How Many Pounds of Turkey Breast Per Person for Thanksgiving?

When planning your Thanksgiving dinner, one of the most important calculations is figuring out how much turkey to buy. Specifically, how many pounds of turkey breast should you plan for each person attending your feast? While there are general guidelines, the ideal amount can vary based on several factors. Read on for tips on determining the right quantity of turkey breast per guest for your holiday table.

Key Factors That Determine Turkey Breast Needs

Here are some key considerations when deciding how many pounds of turkey breast to buy per person

• Bone-in vs Boneless – Boneless turkey breast provides more edible meat per pound. For boneless, plan on 1⁄2 pound per person. For bone-in allow 3⁄4 to 1 pound per person.

• Leftovers – Many people enjoy turkey leftovers after Thanksgiving. Planning for extra allows for sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more. Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per person if wanting leftovers.

• Appetites – Appetites vary greatly. Add extra for hearty eaters, less for light eaters. Consider ages too – kids and seniors often eat less.

• Other Main Dishes – If serving other entrées like ham or beef, you may need less turkey per person. But better to have extra than run short.

• Breast vs Whole Turkey – Whole turkeys have both white and dark meat. Breasts provide just white meat. Offer both if possible for best variety.

Recommended Pounds of Turkey Breast Per Person

Based on typical appetites, here are suggested amounts of turkey breast per guest:

• For boneless breast, plan 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 pound per person

• For bone-in breast, allow 3⁄4 to 1 pound per person

• Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound extra per hearty eater

• Deduct 1⁄4 pound for light eaters like kids or elderly

• Add 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per person if wanting ample leftovers

As an example, for a group of 8 adults with mixed appetites including 2 kids, you would buy:

• 8 adults x 1⁄2 pound boneless breast = 4 pounds
• 2 kids x 1⁄4 pound boneless breast = 1⁄2 pound
• Add 1⁄2 pound per adult for leftovers = 4 pounds
• Total boneless breast = 8.5 pounds

The same dinner using bone-in breast allowing for leftovers would be about 13 pounds total.

To be safe, it’s better to have too much than not enough. Turkey leftovers make great sandwiches, soups, casseroles and other yummy dishes!

Handy Turkey Breast Calculator

Use the calculator below as a quick and easy way to determine how many pounds of turkey breast to buy based on your guest count, type of breast and preferences for leftovers:

[Insert embedded turkey breast calculator]

Tips for Purchasing and Preparing Turkey Breasts

• Choose fresh, high quality turkey breasts at the grocery store. Look for plump, pale pink meat without bruising.

• Thaw frozen turkey breast safely in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking. This prevents bacterial growth.

• For moistness when roasting, brine bone-in breasts overnight in salt water in the fridge. Brining isn’t needed for boneless.

• Cook stuffing separately rather than inside the breast to ensure it is fully cooked and safe.

• Roast turkey breast at 325°F until it reaches 165°F at thickest part. Let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

• Add broth and use drippings from roasted turkey to make a delicious gravy.

Enjoy Delicious Leftover Turkey Dishes

Leftover roasted turkey breast is versatile for making so many yummy dishes like:

• Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
• Hearty turkey noodle soup
• Turkey tetrazzini casserole
• Turkey pot pie with veggies
• Turkey enchiladas with mole sauce
• Turkey salad wraps or pitas
• Tacos with turkey and guacamole

With the right amount of turkey breast per person, you’ll have lots of delicious leftovers to creatively reinvent into handy meals throughout the week after Thanksgiving.

By following the recommendations here on how many pounds per guest, you’ll buy the perfect quantity of fresh turkey breast for your Thanksgiving gathering. Use the handy calculator to determine the ideal amount for your turkey dinner including desired leftovers. Then cook up moist, flavorful turkey breast entrees and enjoy creative leftover recipes for days to come.