Unleash the magic of your holiday dinner with these mouth-watering Christmas turkey recipes that are sure to leave your guests in awe. From classic roasted and glazed options to innovative dry-brined and deep-fried creations, we’ve got you covered. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender and juicy roulade or Wellington, or indulging in Martha Stewart’s show-stopping butter cheesecloth turkey – it’s truly a culinary experience like no other.
Whatever your taste buds desire, our heavenly Christmas turkey recipes will ensure that your holiday gathering is nothing short of unforgettable.
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey
The star of many a Christmas table, a classic roasted turkey is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe showcases two beloved flavors – garlic and butter – that are sure to bring joy to your holiday gathering. Who can resist the allure of these two ingredients? When it comes to preparing this show-stopping bird, start by giving the skin a dry rub treatment, which will result in a beautifully golden and glistening finish when it emerges from the oven.
Dry-Brined Turkey
While traditional brining methods can be time-consuming, this dry-brined recipe streamlines the process with a mere 24 hours of marinating time. The result is a delightfully crispy skin that’s achieved without sacrificing flavor or texture. And let’s not forget the game-changing buttery, garlicky glaze – it’s the perfect accompaniment to the tender and juicy turkey. Once you experience this level of culinary indulgence, you’ll be hooked!
Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing
Indulge in a culinary experience like no other with this show-stopping chestnut stuffing recipe, perfectly paired with a mouthwatering roast turkey. The sweet and savory aromas of chestnuts and sausage infuse every morsel of the bird as it bakes to perfection, delivering a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed – this recipe is truly a game-changer!
Sage Browned Butter Turkey
Indulge in the deep, caramel-like flavor of brown butter, a game-changer that elevates even the most mundane dishes into something extraordinary. The process is surprisingly straightforward: simply cook butter gently until it transforms from its usual golden hue to a rich, nutty brown. But be prepared for the unexpected – the resulting flavor profile is nothing short of phenomenal.
When paired with the earthy sweetness of sage, this harmonious union becomes the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas Day feast.
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast
Savor the flavors of Christmas with this effortless recipe! What sets it apart is the streamlined approach to cooking just the turkey breast, resulting in a significantly reduced cooking time and eliminating the risk of uneven cooking. To add an extra layer of delight, the turkey breast is roasted to perfection with a homemade rosemary and cranberry sauce that’s sure to impress.
Baked Turkey Wings
Indulge in a delightful Christmas gathering with these mouthwatering baked turkey wings, perfect for small groups. The secret to their tender juiciness lies in the clever use of cream of mushroom soup, which adds depth without overwhelming your senses.
Herb Butter Maple Roast Turkey
This holiday season, bring together the richness of turkey and the sweetness of maple syrup by pairing tender turkey with a classic maple and butter recipe. The addition of traditional poultry herbs elevates this dish to new heights. The real showstopper, however, is the infusion of maple syrup into the butter, creating a truly unforgettable flavor combination.
Whether you’re looking for a simple yet impressive centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or just want to mix things up from the usual holiday menu, this recipe has got you covered.
Apple Cider Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy
Indulge in the ultimate Christmas dinner experience with this mouthwatering recipe, boasting a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful turkey. The secret lies in the apple cider brine, which infuses the meat with an irresistible sweetness. When paired with a rich, herb-infused gravy, the result is nothing short of culinary perfection.
Rolled Turkey Roast with Cranberry Hazelnut Stuffing
For smaller family gatherings, consider pairing white meat turkey breasts with a show-stopping cranberry hazelnut stuffing that’s sure to impress. This savory and nutty delight gets a tangy boost from the tartness of cranberries, essentially condensing the essence of a traditional turkey Christmas dinner into a single, succulent turkey breast.
Smoked Turkey Breast With Honey Glaze
As the holiday season approaches, consider ditching your conventional oven-baked turkey for a more unique and tantalizing experience – smoking it! With just a few simple ingredients, including your trusty smoker and a splash of bourbon, you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas table. This unorthodox recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-smoked turkey with a sweet and tangy brown sugar and bourbon glaze, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Air Fryer Turkey
While not everyone may have access to large air fryers, many of you likely do! For those with this appliance, I highly recommend trying an air fryer Christmas turkey. The result is a moist and juicy bird, thanks to the double dose of herb butter applied both topically and underneath the skin. Following its trip in the air fryer, the turkey emerges crisped to perfection on the outside, while remaining succulent within. A true showstopper for any holiday gathering!
Instant Pot Turkey
Cooking a turkey in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their holiday meal prep. As long as your bird fits comfortably on a trivet within the Instant Pot’s confines, you’re just a few simple steps away from a stress-free, deliciously cooked turkey. Simply add your favorite vegetables, herbs, and of course, the star of the show: the turkey itself. Then, let the Instant Pot do its magic, effortlessly handling all the hard work for you.
