The turkey is a North American native and is on the traditional menu for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is relatively simple to make, even though it may seem complicated. And following this recipe collection will make you want to cook turkey dishes all year round.
There’s no law you can only have turkey during the holidays. You can get turkey year-round. However, they usually are cheaper right before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
You have to admit, though, it is a beautiful centerpiece. And the whole house smells wonderful all day long.
There are so many different ways to fix turkey that it’s a good idea to have a Thanksgiving turkey recipe roundup. That way, you can choose your favorite.
My collection includes the traditional way of baking turkey, and some are not so traditional, but all are totally juicy and mouthwatering. This is the year I’m going for smoked spatchcocked turkey. No, I did NOT get my smoker for looks.
So, are you’re excited about doing things Grandma’s way or starting your own Thanksgiving tradition? Either way, this short and sweet list of drool-worthy turkey recipes will come in handy.
The Turkey Recipe Roundup
1. Baked Spatchcock Turkey
I just have to start the roundup with this insanely delicious turkey recipe. This unique way of preparing turkey creates a beautiful centerpiece of evenly baked and perfectly juicy and delicious turkey. So, spatchcocking (butterflying) isn’t just for chicken anymore. So live it up with this one.
2. Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Tender, quick, and easy turkey for when there’s just the two of you and the kids. Why have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey for dinner? This recipe turns turkey into an easy weeknight meal.
3. Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
Smoked spatchcocked turkey is a notch above the regular spatchcocked turkey, which is already mouthwateringly delicious. So the slow-cooked and smokey flavor makes fall-off-the-bone, juicy tenderness.
4. Smoked Turkey
Smoking turkey is the perfect way to make your holiday bird if you have a smoker but little room in the oven. After all, the green bean casserole, melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls, and pecan pie all have to be baked. The easy wet brine, flavorful mixture of spices and seasonings, and super-easy slow-smoking will impress everyone!
5. Smoked Turkey Legs
If you’ve ever been to Dollywood in Sevierville, TN, you know how good these things are. It’s so funny seeing people walking around caveman-style gnawing on huge turkey legs. Now, you can enjoy these at home without having to travel across the country.
6. Baked Turkey Wings
If you love spicy chicken wings, then you will absolutely adore these baked turkey wings. These juicy, spicy, fall-off-the-bone finger-licking-good turkey wings are the perfect non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Roast Turkey Breast
This gorgeous turkey breast is perfect for smaller families or those who don’t have an oven big enough to fit a huge turkey. The delicious aroma of this perfectly cooked, mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned, and juicy centerpiece will have the whole family drooling.
8. Spiced Roast Turkey
You already know how much I love spicy. And turkey is no exception. Who wants bland when a spicy dry brine with garlic, ginger, and other wonderful spices will kick the flavor up to simply mind-blowing?
9. Roasted Turkey Thighs
The juiciest part of the turkey is and always will be the thighs, baby. Just add some herbed butter with garlic, sage, rosemary, and parsley, then you have a fabulicious dinner without having to bake the whole bird. Oh, yeah!
10. Smoked Turkey Breast
This ridiculously delicious turkey is a great way to feed a smaller crowd. And you can make your holiday meal even more special by smoking it. Yum! Slow-cooked to juicy perfection, so will impress even the most serious guest.
Still puzzled on how to properly prepare your Thanksgiving turkey? Go check my handy dandy Everything You Need for Thanksgiving Turkey cheat sheet.
Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Sides
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A traditional Thanksgiving side dish is smooth, creamy mashed potatoes greatly enhanced with roasted garlic. I know some feel that mashed potatoes are too much work, but this recipe makes it a piece of cake.
Giblet Gravy
The perfect sauce to pour over your mashed potatoes and sliced turkey. A golden roux, delicious drippings from the turkey, and the giblets make a dinner to remember.
Green Bean Casserole
What’s a Thanksgiving celebration without this healthy and super yummy casserole? You can make it the day before and bake it just in time for dinner.
Cranberry Sauce
Fresh or frozen cranberries ramped up with orange and holiday spices will blow your socks off. Once you try this super easy recipe, I’m sure you’ll never go back to the canned stuff again.
Sweet Potato Pie
This traditional dessert with holiday spices is quick and easy, and it’s even better with homemade pie crust. You can make it the day before and keep it in the fridge for a stress-free Thanksgiving dessert.
Check out my epic list of Thanksgiving Side Dishes HERE.
Mike says
Where’s your Turkey wing recipe? I can’t find it anywhere.
ImmaculateBites says
I have one coming out on 11/22. 🙂