Christmas dinner shopping list for 16
Amounts for 16 adults with standard portions, rounded up to weights you can buy. Vegetables are raw weights before peeling; gravy and stuffing are what goes on the table.
| Item | For 16 | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (whole bird) | 11.0 kg: two birds of about 5.5 kg | 675 g |
| Roast potatoes (raw) | 3.5 kg | 200 g |
| Parsnips | 1.5 kg | 80 g |
| Carrots | 1.5 kg | 80 g |
| Brussels sprouts | 1.5 kg | 80 g |
| Stuffing | 1.6 kg | 100 g |
| Pigs in blankets | 48 | 3 |
| Gravy | 2.4 litres | 150 ml |
| Cranberry sauce | 1,000 g | 60 g |
| Christmas pudding | 2,000 g | 125 g |
Sixteen people: two birds
Sixteen people need 11.0 kg of turkey, too much for one bird in a home oven. Buy two turkeys of about 5.5 kg, each roasting in 3 h 20 min: side by side if they fit, or one the day before to serve cold.
The sides scale with the table: 3.5 kg of potatoes, 1.5 kg each of sprouts, carrots and parsnips, 1.6 kg of stuffing, 48 pigs in blankets and 2.4 litres of gravy.
How the amounts are worked out
Each amount is the guests times the portion, rounded up. Sprouts for 16: 16 × 80 g = 1,280 g, rounded up to the next 250 g, so 1.5 kg. Gravy: 16 × 150 ml = 2.4 litres exactly.
Bigger appetites
| Portions | Roast potatoes | Pigs in blankets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3.5 kg | 48 |
| Big roast potato fans (250 g) | 4 kg | 48 |
| Extra pigs in blankets (4 each) | 3.5 kg | 64 |
| Both | 4 kg | 64 |
If children are coming
Children count as half a portion.
| Guests | Turkey | Roast potatoes | Sprouts | Pigs in blankets | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 adults | 11.0 kg | 3.5 kg | 1.5 kg | 48 | 2,000 g |
| 16 adults and 2 children | 11.5 kg | 3.5 kg | 1.5 kg | 51 | 2,150 g |
| 16 adults and 4 children | 12.5 kg | 4 kg | 1.5 kg | 54 | 2,250 g |
Christmas dinner for more or fewer people
| Guests | Turkey | Roast potatoes | Sprouts | Pigs in blankets | Gravy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 8.5 kg | 2.5 kg | 1 kg | 36 | 1.8 litres |
| 14 | 9.5 kg | 3 kg | 1.25 kg | 42 | 2.1 litres |
| 16 | 11.0 kg | 3.5 kg | 1.5 kg | 48 | 2.4 litres |
| 20 | 13.5 kg | 4 kg | 1.75 kg | 60 | 3 litres |
For the bird itself, what size turkey for 16 people has the weight by appetite, and the cooking time pages for a 5 kg turkey or a 6 kg turkey give the thawing days and what time to put it in, for each bird.
Use the Christmas dinner calculator for your own guest list, and the Christmas dinner timings for when everything goes in the oven.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Christmas Dinner Calculator (UK): How Much Food Per Person: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How much food do I need for Christmas dinner for 16?
For 16 adults: two 5.5 kg turkeys (11.0 kg in all), 3.5 kg of roast potatoes, 1.5 kg each of sprouts, carrots and parsnips, 1.6 kg of stuffing, 48 pigs in blankets, 2.4 litres of gravy, 1,000 g of cranberry sauce and 2,000 g of Christmas pudding.
How many roast potatoes for 16 people?
3.5 kg of raw potatoes at 200 g a head, or 4 kg at 250 g for big roast potato fans.
How many pigs in blankets for 16 people?
48 at 3 each, or 64 at 4 each to allow for some going missing before dinner.
What size turkey for Christmas dinner for 16?
11.0 kg at 675 g a head, which is better as two birds of about 5.5 kg. Each roasts for 3 h 20 min at 180°C (170°C fan).
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check the Building Regulations and your supplier's guidance before ordering.