With the best Thanksgiving turkey recipes, you can create a moist and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast. Whether you prefer an easy, no-fuss recipe or one that incorporates delicious herbs and spices, there are plenty of options to choose from. From brining to roasting, these recipes will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring a juicy and tender turkey that will impress your guests. Get ready to create a Thanksgiving meal to remember with these top-rated turkey recipes.
45 of the Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes You Have to See!
Around the time I hit my teens I started really looking forward to the games, my family played before Thanksgiving dinner. It's a tradition I've kept with my kids. Monopoly is always a big hit, but sometimes my family gets a bit too competitive for that. It can get so bad we have to have a non-playing referee for trades and such! But that is how memories are made!
Now let's talk turkey. Who knows what size turkey they REALLY need? I always buy too big of a turkey and end up with way too much leftover turkey that I need recipes for the following week!
Related: 25 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Will Love
Also included is a recipe for a turkey you don't have to thaw and a turkey in the Instant Pot which is my new favorite item in my kitchen!
What flavors go with turkey?
The traditional flavors are garlic, onion, sage, thyme, and rosemary. But citrus flavors and of course cranberry go well together too.
Turkey Brine Kits
- Brining adds moisture and flavor, yielding a tender and delicious turkey
- Garlic & Herb Turkey Brining Kit is Certified Organic and Kosher and does not contain any MSG, Soy, Gluten, Dairy, or anti-caking agents. Packaged in our U.S.A., SQF Quality code, Organic compliant facility.
- MAKE YOUR BEST TURKEY: In 5 simple steps, you'll have your best-tasting turkey ever. The brine ensures excellent flavor, and the bag keeps your turkey moist and tender. Our kit is gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher.
- CLASSIC FLAVOR: When it comes to turkey time, the classic combination of herbs and spices in this brine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Maximize the flavor and minimize the fuss with our simple and delicious brining solution.
- Perfect Your Turkey: Brining kit includes spiced brine blend, smoky peppercorn turkey rub, a heavy duty BPA Free brine bag and step by step instructions for first time turkey roasters.
- Brine bag is BPA free and biodegradable
How do I add flavor to my turkey?
The easiest way to add flavor to these is to inject the turkey using a turkey injector. Many suggest injecting butter or apple juice but you can inject any marinade you choose. It's best to inject the same marinade you use on the outside of your turkey.
Related: Thanksgiving Leftover Enchiladas Recipe
Should I wash my turkey before cooking it?
The only time you should wash your turkey is if you used a brine. Then wash the brine off before continuing on your cooking. There is no need to wash the turkey otherwise.
What can I stuff my turkey with?
It's best not to cook your stuffing in the turkey cavity as it can soak up all the bacteria you are trying to cook out of the turkey. I like stuffing mine with lemon and orange halves and some garlic, onion, and fresh thyme.
Turkey Cookbooks
- Sarasin, Keith (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages – 10/30/2018 (Publication Date) – Cider Mill Press (Publisher)
- Perry, Nora (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 242 Pages – 11/12/2018 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
- Williams, Reece (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages – 10/20/2015 (Publication Date) – Skyhorse (Publisher)
How long do you cook a turkey?
The general rule of thumb is to cook your turkey at 350 degrees F and cook it for 20 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey is cooked to at least 165 degrees F.
The length of your cooking time will vary on altitude and if you stuff your turkey and if it's fully defrosted.
Related: 56 Festive Thanksgiving Cocktails
How long does it take to defrost a turkey?
The USDA suggests thawing in the fridge and it will take around 1 day for every 5 pounds the turkey is. So if your turkey is 25 pounds you need to take it out 5 days ahead of time.
Turkey Recipes
Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade
Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Brine
Almond Crusted Turkey, Turkey Schnitzel
Smoky Orange Bourbon Turkey Breast Brine
Herb and Apple Brined Turkey
The Best Lemon Rosemary Roast Turkey
Spatchcock Grilled Turkey with Cider Gravy
Traeger Smoked Turkey Without Brine
Air Fryer Whole Turkey
How to make Juicy Roasted Turkey without Brine or Stuffing • All that's Jas
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Lemon Herb Buttered Roasted Turkey
Easy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Succulent Smoked Turkey Recipe
Roasted Turkey with Maple Bourbon Glaze
How to Cook a Turkey (No Baste, No Brine, No Stress!)
Deep Fried Turkey
Rosemary and Garlic Brined Turkey Breast
Keto Cuban Mojo Turkey
The BEST Citrus Tea-Glazed Roasted Turkey
How To Fry A Turkey: (Step-by-Step Photos)
Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Paper Bag Turkey Recipe
How to Brine A Turkey
Smoked Turkey Recipe And Dry Rub Recipe
Beer & Brown Sugar Brined Turkey
Instant Pot Turkey
Deep Fried Cajun Turkey: Turkey Rub, Injection Recipe and Frying Tips
How to Roast a Turkey (and Make a Killer Gravy
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey
How to Make a Brined & Smoked Turkey
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gravy
Oven Roasted Cajun Turkey
Easy Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe | Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less.
How to Make a Cheap Turkey Taste Amazing
Tips and Times for cooking an unstuffed turkey
Foolproof Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
My Famous Drunken Turkey Recipe
Whole Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving!
Instant Pot Slow Cooked Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Jerk Smoked Turkey Celebrate Thanksgiving Island Style
No Thaw Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Bacon & Sage Roasted Turkey
How To Deep Fry a Turkey
These best Thanksgiving turkey recipes are sure to elevate your holiday feast to new heights. Whether you prefer a classic roast turkey, a flavorful brined turkey, or a unique twist on tradition with a stuffed or seasoned turkey, there's a recipe to suit every taste and preference. These recipes have been carefully selected to ensure a juicy and tender turkey that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and prepare to serve a Thanksgiving centerpiece that will be remembered for years to come. Happy cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of the holiday season!
Katherine G says
I never knew there were so many ways to cook turkey. They all sound delicious!