All the little things we do to raise happy and healthy turkeys adds up to a superior product, the smartest choice for those who care about the food they feed their families. Perdue’s PREMIUM whole turkeys are:
As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, one of the most common questions on hosts’ minds is “How many people will a 5lb turkey breast feed?” While whole turkeys are traditional, a boneless turkey breast can be easier to cook and carve, making it a great option for smaller gatherings. This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy the right size turkey breast and estimate portions.
Turkey Breast Basics
Before getting into specifics on servings, it’s helpful to understand some basics about turkey breasts
Turkey breast roasts can be purchased:
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Bone-in – The breast meat is attached to the breastbone and ribs, Also called a “turkey crown,”
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Boneless – The bones have been removed so it’s pure meat.
Some key differences:
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Boneless breasts are simpler to carve and have more edible meat pound for pound. Bones make up 25-30% of the weight in bone-in.
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Boneless turkey breast tends to cook faster than bone-in.
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Bone-in can provide richer flavor from the bones. Boneless is more mild.
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Boneless costs more than bone-in per pound but yields more meat.
Either boneless or bone-in turkey breast can be bought fresh or frozen. Try to find the freshest option possible for maximum juiciness.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
Figuring out how much turkey you need comes down to the number of guests and the type of turkey breast:
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For bone-in turkey breast, allow roughly 3/4 lb of uncooked meat per adult guest.
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For boneless turkey breast, allow approximately 1/2 lb of uncooked meat per adult guest.
Here are some tips when estimating portions:
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Appetites vary, especially at holidays. It’s better to have ample leftovers than run short. Consider bumping up the amounts above if feeding large eaters.
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For children, reduce the amount to around 1/3 lb turkey breast each. Better to have too much than too little.
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Round up if you aren’t sure – overestimating is better than underestimating.
Feeding Guide for a 5 lb Turkey Breast
Now let’s get specific – how many people can a 5 pound turkey breast feed?
For a bone-in breast:
- 5 lbs provides about 6.5 – 7 servings
- Feeds approximately 5 to 7 average adults
For a boneless breast:
- 5 lbs gives you 10 servings of around 1/2 lb each
- Feeds 8 to 10 average adults
Here is a simple serving estimate for a 5 lb turkey breast:
| Breast Type | Servings | Adults Served | Kids Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-in (5 lbs) | 6.5 – 7 | 5 – 7 | 10 – 14 |
| Boneless (5 lbs) | 10 | 8 – 10 | 16 – 20 |
Remember sides like potatoes, stuffing, and veggies will also help fill up your guests. But better to have ample turkey than run short.
Buying the Right Size Turkey Breast
Follow these tips for buying the perfect turkey breast:
- Know your guest list and total adults vs. kids
- Allow 3/4 lb bone-in or 1/2 lb boneless per adult
- Add a bit extra if serving big eaters
- Round up if you aren’t sure on portions
- You can always slice extra for sandwiches or freeze
With a generous 5 pound turkey breast as the centerpiece, you’ll have enough turkey to go around with delicious leftovers to enjoy after.
Making the Most of Leftovers
Once the main meal wraps up, you’ll likely have leftover turkey breast to use. Here are some tasty ways to give it a second life:
- Classic turkey sandwiches with gravy
- Turkey tacos or burritos
- Turkey salad over greens
- Turkey noodle soup
- Turkey tetrazzini casserole
- Turkey pot pie with veggies
- Open faced turkey melts
With a little creativity, leftover turkey can make easy, hearty meals for several days beyond the big feast. You may even enjoy the leftovers more than the original meal!
46 MILLION turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving
3 lbs. turkey breast (1 lb. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
5 lbs. turkey breast (1 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (2 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
8 lbs. turkey breast (2 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
10-lb. whole turkey (3 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
11- to 12-lb. whole turkey (3 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 12-lb. whole turkeys (7 lbs. cooked turkey)
13-lb. whole turkey (4 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 14-lb. whole turkeys (8 lbs. cooked turkey)
15-lb. whole turkey (4 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 15-lb. whole turkeys (9 lbs. cooked turkey)
16- to 17-lb. whole turkey (5 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 17-lb. whole turkeys (10 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey (6 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys (12 lbs. cooked turkey)
20-lb. whole turkey plus 6 to 7 lbs. turkey breast (7 1/2 lbs. cooked turkey)
Two 20-lb. whole turkeys plus 10 lbs. turkey breast (15 lbs. cooked turkey)
HOW DO I COOK MY PERDUE FARMS TURKEY?
PERFECTLY COOK A TURKEY
Hungry for more? Check out these main and side dish recipes from Perdue Farms culinary team.
How long does it take to cook an 8 pound turkey breast at 350?
FAQ
How many servings are in 5 lb turkey breast?
Plan on 3/4 to 1 pound of bone-in turkey breast per person. That said, one (3-pound) half-breast will feed two to four people. A whole (six- to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts, still joined at the breast bone) will feed six to eight people.
How many will a 5 lb turkey breast feed?
If you’re not cooking for a crowd, make a bone-in turkey breast. A 5- to 7-pound breast feeds about 4.Nov 25, 2019
How many people will a 5 lb turkey feed?
| Number of Guests | Size Turkey Recommended |
|---|---|
| 4 – 6 | 4- to 9-lb. turkey* |
| 8 – 10 | 8- to 15-lb. turkey |
| 12 – 16 | 12- to 24-lb. turkey |
| 18 – 20 | 18- to 30-lb. turkey |
What size turkey breast for 7 adults?
Good luck! 10 lbs should be plenty turkey for 7 people with some leftovers. If you want lots of turkey left, go for 12–14 lbs.Nov 19, 2009
How many people can a 7 lb turkey breast feed?
Six to eight people can be fed from a whole (six to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts still connected at the breast bone). How much turkey breast do I need for 8 adults? 8 people = 4 pound turkey breast. 10 people = 5 pound turkey breast. 16 people = 8 pound turkey breast. Oct 14, 2022. How long do you cook a 9 lb turkey breast?
How many people can a 3 pound turkey feed?
One (3-pound) half-breast will feed two to four people. A whole (six- to seven-pound) turkey breast (two breasts, still joined at the breast bone) will feed six to eight people. This method will work for either amount of meat. What size turkey to feed 5 adults? The general rule is to plan for 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per guest.
How much turkey breast should you buy for a party?
Essentially, if you’ll be serving four people, you should plan on purchasing 5 pounds of bone-in turkey breast. For a party of eight, boost the total yield to 10 pounds. If your party consists of 10 people, purchase 13 pounds of bone-in meat.
How much turkey breast should I eat per adult?
As a general rule of thumb when buying turkey breast: For bone-in turkey breast, plan on 3/4 lb of uncooked meat per adult. For boneless turkey breast, plan on 1/2 lb of uncooked meat per adult. Keep in mind that appetites vary widely, especially during the holidays when people tend to overindulge.
How to cook a 5 lb turkey breast?
Season all over: Rub the oil-coated meat and the skin with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. Insert aromatics: Put herbs, garlic, citrus, or onions inside the breast cavity for extra flavor. Once your breast is prepped, it’s ready to roast for juicy perfection. Follow this simple process for roasting a flawless 5 lb turkey breast:
How much boneless turkey breast do I Need?
Boneless: a boneless breast doesn’t have the added weight of bones so it is very straightforward. The calculation is still 0.5 pounds of boneless turkey breast. So if you have 16 guests (including you) coming to dinner, you will need an 8 pound turkey breast.