HoneyBaked turkey breasts are a popular choice for holiday meals and other special gatherings. But how many people can one turkey breast feed? The answer depends on a few factors.
In general, a full bone-in turkey breast from HoneyBaked will serve 8-12 people. This estimate is based on providing 4-6 ounces of meat per person. Turkey breasts range in size from 5-7 pounds for bone-in or 3-4 pounds for boneless. So a typical 6 pound bone-in breast will yield around 3 pounds or 48 ounces of edible cooked turkey meat. At 4-6 ounces per serving, this equals 8-12 servings.
Here are some more specific serving estimates based on turkey breast size:
| Turkey Breast Size | Servings |
|---|---|
| 5 lb bone-in breast | 8-10 people |
| 6 lb bone-in breast | 10-12 people |
| 7 lb bone-in breast | 12-14 people |
| 3 lb boneless breast | 6-8 people |
| 4 lb boneless breast | 8-10 people |
So in summary, an average 6 pound HoneyBaked bone-in turkey breast will provide 10-12 servings. But the exact number of servings can vary based on the size of the breast, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and how generously you portion the meat.
What Factors Affect Turkey Breast Servings?
There are a few key factors that affect how many servings you can get from a turkey breast:
Turkey Breast Size
As shown in the table above, larger turkey breasts will provide more servings. A 7 pound bone-in breast yields more meat than a 5 pound breast. When estimating servings, pay attention to the starting weight.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Boneless turkey breasts are 100% edible meat, while bone-in includes bones and cartilage that reduce the amount of edible meat. A 6 pound bone-in breast may yield around 3-4 pounds of carved meat, while a 3 pound boneless breast is all edible.
Portion Size
The recommended portion size for poultry is 4-6 ounces per person. If you serve larger portions, the turkey breast will feed fewer people. For extra hungry guests or big appetites, plan for portions on the larger side.
Leftovers
Don’t forget that turkey makes excellent leftovers! Many hosts buy a large turkey breast intentionally to enjoy leftovers after the main meal. Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, soups, salads and more.
Carving and Serving Turkey Breast
To get the most servings from your HoneyBaked turkey breast, follow these carving and serving tips:
Let It Rest
It’s important to let the cooked turkey breast rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat. Slice too soon and the turkey will dry out.
Carve Against the Grain
Carve the turkey breast crosswise across the grain of the meat. This results in more tender slices.
Make Even Slices
Cut the turkey into even 3/4 inch thick slices. This helps the meat go farther and results in attractive serving portions.
Serve Both Light and Dark Meat
A turkey breast includes both the white breast meat and darker, more flavorful meat near the wing and bone. Offer guests a selection of light and dark meat for best enjoyment.
Use a Serving Platter
Arrange the carved turkey slices neatly on a serving platter. Let guests serve themselves portions rather than pre-plating the meat.
Offer Smaller Portions
If you need extra servings, start by offering smaller 4-5 ounce portions of turkey meat. Guests can take more if still hungry.
Use Leftovers
Send guests home with leftover turkey or save it to create turkey sandwiches, soups, salads, and other inventive dishes after the main meal. Nothing goes to waste!
Ordering Your HoneyBaked Turkey Breast
HoneyBaked turkey breasts can be ordered fully cooked and ready to serve. Here are some tips for ordering:
Order Early
HoneyBaked turkeys are popular, so order your turkey breast 1-2 weeks early during busier holiday seasons. This ensures you get the size you need.
Factor in Pickup/Delivery Time
Remember to account for the pickup or delivery date when determining the best date to place your order.
Know Your Guest Count
Have a firm headcount before ordering so you can select the appropriate turkey breast size. Allow for generous portions if serving extra hungry guests.
Order Correctly Sized Turkey
Use the serving size estimates above to calculate how large of a turkey breast you need for your guest list. An average of 1/2 pound of meat per person is a safe bet.
Pick Correct Bone-In vs Boneless
Choose bone-in or boneless turkey breast based on your serving needs. Boneless allows for more edible meat per pound.
Add Side Dishes
HoneyBaked offers delicious side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and more that can easily complete your meal.
Pickup vs Delivery
You can pickup your order or have it delivered to your door. Factor in delivery fees and timing as needed.
Cooking a Turkey Breast Yourself
While HoneyBaked turkey comes pre-cooked, you can also prepare your own turkey breast:
Thaw Safely
Keep the turkey breast refrigerated while thawing 1-2 days before cooking. Cook from fully frozen if needed.
Prep for Roasting
Pat the turkey dry and coat the skin with oil or butter to prevent drying out. Tuck wing tips under.
Season Well
Rub the breast all over with a seasoning blend. Get under the skin too. Try sage, thyme, salt, pepper.
Use Aromatics
Put aromatic herbs and vegetables inside the turkey cavity. Try onion, celery, lemon, rosemary.
Roast Uncovered
Place turkey breast side up on a roasting pan. Roast uncovered at 325 F until internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Rest Before Carving
Allow turkey breast to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.
Save the Drippings
The pan drippings make an excellent base for gravy and sauces. Pour into a fat separator while hot.
Leftover Turkey Breast Recipes
Leftover turkey breast is delicious in various recipes. Here are some creative ways to use up those leftovers:
Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Chop or shred turkey, mix with mayo, celery, onion, cranberries. Pile onto crusty bread for sandwiches.
Turkey Enchiladas
Combine diced turkey with enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and cheese. Roll up in tortillas and bake until hot and melty.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Slice turkey and toss with cooked linguine, mushrooms, spinach and a creamy parmesan sauce. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Simmer diced turkey with egg noodles, carrots, onions, celery, chicken broth and seasonings for a hearty soup.
Turkey Pot Pie
Make a creamy sauce with veggies, herbs and thickened broth. Top bite-sized turkey and biscuit dough in a casserole dish.
Turkey Quesadillas
Finely chop or shred turkey and combine with cheeses, onions and peppers. Fold into a tortilla with olive oil or butter to crisp and melt.
Turkey Stir Fry
Quickly stir fry shredded turkey with fresh veggies like broccoli, peppers, snap peas, mushrooms and serve over rice.
Conclusion
A full HoneyBaked turkey breast can feed 8-12 or more people depending on the size and how it is portioned. Allow for 4-6 ounces per person, slice against the grain, and serve both light and dark meat for best results. Order the correct size bone-in or boneless turkey breast for your gathering 1-2 weeks in advance from your local HoneyBaked store or online. Leftover turkey makes delicious sandwiches, soups, and other creative recipes. With proper planning and serving, a HoneyBaked turkey breast can beautifully crown your holiday meal or special occasion.