How Much Bone-In Turkey Breast Per Person Should You Plan For?

Planning the perfect Thanksgiving or holiday meal means getting the turkey right Under-buying turkey can leave your guests hungry, while over-buying leads to wasted food and money So how much bone-in turkey breast should you buy per person? Follow this guide for a stress-free turkey shopping trip.

Why Choose Bone-In Turkey Breast?

A boneless turkey breast is convenient, but a bone-in breast has more flavor. The bones add taste as the turkey cooks, infusing it with more turkey flavor. The skin also crisps up beautifully when the bone is left in.

For special occasions like Thanksgiving, a whole bone-in turkey breast makes a stunning centerpiece. Carving the breast at the table is part of the tradition.

Bone-in breasts take longer to cook than boneless. But the extra time yields moister, more tender and flavorful meat.

How Much Bone-In Turkey Per Person?

As a general rule, plan for around 3/4 pound to 1 pound of bone-in turkey breast per person.

This allows for generous portions with leftovers. Leftover turkey is great for sandwiches, casseroles, soups and other easy meals.

Here’s a simple formula:

• For adults, allow 1 pound of bone-in turkey breast per person
• For kids, allow 1/2 pound per child
• If you want lots of leftovers, allow 1 1/4 pounds per person

So for example, if you’re having Thanksgiving dinner for 8 adults and 5 kids, you’d need:

• 8 adults x 1 pound each = 8 pounds
• 5 kids x 1/2 pound each = 2.5 pounds
  Total: 10.5 pounds of bone-in turkey breast

To be safe, it’s better to slightly overestimate than under-buy. Here’s a handy turkey buying guide based on the number of guests:

• 4 people: buy a 4 pound bone-in breast
• 6 people: buy a 6 pound bone-in breast
• 8 people: buy a 8-9 pound bone-in breast
• 10 people: buy a 10-12 pound bone-in breast
• 12 people: buy a 12-14 pound bone-in breast
• 14 people: buy a 14-16 pound bone-in breast
• 16 people: buy a 16-18 pound bone-in breast

As you can see, buying a little extra turkey is recommended, especially if you want leftovers.

Other Tips for Buying Bone-In Turkey Breast

• Buy your turkey breast 2-3 days before cooking to allow it to thaw fully in the fridge Don’t thaw at room temperature

• Make sure your roasting pan is large enough for the bone-in breast, with some extra room around it.

• A boneless breast is easier if you have a smaller oven. A bone-in breast can take up more oven space.

• Let the breast rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicy meat.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.

• Save the bones and carcass to make your own turkey broth!

Cooking Times for Bone-In Turkey Breasts

Bone-in turkey breasts require longer cook times than boneless. A general guideline is:

• 4-6 lb breast: 2 – 2 1/2 hours at 325°F
• 8-10 lb breast: 2 1/2 – 3 hours at 325°F
• 12-15 lb breast: 3 – 3 1/2 hours at 325°F

Check the temperature regularly toward the end of the estimate. And let the breast rest before slicing.

For a juicy, flavorful turkey, rub the breast with butter or oil and season it generously inside and out. Herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme and marjoram complement turkey beautifully.

Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Turkey!

Your Thanksgiving guests will be impressed when you serve a gorgeous, juicy bone-in turkey breast. Use these turkey buying and cooking tips for the ideal sized bird.

Getting the turkey right means your meal will start off on the right foot. Then relax and enjoy time with friends and family!