16 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That’ll Have Guests Asking for More
Want a turkey that earns instant compliments? These Thanksgiving recipes turn the classic bird into something you’ll be proud to serve.
From simple seasoning blends to unexpected twists, they make the process approachable and rewarding, proving that the star of the holiday feast can also be the easiest part to get right.
Smoked Turkey
This smoked turkey recipe is the ultimate in Thanksgiving food or just for a summer party on the deck. Tender, juicy, and delicious, it is done in about seven hours with little or no hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Hosting a festive meal or simply craving a savory delight? Discover the art of preparing a perfectly smoked turkey breast, which promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving more!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast.
Almond Crusted Turkey, Turkey Schnitzel
These Turkey Cutlets are not only gluten-free and dairy-free, making them ideal for those with dietary restrictions, but they are also incredibly delicious. The turkey schnitzel, with its crisp, golden-brown coating, is perfect for smaller gatherings around the holidays. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that brings a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Almond Crusted Turkey, Turkey Schnitzel.
How To Cook A Wild Turkey
Let us guide you on how to cook a wild turkey, step by step. Wild turkey has a richer flavor than domestic turkey, but it’s essential to know the right cooking techniques to make it shine. We’ll show you how to properly prepare, season, and choose the best cooking method—whether you’re roasting, grilling, or smoking. This approach ensures that your wild turkey stays moist and flavorful, making the most of this unique game bird for any meal.
Get the Recipe: How to Cook a Wild Turkey.
Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast
Need a turkey recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and just right for a smaller gathering? This Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast is the ultimate cozy fall dish. Think sweet maple syrup, a hint of bourbon, and an herby, buttery glaze—basically, all the best parts of Thanksgiving in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast.
Slow Cooker Cajun Butter Turkey Breast
Slathered in a delicious Cajun butter that infuses this juicy turkey with an enticing blend of spices, Slow Cooker Cajun Butter Turkey Breast is the perfect solution for a smaller holiday gathering! Just throw it in the slow cooker for the ultimate hands-off main course for Thanksgiving or anytime you want flavorful turkey!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Butter Turkey Breast.
Bourbon Smoked Turkey Legs
If you want the most succulent, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs, then you have to make this recipe. Bourbon-smoked turkey Legs were so good that my family was mad that I only made one for each of us. What I love most about smoking meats is that it only tastes like you slaved over it all day. You really don’t have to do much; just prep it and set it in the smoker for several hours. It’s actually best not to open the lid at all.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Smoked Turkey Legs.
Maple Mustard Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey is usually reserved for Thanksgiving, but with turkey tenderloin, you can have a turkey dinner any night of the year. Topped with a flavorful spiced maple mustard sauce, turkey tenderloin is special enough for a holiday but cooks up quickly enough that you can make it on a busy weeknight. Flavorful and easy-to-make Maple Mustard Turkey Tenderloin is a delicious dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Turkey Tenderloin.
Spatchcock Smoked Turkey
Savory and slightly sweet, this spatchcock smoked turkey offers an easy and flavorful approach to cooking an unforgettable turkey that works beautifully year-round. The spatchcock method allows the turkey to cook evenly and absorb smoky flavors throughout, resulting in tender, juicy meat and perfectly crisp skin. With a hint of sweetness and rich, savory notes, this turkey is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any gathering or family meal.
Get the Recipe: Spatchcock Smoked Turkey.
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Turkey is something many of us only eat once a year (more than once if you’re counting all the meals from leftovers!) But if you don’t want to cook a huge turkey, you might prefer this sheet pan turkey breast dinner instead. You still get all the flavor and deliciousness of cooking a whole bird and sides, but with a simpler method.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner.
Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe
This easy turkey tenderloin crock pot recipe is an ideal alternative for a small Thanksgiving gathering or family dinner any time of year. Enjoy the classic big flavors you love, but with the convenience of cooking the smallest, juiciest, and tender part! Simply add turkey tenderloins into the slow cooker with an aromatic marinade, and in just a few hours, you’ll be ready to serve a centerpiece-worthy dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tenderloin Crock Pot Recipe.
Crispy Baked Turkey Wings
Are you a wing lover? Then you will LOVE these crispy baked turkey wings! Super crispy skin, easy to make in the oven and gigantic wings are just so much more fun! Serve them up as a party appetizer tossed or dipped in your favorite wing sauce or serve as a main dish alongside your favorite sides. This turkey wing recipe sure is versatile!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Turkey Wings.
Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, homes across the United States fill with the aromas of roasting turkey, savory side dishes, and sweet desserts. Puerto Rican households in the U.S. embraced the American tradition and crafted this unique culinary creation, which they brought back to the island. And that’s how Pavochón was born!
Get the Recipe: Puerto Rican Style Thanksgiving Turkey.
Smoked Turkey Roulade
This smoked turkey roulade has become one of our go-to Thanksgiving turkey recipes. Tender and juicy all-white meat turkey breast is stuffed with prosciutto, fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, sage, and marjoram, and black garlic, then rolled and smoked. This rolled turkey breast with prosciutto and herbs is also super, super easy to make, giving you more time to prepare the rest of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Roulade.
Perfect Roasted Turkey With Vegetables
Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with this easy and flavorful recipe. Brining the turkey makes it super juicy and flavorful, and roasting it with simple veggies and herbs brings out all the best tastes.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Roasted Turkey With Vegetables.
Grilled Turkey
If you’ve ever wondered if you can grill a turkey for Thanksgiving, the answer is yes! I love to bbq a turkey because it frees up oven space when I have so many other dishes to make when I’m hosting a holiday dinner. I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to cook a whole turkey that’ll be ready in just a few hours. The result is golden, juicy turkey with crispy skin, you’re going to love it!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Turkey.
