This year’s Thanksgiving celebration will surely be a memorable one with the help of these 33 mouth-watering turkey recipes. The quintessential centerpiece of the holiday table, turkey has earned a reputation for being dry and unappetizing – but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort and attention to cooking technique, a perfectly roasted turkey can be a reality.
And to ensure your Thanksgiving dinner is truly unforgettable, I’ve curated an impressive collection of 33 delectable turkey recipes below, covering everything from whole roasts to simple crowns and smaller options.
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey
For those who crave the most flavorful and crispy Thanksgiving turkey skin, garlic herb butter roast turkey is an absolute must-try. This show-stopping dish combines the savory flavors of thyme, garlic, rosemary, pepper, and more to create a truly mouthwatering experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy meat surrounded by a succulent, herb-infused crust that’s simply irresistible. It’s no wonder that this recipe has earned rave reviews from turkey enthusiasts at Dinneratthezoo.
com.
Smoked Turkey
While making smoked turkey requires a bit of patience, its rich smoky flavor makes it well worth the effort. To unlock that deep flavor, it’s crucial to perfect your spice rub – a blend that not only adds complexity but also provides the foundation for the dish. For this particular recipe, you’ll combine BBQ rub with aromatic onions, a squeeze of citrusy lemon juice, and the savory richness of chicken broth, all enhanced by your choice of fresh herbs.
By carefully balancing these ingredients, you’ll create a truly mouthwatering smoked turkey experience.
Mom’s Roasted Turkey
The aroma of this succulent turkey fills the air, its buttery flavor infused with the subtle notes of onions, celery, carrots, and herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a burst of citrus that elevates the dish to new heights. The golden-brown skin glistens invitingly, like a perfectly styled culinary masterpiece. This show-stopping centerpiece is sure to be the star of any holiday gathering.
Deep-Fried Turkey
While frying your turkey may not be the most nutritious cooking method, it undoubtedly yields a deliciously crispy exterior. Moreover, when time is of the essence, this technique proves to be a swift and efficient way to get your meal ready. The result is skin that’s crisper than you’d find in any restaurant, paired with meat that remains tender and juicy. If your family has a penchant for fried chicken, they’ll likely appreciate the similar flavors and textures found in deep-fried turkey.
Grilled Turkey
For a Thanksgiving turkey that’s neither too pedestrian nor too indulgent, grilling is the perfect middle ground. While it takes around 3.5 hours to grill a turkey – significantly longer than deep-frying but still much faster than smoking – the reward is well worth the wait. The smoky flavor imparted by the grilling process pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery goodness and subtle earthiness from fresh and dried herbs, resulting in a truly mouthwatering experience.
Pumpkin Beer Brined Smoked Turkey
Prepare to wow your guests with this show-stopping turkey recipe from McCormick.com! To begin, submerge the turkey in pumpkin beer for an overnight stay. The next day, slather on an herb butter and smoke the bird to perfection. While the process may require a bit of time and effort, the end result – a tender, juicy turkey that’s sure to impress – is well worth the investment.
Roast Turkey With Smoked Paprika
With a plethora of roasted turkey recipes for Thanksgiving on this list, one might assume they’re all variations of the same theme. However, each and every recipe has its unique twist. Take, for instance, this particular combination of oranges, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic, ground mustard, celery, onions, bay leaves, olive oil, and chicken stock that comes together to create a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile.
The result is a culinary experience that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Apple Cider Brined Turkey With Savory Herb Gravy
This turkey’s beauty is matched only by its rich flavor profile, which sets it apart from other birds on the list. The secret to its depth of flavor lies in the array of ingredients used – apple cider, ginger, allspice, oranges, cloves, and garlic, among others. As a result, this dish has the unique ability to tantalize all your taste buds at once, striking a perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savory notes.
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast
Why settle for cranberry sauce on the side when you can elevate your Thanksgiving turkey game by incorporating it right into the dish? This recipe offers a harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors that’s sure to impress. Please note that this recipe is specifically designed for a small turkey breast, so you may need to make some adjustments if you’re working with a larger bird. Credit: Littlesunnykitchen.com
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
The author of this recipe wholeheartedly shares your sentiment that everything is elevated to new heights with the addition of crispy, savory bacon. The star of the show is a stunning turkey dish boasting a bacon-wrapped lattice top, a visual feast that’s sure to impress both the palate and the eye. This indulgent centerpiece is every bacon enthusiast’s ultimate Thanksgiving dinner fantasy, and we can’t think of a more mouthwatering way to celebrate the holiday.
