Our 15 Very Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Thanksgiving is so soon...are you ready for it? I'm more than ready. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, hands down. It's a lot of work for me because I make most everything from scratch, but I prep as much ahead as possible and my guests do bring side dishes, etc.
When it comes down to cooking the actual turkey, many like myself get anxiety at the mere thought of it. But there’s no need to stress—it’s more approachable than you think! With the right recipes and techniques, , you can confidently prepare a centerpiece-worthy bird that will impress your guests.
Related: How to Carve a Turkey, A Step-by-Step Guide
The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Whether you're looking for a classic roasted turkey recipe, something adventurous like spatchcock turkey, or in the new mood experiment with new flavors (think adobo butter turkey, tart cherry cranberry glazed turkey or smoked turkey), this round up of the 15 best Thanksgiving turkey recipes will have you covered this Thanksgiving and many more to come. Maybe you have no desire to cook a huge bird or you've got a smaller crowd. Turkey breast is the answer! You can try a simple herb and garlic roasted turkey breast, or go the elegant, untraditional route with a beautiful turkey roulade with bread stuffing. You can even make a Thanksgiving turkey in the slow cooker...talk about easy!
Related: How Many Pounds Turkey Do You Need Per Person For Thanksgiving?
Check out all 15 of the fabulous turkey varieties by scrolling through this scrumptious gallery, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Andrew Purcell
If you've never brined your Thanksgiving turkey before, Ree Drummond's easy brine recipe will change your mind about this Turkey Day cooking technique.
Get the recipe: Pioneer Woman's Brined, Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Reynolds Kitchens
A fiery bird you will be thankful for this year.
Get the recipe: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Turkey
Related: 65+ Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas & Meal Recipes
Flavor the Moments
Cooking a turkey couldn’t be easier than this dry-brined roasted turkey. It’s juicy and flavorful, with golden brown, crispy skin for a show stopping holiday dinner. There’s no messy liquid to deal with and it can be dry brined up to 3 days in advance!
Get the recipe: Dry Brined Orange Rosemary Roasted Turkey
Baked By Rachel
With this small batch turkey dish, guests will get juicy turkey and savory stuffing in every single bite.
Get the recipe: Turkey Roulade with Bread Stuffing
Flavor the Moments
Learn how to master this classic turkey cooking technique.
Get the recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Nutmeg Nanny
This adobo turkey is marinated overnight and then rubbed with flavor-packed adobo butter. Then it’s roasted to perfection for a super juicy, flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.
Get the recipe: Adobo Butter Turkey
Related: 25 Satisfying Ground Turkey Casseroles for An Easy Thanksgiving Dinner
Cooking LSL
The name makes it sound rather counterintuitive, but the reality is, dry-brining helps turkey skin dry out and become super crispy which leads to more intensely juicy flavors on the inside.
Get the recipe: Easy Dry Brined Herb Butter Roast Turkey
All Roads Lead To The Kitchen
This turkey recipe screams with all the best flavor notes of fall.
Get the recipe: Sage and Shallot Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy
Related: How Much Gravy Do You Need for Your Thanksgiving Dinner?
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Remember how we said cooking a turkey can be stress-free?
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Running to the Kitchen
This slightly sweet and sticky fruit glaze gives the bird tons of festive flavor!
Get the recipe: Tart Cherry Cranberry Glazed Turkey
Noshing with the Nolands
Prepping a whole bird is what takes a lot of people over the Thanksgiving edge. With a stuffed turkey breast rollade, you can get the same satisfaction of a whole turkey minus the grunt work. This recipe is great for beginner cooks and people short on prep time.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Roasted Turkey Breast
Flavor the Moments
The less you fuss over it, the better the turkey can so often be.
Get the recipe: Simple Herb and Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
Related: Martha Stewart's Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic-and-Herb Bread
Nutmeg Nanny
If you've never added mayo to turkey, this is your sign to start. The creamy condiment can add flavor and moisture to the turkey and create a beautifully browned and crispy skin.
Get the recipe: Herbed Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey
Blackberry Babe
How to get a restaurant-quality bird without relying on a professional chef.
Get the recipe: How To Smoke A Whole Turkey
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Related: The Martha Stewart-Approved Method to Getting the Juiciest Turkey Ever
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