Christmas dinner shopping list for 2
Amounts for 2 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 2 | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (whole bird) | 1.5 kg | 675 g |
| Roast potatoes (raw) | 0.5 kg | 200 g |
| Parsnips | 0.25 kg | 80 g |
| Carrots | 0.25 kg | 80 g |
| Brussels sprouts | 0.25 kg | 80 g |
| Stuffing | 0.2 kg | 100 g |
| Pigs in blankets | 6 | 3 |
| Gravy | 0.3 litres | 150 ml |
| Cranberry sauce | 150 g | 60 g |
| Christmas pudding | 250 g | 125 g |
Christmas dinner for two
For two the turkey works out at 1.5 kg: 675 g a head is 1.35 kg, rounded up to the next half kilo. That is small for a whole bird, so many couples buy a turkey crown or a breast joint instead; follow the cooking time on its label, because the cooking time pages here start at a 3 kg whole bird.
Everything else fits one roasting tin and the hob: 0.5 kg of potatoes, 0.25 kg each of sprouts, carrots and parsnips, 6 pigs in blankets and 0.3 litres of gravy. A 250 g pudding is two generous portions, and the smallest buying steps leave a little over for Boxing Day.
How the amounts are worked out
Each amount is the guests times the portion, rounded up. Sprouts for 2: 2 × 80 g = 160 g, rounded up to the next 250 g, so 0.25 kg. Gravy: 2 × 150 ml = 0.3 litres exactly.
Bigger appetites
| Portions | Roast potatoes | Pigs in blankets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0.5 kg | 6 |
| Big roast potato fans (250 g) | 0.5 kg | 6 |
| Extra pigs in blankets (4 each) | 0.5 kg | 8 |
| Both | 0.5 kg | 8 |
If children are coming
Children count as half a portion.
| Guests | Turkey | Roast potatoes | Sprouts | Pigs in blankets | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults | 1.5 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.25 kg | 6 | 250 g |
| 2 adults and 2 children | 2.5 kg | 1 kg | 0.25 kg | 9 | 400 g |
| 2 adults and 4 children | 3.0 kg | 1 kg | 0.5 kg | 12 | 500 g |
Christmas dinner for more or fewer people
| Guests | Turkey | Roast potatoes | Sprouts | Pigs in blankets | Gravy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1.5 kg | 0.5 kg | 0.25 kg | 6 | 0.3 litres |
| 4 | 3.0 kg | 1 kg | 0.5 kg | 12 | 0.6 litres |
| 6 | 4.5 kg | 1.5 kg | 0.5 kg | 18 | 0.9 litres |
For the whole-bird thawing and cooking times, see what size turkey for Christmas.
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 2?
For 2 adults: 1.5 kg of turkey, 0.5 kg of roast potatoes, 0.25 kg each of sprouts, carrots and parsnips, 0.2 kg of stuffing, 6 pigs in blankets, 0.3 litres of gravy, 150 g of cranberry sauce and 250 g of Christmas pudding.
How many roast potatoes for 2 people?
0.5 kg of raw potatoes at 200 g a head (0.4 kg, rounded up to the next half kilo). The same 0.5 kg covers 250 g a head for big roast potato fans, because 2 × 250 g is 0.5 kg.
How many pigs in blankets for 2 people?
6 at 3 each, or 8 at 4 each to allow for some going missing before dinner.
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.