Sheet Pan Herb Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
While traditional Thanksgiving feasts often center around a large turkey, there’s no rule that says you can’t have a delicious and satisfying holiday meal without cooking an enormous bird. This recipe takes a more modest approach by using a small 2-pound turkey as the star of the show. What makes it truly special is the rich cornbread stuffing that surrounds the turkey like a golden brown hug. The best part?
It all comes together on one convenient sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Herb-Roasted Turkey
For those who share a passion for herbs, this recipe is a true delight. The aromatic blend of sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and lemon, coupled with the crispy skin of the chicken, creates an irresistible sensory experience. To bring this dish to life, combine butter, garlic, salt, pepper, onions, chicken broth, whole herb sprigs for stuffing, and a medley of herbs – including sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Finish it off by adding some garnishes in the form of cranberries or Seckel pears, allowing your creativity to shine through.
Herb Butter Maple Roast Turkey
The turkey’s herbaceous notes are tempered by the addition of maple syrup, imparting a deep richness that’s simply delicious. For an added layer of complexity, incorporate diced Granny Smith apples into the stuffing, allowing their natural sweetness to mingle with the other flavors and create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Roast Turkey With Sage Garlic Butter
Sage and garlic lovers rejoice! This recipe is a quintessential Thanksgiving turkey dish that will transport you to a cozy, earthy haven. For me, the aroma of sage wafting from the kitchen evokes memories of childhood Thanksgivings spent with loved ones. The scent of roasted sage brings back fond memories of my grandparents’ kitchen, where laughter and warmth filled the air. This recipe is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Dry-Brined Turkey
Indulge in the rich flavors of this dry-brined turkey, expertly seasoned with a harmonious blend of herbs and spices, subtly sweetened with brown sugar. The aromatic rub is applied to the skin, allowing the bird to marinate for at least 48 hours in the refrigerator before being roasted to golden perfection. The result is a succulent, flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to be the crowning glory of your Thanksgiving celebration. Pair it with your preferred sides and create unforgettable memories.
Stuffed Turkey Breast Roll
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience! This delectable turkey recipe is all about what’s inside – a flavorful medley of crispy bacon, caramelized shallots, earthy mushrooms, and wilted spinach. When you take a bite, the buttery, herby, and meaty flavors meld together in perfect harmony, leaving you craving more. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy for an unbeatable combination that will leave you wanting seconds. Inspired by Dinneratthezoo.com
Spatchcock Turkey
For a stress-free Thanksgiving, consider spatchcocking your turkey. With just 80 minutes of preparation and cooking time, it’s a game-changer for those who want to enjoy the holiday rather than spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients: the turkey itself, brine, butter, salt, pepper, and some cooking spray.
As long as you remember to add the turkey to the brine a day in advance, you’ll be all set for a delicious and low-maintenance holiday meal.
Smoked BBQ Turkey
Savor the sweet and smoky essence of a Thanksgiving barbecue turkey, an indulgent delight that’s hard to resist. This culinary masterpiece is perfect for those seeking a hassle-free holiday feast, as it requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results. Even novice cooks can confidently tackle this recipe, ensuring a stress-free experience on their first holiday dinner. And once you’ve tasted the magic of this method, you might just find yourself abandoning your old recipe forever.
Cajun Butter Roasted Turkey
Imagine a roasted turkey with a rich, bold personality – that’s what you get with this recipe. Inspired by the flavors of Louisiana, this bird is smothered in a blend of savory herbs, spices, and citrusy goodness. The combination of herb butter, Cajun marinade, and aromatics like oranges and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. Every bite of this turkey is a masterclass in flavor delivery, with not a single morsel failing to impress.
Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Roulade
Experience the convenience of Thanksgiving turkey breast roulade, a modern twist on traditional holiday fare that will streamline your cooking process. With only 2 hours dedicated in the kitchen, you’ll be able to serve a delectable, golden-brown turkey feast for six people. This innovative dish offers a delightful combination of tender turkey and hearty chestnut sausage stuffing, guaranteeing a memorable culinary experience.
Thanksgiving Turkey Burger
This year, ditch the traditional turkey dinner and get creative with Thanksgiving-inspired turkey burgers! The secret to these mouth-watering patties lies in the addition of boxed stuffing, which adds a depth of flavor that’s simply divine. By skipping the hassle of a full-on Thanksgiving spread, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of the holiday season without the fuss.
To take it to the next level, top your burgers with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce for an unbeatable combination.
Buffalo Oven-Roasted Turkey
Transform your traditional Thanksgiving turkey with a bold and zesty twist – smothering it in tangy buffalo sauce! At first glance, this bird appears just like any other oven-roasted turkey you’ve ever savored. But don’t be fooled, the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce will elevate this dish to new heights, setting it apart from all your previous holiday main courses. This roasted turkey is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Smoked Turkey Breast With Honey Glaze
When it comes to Thanksgiving turkey, honey-glazed turkey is a popular alternative to traditional roasting methods. Its unique flavor profile, which combines sweet and smoky notes with savory undertones, has earned it a spot on many people’s favorite lists. The brine, which adds a touch of saltiness, perfectly complements the sweetness of the glaze, creating an irresistible taste experience.
