19+ Easy Turkey Recipe For Thanksgiving You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and easy turkey recipe? This holiday staple can seem daunting to prepare, but fear not! With this simple and foolproof method, you'll have a perfectly cooked turkey on the table in no time. So, put away the stress and let's dive into this Thanksgiving favorite.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
Looking for the perfect way to cook a tender and succulent turkey? Look no further than our top 20 Beer Can Chicken recipes! Our first recipe on the list is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – the Super Moist Turkey. This recipe involves brining the turkey before roasting it, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Keto Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Grated Parmesan
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you might think that lasagna is off the menu. But with our Keto Lasagna recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of this classic Italian dish without the guilt. Instead of noodles, this recipe uses thinly sliced zucchini for the layers, making it a healthier and keto-friendly option.
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a perfectly roasted turkey. Our Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey recipe takes the traditional method up a notch by using a flavorful herb butter to baste the bird while it cooks. The result is a golden and crispy skin and tender and moist meat that will make your holiday meal a hit.
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Turkey Tetrazzini
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, Flour
Leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? No problem – our Turkey Tetrazzini recipe is here to save the day. This classic comfort food dish combines leftover turkey with pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Best Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Celery Stalk, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Salt
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy to drizzle over your turkey and mashed potatoes. Our Best Turkey Gravy recipe uses the pan drippings from your roasted turkey to create a savory and delicious gravy that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Thyme Leaves
If you’re looking for a simple and foolproof way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, our Oven Roasted Turkey recipe is the one for you. All you need is some butter, herbs, and a roasting pan, and you’ll have a perfectly cooked turkey in no time. Plus, the leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day.
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Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Salt, Orange, Onion, Lemon, Rosemary
For a turkey that is bursting with flavor, try our Turkey Brine recipe. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a salt and herb solution before roasting, which results in a juicy and well-seasoned bird. This recipe also includes a hint of citrus and spices for an extra kick of flavor.
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One Pan Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Sliced Mushrooms, Chicken
Looking for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner option? Our One Pan Turkey Casserole has got you covered. This recipe combines ground turkey, rice, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. It’s a family-friendly meal that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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Turkey Pot Pie
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Butter, Sour Cream, Egg, Sweet
Another great way to use up leftover turkey is with our Turkey Pot Pie recipe. This comforting dish is filled with tender chunks of turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky pie crust. It’s the perfect way to turn those Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious meal.
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Easy Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sausage, Medium Carrots, Celery Stalks
For a taste of the bayou, try our Easy Sausage Jambalaya recipe. This one-pot wonder is packed with sausage, shrimp, rice, and spices, making it a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes.
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Juiciest Turkey Ever
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salted Butter, Paprika, Ground Oregano, Basil
Want to impress your guests with the juiciest turkey they’ve ever tasted? Our Juiciest Turkey Ever recipe is the way to go. This recipe involves injecting the turkey with a flavorful marinade before roasting, resulting in a turkey that is moist and full of flavor. Trust us, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
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Leftover Turkey Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Carrots, Potatoes
When you’ve had your fill of turkey sandwiches, turn to our Leftover Turkey Soup recipe for a delicious and comforting meal. This soup is filled with vegetables, noodles, and of course, leftover turkey, making it a hearty and flavorful way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Sage
If you want to take your roasted turkey to the next level, try our Herb Butter Roasted Turkey recipe. This recipe involves rubbing a mixture of butter and herbs under the skin of the turkey, resulting in a crispy and flavorful exterior and tender and juicy meat. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table.
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The Best Leftover Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Sugar
Another great way to use up leftover turkey is with our Best Leftover Turkey Salad recipe. This light and refreshing salad combines shredded turkey, apples, cranberries, and pecans in a tangy dressing, making it the perfect dish for a post-Thanksgiving meal or a light lunch option.
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Simple Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Lemon Juice, Cracked Black
If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option, try our Simple Turkey Salad recipe. This recipe uses canned turkey instead of leftover turkey, making it a great option for any time of year. Simply mix the turkey with some mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings for a tasty and satisfying salad.
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Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion Soup Mix, Butter, Turkey, Water
For a no-fuss way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, try our Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast recipe. Just place the turkey breast in the slow cooker with some seasonings and broth, and let it cook for a few hours. The result is a tender and juicy turkey that requires minimal effort.
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Turkey Meatloaf
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Turkey, Olive Oil, Onion
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, try our Turkey Meatloaf recipe. This recipe uses lean ground turkey, veggies, and breadcrumbs for a lighter but still flavorful version of this classic comfort food. It’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into your meal.
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Smothered Turkey Chops
Main Ingredients: Turkey, All Purpose Flour, Ground Black Pepper, Kosher
If you’re tired of the same old chicken recipes, why not try our Smothered Turkey Chops recipe? This recipe uses turkey cutlets, gravy, and vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal that will have you forgetting about chicken altogether. Serve it with some mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
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Easy Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Flour, Salt, Pepper
If you don’t have time to make a from-scratch gravy for your Thanksgiving dinner, our Easy Turkey Gravy recipe is here to save the day. This recipe uses pan drippings from your roasted turkey, along with some flour and broth, to create a rich and flavorful gravy that will have your guests thinking you slaved over it all day.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Soup
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Celery, Large Carrots, White
After a busy day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking dinner. That’s where our Slow Cooker Turkey Soup recipe comes in. Just throw some vegetables, broth, and leftover turkey into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and comforting soup in the evening. It’s the perfect meal for a cold winter night.
Preparation and Seasoning
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, it's crucial to have all your ingredients and tools ready. For this easy turkey recipe, you'll need a whole turkey, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Make sure to also have a roasting pan, a roasting rack, and aluminum foil on hand.
Thaw and Clean the Turkey
Make sure to thaw your turkey completely before cooking. This can take several days in the refrigerator, so plan accordingly. Once thawed, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Seasoning the Turkey
Now, it's time to add flavor to the turkey. Melt half a cup of butter and mix in a tablespoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning. Carefully lift the skin of the turkey and rub the seasoned butter mixture under the skin. This will add moisture and flavor to the meat.
Cooking the Turkey
Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the roasting rack in the roasting pan. If you don't have a rack, you can use vegetables like carrots and onions to create a base for the turkey to sit on.
Roasting and Basting
Place the seasoned turkey on the roasting rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting with the drippings every 30 minutes. This will keep the turkey moist and add more flavor.
Checking for Doneness
After the recommended cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. If it's not yet done, continue cooking and checking every 15 minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your turkey is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender bird. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Now that you have the recipe for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving turkey, it's time to put it into action! With these simple steps, you'll have a mouth-watering centerpiece for your holiday feast. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!