As a kid I started off dreading Thanksgiving, it was full of foods this picky girl didn't want to touch. While I am nowhere near as picky today, I still like to experiment and try some of the Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes. Yes, Thanksgiving turkey is a classic, but if people hadn't experimented when I was a kid there would be no deep-fried turkey now! YUM!
27 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: Quick and Easy Recipes from The Frugal Navy Wife
Ok, a few recipes to point out below. Yes, I have the classic roast turkey and deep-fried turkey on here, but then there is a drunken turkey! Perfect for hard to deal with families, am I right? A drink for the turkey and two for you! Also, check out the Island Jerk Turkey if you want a bit of a different flavor and some spice to it!
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.
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.
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 tyme.
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.
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.
Ok on to the recipes!
Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Deep Fried Turkey– Ann's Entitled Life
Bacon and Sage Roasted Turkey– Frugal Foodie Mama
Herb-Orange Turkey with Roasted Pear Gravy– Aida Mollenkamp
Turkey Tenderloins with Maderia Gravy– Girli Chef
World's Best Roast Turkey– Wine and Glue
Thanksgiving for Two & My Favorite Stuffing Ever– Karen's Kitchen Stories
Brining Poultry with Kikkoman Soy Sauce– Its Yummi
No Thaw Thanksgiving Turkey – Cincy Shopper
Island Style Jerk Turkey – Sweet Savant
Slow Cooker Turkey – Love to be in the Kitchen
How to Brine a Turkey – My Recipe Confessions
Instant Pot Slow Cooked Turkey Breast – Recipe This
How to Smoke a Whole Turkey – Blackberry Babe
Drunken Turkey Recipes – Kristi Trimmer
Foolproof Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – Taste and See
Instant Post Spanish Orange Turkey – Recipe This
Roast Thanksgiving Tukey – My Turn for Us
How to Make a Cheap Turkey Taste Amazing – Nerdy Mamma
Easy Garlic Butter and Herb Roasted Turkey – Wholesome Yum
Oven Roasted Cajun Turkey – This Ole Mom
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter Gray – Recipes From a Pantry
Brined and Smoked Turkey – House of Nash Eats
Roasted Turkey Legs – Natural Deets
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey – Mooshu Jenne
Maple and Mustard Glazed Turkey – Kitchen Frau
Deep Fried Cajun Turkey – Blackberry Babe
Pressure Cooker Turkey – The Typical Mom
Now I have to know which thanksgiving turkey recipe you will be using this year! Let me know in the comments below!
I never knew there were so many ways to cook turkey. They all sound delicious!