All right, real talk. The turkey can make or break Thanksgiving. It’s the main event, the centerpiece, the dish everyone pretends not to be nervous about. But this year? You’ve got options.
Whether you are feeding a large crowd or just a few at home, I have recipes for everyone! And they all taste INCREDIBLE.
The Real Secret to a Perfect Turkey
The secret to a show-stopping turkey isn’t luck, it’s prep. Build flavor from the inside out with a seasoned turkey rub and a generous layer of under the skin. Keep it juicy with a rich homemade gravy made from pan drippings, and always have a reliable meat thermometer on hand to nail the cook time.
Before You Start Cooking the Turkey
- Give it time to thaw. A frozen turkey needs about one day in the fridge for every 4–5 pounds. Don’t rush it or you’ll end up with a half-frozen bird on Thanksgiving morning.
- Let it come to room temp. Take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before cooking so it roasts evenly and doesn’t shock the oven.
- Pat it dry. No matter the method, dry skin means better browning and crispier skin.
- Check for the giblet bag. Yes, it’s in there. Don’t be the person who finds it mid-carve.
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 170–175°F in the thigh. It’s the only way to know it’s done.
- Let it rest. Don’t skip this part. Cover it loosely with foil and let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes before carving so the juices stay in the meat, not on your cutting board.
Turkey In a Bag
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Thanksgiving dinner is made easy with this incredibly moist and perfectly cooked turkey in a bag. The oven-safe roasting bag creates a tender and golden turkey with just a few simple steps making this the BEST way to cook a turkey.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
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Amazing juicy and perfectly tender turkey breast that slow cooks all day in the crockpot!
Turkey Roulade
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Make Turkey Roulade your new Thanksgiving tradition! Boneless turkey breast gets flattened and rolled with sausage stuffing inside. The turkey turns out incredibly moist and is infused with your favorite Thanksgiving flavors. It takes far less time than traditional turkey and will make Thanksgiving day easy and delicious!
The Juiciest Roasted Turkey
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Look no further! This roasted turkey recipe is the absolute juiciest, fool-proof turkey recipe you will ever need.
Dry Brine Turkey
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When you dry brine your turkey, you end up with a beautifully browned bird with crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside!
Spatchcock Turkey
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A Spatchcock Turkey cooks faster and more evenly, and will be the most tender and juicy turkey you've ever cooked! Roasted or smoked, this turkey will wow your guests come Thanksgiving day.
Perfect Smoked Turkey
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Just in time for Thanksgiving, this perfect smoked turkey is juicy and tender with a subtle smoky flavor. A simple brine and fresh herbs make each bite burst with flavor!
Juicy Air Fryer Turkey
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This juicy air fryer turkey is SOO GOOD and will have all of your guests asking for more! It's perfectly golden brown and dripping in flavor… You will never cook a turkey any other way again!
Tell Me Your Favorite Way to Cook a Turkey!
Everyone has their “can’t skip” turkey tradition. Maybe it’s the herb butter, maybe it’s the smoker, maybe it’s Grandma’s roasting bag. Share your favorite way to make the turkey shine in the comments. I love seeing how every family does it a little differently!
