planner.
🦃Plan your whole turkey in one goSize, thaw day and oven time from your guests and dinner time.

FAQ

How much mashed potatoes per person?

Plan about ½ lb of raw potatoes per person for mashed potatoes.

How many pies for 12 people?

A 9-inch pie serves about 8, so plan 2 pies for 12 people, or 3 if you want choices or leftovers.

How much stuffing per person?

About ¾ cup of cooked stuffing per person.

Food safety times and temperatures are from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance. Ovens vary, so always check with a food thermometer.

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