18+ Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Small Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 12, 2024

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is undoubtedly the turkey. However, many people are intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole turkey, thinking it's a complicated and time-consuming process. But fear not, because I have an easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe that is perfect for a small gathering. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious and juicy turkey on the table in no time.

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Mexican Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Garlic Cloves, Achiote Paste, Chicken Broth, Bitter

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Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with a twist on a classic dish. This Mexican-style turkey is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and juicy meat. To make this turkey, you'll need to marinate it in a blend of spices and herbs, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Then, roast it in the oven until it's perfectly tender and golden brown. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with a Mexican flair.

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Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Orange, Rosemary Sprigs, Salt, Black

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen

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For a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, try this simple and delicious roasted turkey recipe. Butter and fresh herbs are the key to creating a flavorful and moist turkey. Rub the bird with the herb mixture and roast in the oven for a few hours, basting occasionally with pan drippings. The result is a tender and juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.

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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Garlic, Onion, Frozen Corn Kernels

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Don't let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste. Instead, turn them into a hearty and comforting pot pie. Shredded leftover turkey, vegetables, and a creamy gravy are topped with a flaky pie crust and baked to perfection. This dish is a great way to use up any extra turkey and will make a delicious and satisfying meal for the days after Thanksgiving.

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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh

Top 30 Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey - Most Popular Ideas of All Time

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If you want a guaranteed juicy turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, try this foolproof recipe. The key is to brine the turkey overnight in a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices. This helps to lock in moisture and infuse the turkey with flavor. Then, roast it in the oven until it's perfectly cooked and ready to be carved and served.

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Easy Juicy Oven Roasted Brined Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage

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This recipe takes the juicy turkey one step further by brining it and then roasting it in the oven. The result is a juicy, flavorful and tender turkey that will impress your guests. You can use a variety of herbs and spices in your brine, such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic, to add even more flavor to the turkey.

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Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Apple, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Roundup | Eat Well Enjoy Life

If you're looking for a hassle-free turkey recipe, this one is for you. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey on the table in no time. The secret to this recipe is cooking the turkey in a roasting bag, which helps to seal in all the juices and flavors.

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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock

Maple Bacon Roast Turkey Recipe | CDKitchen.com

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This sweet and savory turkey recipe is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of maple syrup and bacon creates a delicious glaze that adds a unique twist to the classic roasted turkey. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will leave your guests wanting more.

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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried

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This garlic butter turkey is a delicious and flavorful option for your Thanksgiving dinner. The garlic and herb butter mixture is rubbed under the skin of the turkey, infusing it with delicious flavors as it roasts in the oven. The turkey is then topped with a rich and creamy gravy made with the pan drippings, creating a meal that is sure to impress.

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Thanksgiving Turkey Gumbo.

Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, All Purpose Flour, Red Pepper, Yellow

Turkey Gumbo with Andouille Sausage - Lemon Blossoms

If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, try this turkey gumbo recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is a fusion of traditional Thanksgiving flavors and Cajun spices, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with rice and enjoy a taste of Louisiana for Thanksgiving.

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How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh

Classic Roast Thanksgiving Turkey | Sweet Tea + Thyme

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Roasting a turkey may seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll have a perfectly cooked turkey in no time. From preparing the bird, to seasoning, and cooking, this recipe will walk you through the entire process. You'll also learn how to create a delicious gravy using the pan drippings.

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How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves

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With so many different ways to cook a turkey, it can be overwhelming to decide which method to use. This recipe breaks down the pros and cons of each cooking method, including roasting, grilling, smoking, and deep-frying, so you can choose the one that works best for you. You'll also find tips and tricks for achieving a perfectly cooked turkey.

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Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire

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Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a delicious turkey on the table. This classic and simple recipe will guide you through the process of preparing and roasting a turkey that is juicy, tender, and flavorful. Whether it's your first time cooking a turkey or you're a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try for your Thanksgiving dinner.

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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme

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For an easy and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner, try this simple turkey recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey on the table in no time. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a no-fuss option for their Thanksgiving feast.

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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh

Smoked Turkey Recipe - Dinner at the Zoo

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The Best Smoked Turkey Recipe - Cooking LSL

If you have a smoker, why not use it to cook your Thanksgiving turkey? This smoked turkey is flavored with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a delicious and unique flavor profile. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a hint of smokiness that will leave your guests wanting more.

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Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika

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Everything is better with bacon, including your Thanksgiving turkey. This bacon-wrapped turkey is a flavorful and indulgent option for your holiday meal. The bacon adds a crispy and savory layer to the outside of the turkey, while keeping the meat inside moist and tender. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious and decadent Thanksgiving feast.

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Mom's Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Orange, Lemon, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Salt

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We all have that one family member who makes the best holiday dishes, and this recipe is no exception. This traditional Thanksgiving turkey is a family favorite and is passed down from generation to generation. The secret to this recipe is cooking the turkey low and slow in the oven, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird.

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Best Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves

How to Make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey (One Pan) | One Pot Recipes

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If you're looking for the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipe, this is it. This recipe combines the best techniques and ingredients to create a turkey that is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. From brining to roasting, this recipe has it all and is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.

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Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Softened Butter, Fresh Herb

Spatchcocked Grilled Turkey - A Family Feast® | Grilled turkey, Turkey ...

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For a faster and more even cooking option for your Thanksgiving turkey, try spatchcocking it. This method involves removing the backbone of the turkey and flattening it out, resulting in a quicker cooking time and crispy skin. You can also use this technique to add even more flavor by rubbing the turkey with a spiced butter mixture.

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No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper

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If you're worried about your turkey not turning out perfectly, try this no-fail recipe. With simple and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey on the table without any stress or worry. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a foolproof turkey recipe for their Thanksgiving dinner.

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Clean Eating Thanksgiving Turkey

Main Ingredients: Whole Grain Bread, Gravy, Bread, Turkey, Cranberry

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If you're trying to eat healthier this holiday season, you can still enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with this clean eating recipe. The turkey is seasoned with herbs and citrus and roasted to perfection in the oven. Serve with your favorite clean side dishes for a Thanksgiving meal that is both delicious and nutritious.

Preparing the Turkey

Thanksgiving turkey recipe

To begin, you'll need a small turkey (around 10-12 pounds) for this recipe. Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. This will ensure that the turkey cooks evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prepare the turkey. Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper both inside and out. You can also add some additional herbs and spices for extra flavor, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Make sure to rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including under the skin.

Roasting the Turkey

Easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up. If you don't have a rack, you can use a bed of vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery to elevate the turkey. This will prevent the bottom of the turkey from getting soggy and help it cook more evenly. Cover the turkey with foil and place it in the oven. Roast for about 2-2.5 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. To ensure that the turkey is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Finishing Touches

Small Thanksgiving turkey recipe

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey more tender and juicy. While the turkey is resting, you can use the pan juices to make a gravy for serving. Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with some fresh herbs and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides. This easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe is sure to impress your guests and make your holiday feast a success.

In Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving turkey for a small gathering. This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time or intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole turkey. So this holiday season, give this easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe a try and enjoy a tasty and hassle-free meal with your loved ones.