Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Theres a good reason why Thanksgiving is also called Turkey Day—its because everyone wants to eat the turkey! But how much turkey do you need to feed everyone around your holiday table? The big showstopping centerpiece is one of the most important items on your Thanksgiving shopping list, so youll want to know just how many pounds of turkey you need per person before you go place an order. Luckily, we have a simple formula to help you figure it out! So, you can get back to deciding which turkey recipe you want to make.
The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per guest, which takes into account the bones and other inedible parts of the turkey. That should be plenty especially with everyones favorite Thanksgiving side dishes on the dinner table. But of course, if you have any staunch white or dark meat fans, or want to send everyone home with a bag of leftovers, you could always aim for 1 1/2 pounds to 2 pounds per person. That way, everyone is guaranteed to get their favorite cut and theres plenty to make leftover turkey pot pie the next day.
When hosting Thanksgiving or any holiday feast, determining how much turkey to buy can be a challenging calculation. You want to make sure you have enough so everyone gets their fill of delicious sliced turkey, while also avoiding major leftovers. For a group of 10 people, planning the right turkey breast size ensures your guests are satisfied without breaking the bank.
Key Factors to Consider
When estimating how much turkey breast you need for 10 guests, keep these tips in mind:
-
Go with boneless turkey breast – Boneless cuts simplify calculations since no weight comes from inedible bones. Plan for 1 pound of boneless turkey breast per person.
-
Account for big eaters – If any guests have extra hearty appetites, add an extra 1/4-1/2 pound turkey per hungry individual.
-
Round up – It’s better to have leftovers than run out of food Estimate on the higher side and go up to 1 1/4 pounds per person
-
Mix in white and dark meat – Consider also cooking turkey legs, wings or thighs to offer guests a variety.
-
Factor in side dishes – With plenty of delicious sides on the menu, not everyone may eat a full pound of turkey alone.
-
Check your math – Double check your calculations to ensure you purchase the correct turkey breast size.
How Much Turkey Breast for 10 People
For 10 people, plan on purchasing:
- 10-12 pounds boneless turkey breast
This allows 1-1.25 pounds per person, leaving wiggle room for heartier appetites.
For a bone-in breast, purchase 15-18 pounds to account for the bones.
Additional Turkey Cooking Tips
When preparing the perfect turkey breast for 10 guests, keep these extra tips in mind:
-
Let turkey rest 20 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
-
Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe temperature of 165°F.
-
Reserve drippings for gravy or turkey stock.
-
Time the turkey so it finishes shortly before serving.
-
Carve the breast across the grain into thin slices.
-
Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours.
-
Get creative repurposing leftovers in casseroles, soup, sandwiches and more!
Handy Turkey Breast Calculations
Use these quick estimates for common guest counts:
- 4 people = 4-5 pounds
- 6 people = 6-7 pounds
- 8 people = 8-10 pounds
- 10 people = 10-12 pounds
- 12 people = 12-15 pounds
- 14 people = 14-18 pounds
- 16 people = 16-20 pounds
Remember to increase weights for bone-in turkey breasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I allot per child?
Plan on 1/2 pound boneless turkey per child. Add an extra 1/4 pound if they have a big appetite.
Should I buy extra as backup?
It’s smart to have a pound or two extra in case you miscalculate or get surprise guests.
What about cooking a whole turkey?
Figure about 1 pound per person for a whole turkey since it includes bone-in breast and dark meat.
Can I cook just a turkey breast instead?
Absolutely. turkey breast alone is perfect for smaller groups. Just adjust portions accordingly.
How can I use up all the leftovers?
Turkey pot pie, soup, casseroles, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more are all great options!
Enjoy the Perfect Turkey Feast
When hosting 10 guests for a holiday meal or dinner party, plan for 10-12 pounds of boneless turkey breast, or 15-18 pounds bone-in. With these simple estimates, you can relax knowing you’ve purchased just the right amount of delicious turkey for your group to enjoy.
6 people = 8 lb. turkey
If youre hosting a Thanksgiving for two or four this year, skip the whole turkey and buy a turkey breast instead. The white breast meat is a lot of folks favorite part of the turkey anyway! Breasts are much easier to work with. They take less time to thaw and cook. Heck, one can even be cooked in an air fryer! For a boneless breast, you should plan for 1/2 pound (8 ounces) per person.
How much turkey do you need per person this Thanksgiving?
You already know to plan for at least 1 1/4 pounds of turkey per person, but weve broken the formula down to make for easy shopping this holiday season. Find out what size turkey to shop for for your family feast: