How Much Turkey Breast Per Person For Thanksgiving: A Complete Guide

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your menu The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal is obviously the turkey But how much turkey should you plan on serving per person? This is an important question to answer, because you want to make sure to buy enough turkey without having tons of leftovers.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to determine how much turkey breast to buy per person for your Thanksgiving meal.

General Guidelines for Purchasing Turkey

While opinions differ, in general, most will tell you that you should plan to serve between 1 and 1.5 pounds of bone-in turkey per person whether that’s a whole turkey or just the bone-in breast. If you’re planning to buy boneless breasts, reduce the amount to a half a pound of turkey per person.

Here are some more specific guidelines based on the type of turkey you choose:

• Whole turkey: Plan on 1 pound per person
• Bone-in turkey breast: Plan on 1 to 1.5 pounds per person
• Boneless turkey breast: Plan on 1/2 pound per person

The advantage of boneless turkey breast is it gives you more precision in purchasing just the right amount. With a whole turkey or bone-in breast, you need to account for the bones which don’t get eaten.

Factors That Affect Amount Needed

There are a few factors that can impact how much turkey you need to purchase per person:

1. Number of guests

The number of guests you plan on serving is the biggest determinant of how much turkey you need. Make sure your count includes all adults and children who will be eating.

As a general rule, plan on adults eating significantly more than children. So factor that in if you will have a lot of kids at your Thanksgiving meal.

2. Leftovers

Are you someone who loves Thanksgiving leftovers? If so, you may want to purchase slightly more turkey than the guidelines. Having those leftovers allows you to create fun creations like turkey sandwiches, casseroles, and soups after the main meal is over.

On the other hand, if you aren’t a big leftover fan, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Just keep in mind you may not have much leftover meat on the bone for soup.

3. Appetites of guests

We all have that one relative or friend who can really pack away the Thanksgiving meal. So consider the appetites of your guests as you plan. If you have several hearty eaters coming, bump up the amounts accordingly.

Likewise, adjust downward slightly if you have friends or family with smaller appetites attending.

4. White meat vs. dark meat

One other consideration is whether your guests prefer white or dark meat. If the majority like white meat, you may want to buy an extra turkey breast or two. For dark meat lovers, buy a couple extra legs/thighs pieces.

This allows everyone to get their favorite part of the bird without running out.

Turkey Cooking Timelines

Once you’ve purchased the appropriate amount of turkey, the next step is cooking it properly so it’s moist and delicious. Here are some general guidelines on cook times based on the size and type of turkey:

• Whole 12-15 lb turkey: Estimated cook time is 3-3.5 hours at 325°F.

• Bone-in breast (5-8 lbs): Estimated cook time is 1.5-2.5 hours at 350°F.

• Boneless breast (2-4 lbs): Cook for 30-60 minutes at 350°F depending on thickness.

Be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

Handling Leftovers Safely

One of the best parts about cooking a turkey is enjoying leftovers for days after! Here are some tips on storing leftovers safely:

• Carve turkey off the bone and refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

• Use leftovers within 3-4 days. Freeze extras you won’t use.

• Reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Gravy should reach a rolling boil before serving.

• Make dishes like soup and casseroles with leftovers within 1-2 days.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to safely enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey for a week or more after the main meal!

Putting It All Together

Planning the right size turkey for your Thanksgiving gathering doesn’t need to be complicated. Just follow these steps:

1. Determine number of guests and their appetites.

2. Decide if you want leftovers.

3. Select 1-1.5 pounds per person for whole or bone-in turkey breast. Get 1/2 pound per person of boneless breast.

4. Adjust amounts up or down based on your specific needs and preferences.

5. Review cook times and thermometer temperatures for safely cooking the turkey.

6. Use leftovers within 3-4 days and freeze the rest for later.

And that’s it! By following this simple per person estimate, you’ll end up with the perfect amount of turkey this Thanksgiving.