Crockpot Turkey Thighs
Prepare for your kitchen to be filled with an incredible aroma. This deceptively simple recipe for crockpot turkey thighs is a game-changer. The harmonious blend of bright citrus, tart cranberries, and fragrant herbs perfectly complements the rich flavor of hearty turkey thighs. As the turkey emerges from its slow-cooked bath, the meat effortlessly falls off the bone, resulting in a truly mouthwatering experience.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Why should holiday gatherings be any different when it comes to food? Take Jamie Oliver’s sloppy Joes for instance – a twist on the classic that packs all the festive flavors into one delicious package. Shredded chicken is joined by sweet apples, aromatic spices, and fresh mint, all nestled within a sturdy bun. The result is a taste sensation that embodies the spirit of the season, with the added bonus of being quick to prepare.
Maple Prosciutto-Wrapped Turkey Breasts
Imagine the rich aroma of turkey breast, infused with the savory flavor of prosciutto and sweet notes of maple glaze. The tender meat is a result of an effortless brining process, while the addition of herb butter brings everything together in perfect harmony. This delectable recipe is sure to become a family favorite, leaving your loved ones eagerly anticipating your next culinary creation.
Maple-Glazed Spatchcock Turkey
To achieve a perfectly cooked turkey, it’s essential to understand the concept of spatchcocking. This process involves carefully breaking down the turkey before baking, ensuring that the meat cooks uniformly throughout. The good news is that this step is surprisingly straightforward and only adds to the overall flavor profile when paired with a rich maple butter coating prior to roasting.
Turkey Roulade
Imagine a Christmas dinner in a single, delicious package – that’s what this turkey roulade recipe delivers. By rolling tender turkey breast with homemade stuffing, you’ll create a dish where every bite is infused with the bright, herbal flavors of the stuffing. While it may require a bit more effort than your average meal, the payoff is well worth the extra step. Just trust us and give it a try!
Butter Cheesecloth Turkey
What makes this cheesecloth turkey recipe truly exceptional is its ability to bring together an array of flavors and juices in a harmonious union. By wrapping butter and herbs in cheesecloth, you create a culinary cloak that envelops your bird as it cooks, allowing all those delicious essences to mingle and infuse every part of the turkey. This clever hack yields the most mouthwatering, succulent Christmas Day dinner – a true showstopper for any holiday gathering.
Best Grilled Turkey
When it comes to cooking turkey, most people opt for roasting or deep-frying. However, those who venture into the world of grilling are in for a treat! The key to achieving that perfect grilled turkey is to start by preparing it just as you would for roasting. A combination of citrus and herbs, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper provides the foundation for a flavorful bird. But the real magic happens when you throw that turkey onto the grill.
The smoky flavor and caramelized crust that result are truly unbeatable.
BBQ Turkey with Mustard Sauce
While the title may lead you to expect a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, this recipe has a delightful surprise in store – a rich and flavorful mustard sauce that perfectly complements grilled turkey cutlets. To achieve the perfect level of doneness, the cooking process involves two stages: a quick sear to lock in juices and then a slow-cooking phase on the grill. The result is a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
Get ready to elevate your Christmas Eve celebrations with a game-changing twist on traditional turkey! This indulgent recipe transforms plain old turkey into a show-stopping main course by rolling it up with a decadent blend of melted cheese, wilted spinach, and crispy bacon. As the turkey bakes, the rich flavors meld together in perfect harmony, resulting in an outrageously delicious dish that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
Head to our recipe section to get the scoop on how to bring this mouth-watering masterpiece to life!
Pancetta, Turkey & Chestnut Brioche Burgers
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional holiday fare, consider shaking things up with these mouthwatering turkey burgers! While there’s no rulebook that says burgers can’t be part of your Christmas celebrations, this creative take combines the flavors of chestnuts, stuffing, and cranberries with roasted vegetables to create a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience. Plus, if you’re feeling festive or want to repurpose leftovers, these juicy patties offer a great way to do just that.
Crispy Skin Slow Cooker Turkey
You may be wondering how slow cookers can simultaneously produce tender meat and crunchy skin. The answer lies in the clever combination of slow cooking and a quick oven broiling session. By allowing the meat to cook low and slow, you can achieve a rich flavor profile and a fall-apart texture. Then, with just a few minutes under the broiler’s warm glow, you can transform the skin into a satisfyingly crispy and golden brown.
This innovative approach allows for the best of both worlds: the comfort of slow-cooked goodness and the excitement of caramelized crunch.
Deep-Fried Turkey
Don’t worry if you’ve never fried a turkey – I think it’s actually easier than roasting one. To make the process straightforward, this recipe breaks down the steps into manageable pieces. It begins with a dry rub and an injectable marinade, followed by a steady hand to ensure everything goes smoothly. The result is a mouthwatering turkey dinner that will leave you wondering why you ever settled for anything less.
With crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this dish is sure to become a holiday staple. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, even Thanksgiving will be green with envy.
Cranberry Hazelnut Turkey Wellington
While beef Wellington is a beloved dish among many home cooks, there’s a seasonal twist that’s sure to impress: the festive turkey Wellington. This show-stopping main course combines layers of sweet cranberry sauce, fragrant herbs, crunchy hazelnuts, and tender turkey breast, all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. With each bite packed with flavor, you might find yourself skipping traditional sides altogether!