Moreover, the honey-glazed turkey’s stunning appearance makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any Thanksgiving table.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Imagine being able to air fry your Thanksgiving turkey without sacrificing its tender juiciness. It’s a game-changer, especially when using a turkey breast instead of the whole bird. To achieve this mouthwatering result, you’ll only need three essential components: the turkey itself, some butter, and a pinch of seasonings. By combining these ingredients, you’ll be left with a succulent, tender, and utterly irresistible turkey that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
For a stress-free and deliciously different Thanksgiving experience, consider air frying turkey legs instead of cooking an entire bird. These impressive, flavorful legs resemble something you’d find at a medieval festival, but with a surprisingly authentic taste. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook, making them a great option for any occasion, not just Turkey Day.
Roast Turkey Breast With Breadcrumb Stuffing
The turkey breast’s crowning glory lies not in a single component, but rather the harmonious balance of its tender meat, fluffy stuffing, and rich gravy. Suffice it to say that all aspects are equally impressive. For those who prioritize stuffing, this recipe is sure to delight. A medley of porcini mushrooms, crispy bacon, caramelized shallots, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy breadcrumbs, earthy sage, and fresh parsley creates a flavor profile that’s as appealing as it sounds.
And, indeed, the end result is nothing short of delectable.
Instant Pot Turkey
When I first encountered Instant Pot turkey, I was met with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. The promise of an effortlessly cooked bird seemed too good to be true, especially considering my high standards for crispy skin. However, as I delved into the process, I was pleasantly surprised to find that while the skin may not achieve the same level of crunchiness as deep-frying or air-frying, it still retained a satisfying texture.
Furthermore, the resulting turkey was incredibly moist and tender, making up for any slight compromise on the skin department. Overall, my experience with Instant Pot turkey left me impressed.
Crispy Skin Slow Cooker Turkey
While sharing similarities with the Instant Pot turkey recipe, this variation boasts distinct seasoning profiles and a satisfyingly crisper skin texture. The prominent presence of garlic and herbs infuses the turkey with rich, buttery flavor, resulting in a succulent, almost melt-in-your-mouth tender consistency. Best of all, you can enjoy this mouthwatering taste without the hassle of brining or marinating the turkey.
Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey
This delectable Thanksgiving recipe harmoniously blends the rich flavors of herbs, onions, and turkey with the invigorating essence of citrus – lemons, oranges, and limes take center stage. The addition of Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce brings a delightful tanginess to the dish, creating a truly unique and captivating culinary experience.
Orange and Rosemary Roasted Turkey
Imagine a delectable turkey dish that embodies simplicity and elegance. A harmonious blend of salt, brown sugar, rosemary, and orange zest creates a mouthwatering rub that elevates the flavor profile. When cooked to perfection over red wine, it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress. This versatile bird also pairs remarkably well with an array of side dishes, including potatoes, beans, salad, carrots, or any other combination you prefer.
The possibilities are endless, making this turkey recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
Sous Vide Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin
This Thanksgiving, consider introducing a new cooking method that will elevate your turkey game: sous vide. Don’t let the fancy name scare you off! The process is surprisingly straightforward – simply place the turkey in a bag, submerge it in a water bath, and let the magic happen over the course of 3 hours. The result? A mouthwateringly juicy and flavorful bird that’s sure to impress your guests.
Lemon Pepper Thanksgiving Turkey
If you’ve had the pleasure of savoring the legendary lemon pepper rotisserie chicken from the deli, you’ll be familiar with the culinary delight that awaits. This mouthwatering dish boasts a harmonious balance of flavors, with tender and juicy meat infused with a subtle, tangy peppery note. The crispy skin adds a satisfying textural contrast to each bite. Typically, it’s served atop a bed of fresh greens accompanied by carrots, lemon wedges, and your choice of additional accompaniments.
Moreover, the accompanying stuffing doesn’t disappoint, offering an added layer of flavor to this already impressive meal.
Summary
Experience the quintessential flavors of American cuisine with this straightforward and mouth-watering Thanksgiving turkey recipe, perfect for hosting a memorable holiday gathering for 12-16 guests. The preparation time is a mere 30 minutes, leaving you ample time to focus on other aspects of your festive celebration. With a cooking time of just 3 hours, you’ll be free to enjoy the company of your loved ones without worrying about the turkey’s status in the oven.
