Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    605

    Default Turkey Breast vs. Whole Turkey - questions

    I normally cook a whole turkey but every year the dark meat goes to waste because no one in the family eats it. This year I have decided to cook a turkey breast. Here are some questions I have as I've never cooked a turkey breast before:

    1. There will be 7 adults and 1 toddler - is a 6.3 lb frozen turkey breast big enough or do I need to buy a 2nd breast? We are all average eaters and there will be plenty of apps beforehand.
    2. Does a breast generally turn out less moist than a whole turkey?
    3. Will there be enough pan drippings from just a breast to make the gravy? I always have plenty of drippings with whole turkey, but have no idea about a breast.

  2. #2
    SnuggleBuggles is offline Black Diamond level (25,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    .
    Posts
    47,708

    Default

    If I was hosting I would have done a breast only this year. I considered making a few dark meat pieces as well, since dh likes them, Interested to hear replies b/c I might do it next time. I would recommend brining though!! Breast meat is less moist. Also, you'll get more liquid to use for gravy.

    Beth

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    5,618

    Default

    Debating on cooking one or ordering online through WF and their website estimates:


    4-7 lb Turkey Breast Feeds 4-6 people;
    8-10 lb Turkey Breast Feeds 7-10 people;
    10-12 lb Turkey Breast Feeds 9-12 people;


    DD1 MiniMoo 11/10
    DD2 MiniMoo2 9/13

    “I have certain rules I live by. My first rule I don't believe anything the government tells me. and I don't take very seriously the media, or the press, in this country." - George Carlin

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    139

    Default

    Wow, everywhere I read said 1 pound/person for a whole turkey and 1/2 pound per person for a turkey breast. This makes sense to me as a greater % of the turkey is usable with the breast. Maybe that is cooked weight???

  5. #5
    twowhat? is offline Red Diamond level (10,000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    14,104

    Default

    I did the Costco turkey breasts (refrigerated) last year (they either came in a 2-pack or I bought 2 of them, can't remember) for 6 adults, 2 toddlers - it was plenty and we had plenty of leftovers. The Costco ones come prebrined, and I followed their directions exactly and it came out nice and moist. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Breast from a whole turkey is more likely to come out dry because you have to cook the bird long enough for all the dark meat near the bones to come to a safe temp. If you're cooking just breast, it cooks more evenly and you use a lower temp and it takes less time for the white meat to reach a safe temp.
    Last edited by twowhat?; 11-18-2011 at 04:29 PM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    5,618

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MotownMom View Post
    Wow, everywhere I read said 1 pound/person for a whole turkey and 1/2 pound per person for a turkey breast. This makes sense to me as a greater % of the turkey is usable with the breast. Maybe that is cooked weight???
    If you are referencing WF's estimates it is uncooked. Just ordered one.


    DD1 MiniMoo 11/10
    DD2 MiniMoo2 9/13

    “I have certain rules I live by. My first rule I don't believe anything the government tells me. and I don't take very seriously the media, or the press, in this country." - George Carlin

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    139

    Default

    Don't know what WF stands for, but I have looked at a few sites...

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Central Coast, CA
    Posts
    2,291

    Default

    DH loves turkey, so sometimes I cook just 1/2 turkey breast from trader joes throughout the year. For 7 people, I'd probably cook 2 just to be on the safe side, but then I love having leftovers and always, always cook too much food.

    I made one Monday evening, brined it and it was plenty moist - definitely brine and use a meat thermometer.

    FWIW I like to use this recipe
    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/i...ipe/index.html

    This one looked really tempting, but as I read it, it was just too much effort for Monday evening
    http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/r...ipe/index.html
    ~ Dawn
    Our little monkey (4/2011) & his early holiday present 12/12

  9. #9
    Binkandabee is offline Sapphire level (2000+ posts)
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    2,408

    Default

    I usually serve turkey breast and do one for 4 adults and 2 kids. For 7 adults, I'd definitely do two.

    I use this recipe and it comes out incredibly moist, not dry at all.

    http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homesty...-2/detail.aspx
    DD 07/03
    DD 07/08
    Our family is complete!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    605

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Binkandabee View Post
    I use this recipe and it comes out incredibly moist, not dry at all.

    http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homesty...-2/detail.aspx
    Binkandabee - that's the same recipe I've been using for the past couple of years!! It turns out great!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •