20+ Easy Turkey Recipe Thanksgiving Frozen Turkey Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, don't worry - you're not alone. Many people find roasting a whole turkey to be a daunting and time-consuming task. But fear not, because with the right recipe and techniques, cooking a delicious turkey for your Thanksgiving feast can actually be quite easy and stress-free. In this article, we'll share a simple and easy turkey recipe for Thanksgiving that uses a frozen turkey. So, put your worries aside and get ready to impress your family and friends with a perfectly cooked turkey this holiday season!
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Buns, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes
Don't let those leftover Thanksgiving dishes go to waste! Transform them into delicious breakfast sandwiches that will make your mornings a whole lot tastier. Simply layer leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing between two slices of buttered and toasted bread . Add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost. These sandwiches are perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or a post-holiday brunch with friends.
There's nothing quite like the smell of a perfectly roasted turkey on Thanksgiving day. To achieve that mouthwatering flavor and crispy skin, try rubbing the turkey with a mixture of herbs and spices before roasting. Some popular combinations include sage, thyme, and rosemary, or a Cajun-style rub. Make sure to baste the turkey with its own juices throughout the cooking process to keep it moist and flavorful.
One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to make a hearty and comforting pot pie. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot. Add in diced turkey, peas, and your choice of herbs (such as thyme or parsley). Pour in some chicken broth and let it simmer until the veggies are tender. Then, pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden brown. Serve with leftover gravy for an extra punch of flavor.
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Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (aka Thanksgiving...
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Minced Garlic
Put a Thanksgiving twist on the classic shepherd's pie by using leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans as the filling. Top it off with a layer of creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious and comforting dish. This is a great way to use up all those Thanksgiving sides and create a whole new meal that the whole family will love.
Turn your leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing into crispy and flavorful croquettes. Simply mix shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing together with some chopped herbs and spices. Shape them into small patties and coat them in breadcrumbs . Fry them in a pan until golden brown and serve with leftover cranberry sauce for a tasty and unique Thanksgiving-inspired appetizer.
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How To Cook a Frozen Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Melted Butter, Salt, Pepper
Forgot to thaw your turkey? Don't panic. You can still cook a frozen turkey , it just takes a little bit longer. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the frozen turkey in a roasting pan. Season the turkey with herbs and spices and tent it with foil. Cook for about 50% longer than a thawed turkey, removing the foil for the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to get crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
For a juicy and flavorful turkey, try brining it before roasting. To make a simple brine, dissolve salt and sugar in water and add in some herbs and spices like sage, rosemary, and garlic. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it, making sure it's fully submerged. Let it brine in the fridge for at least 12 hours before rinsing and roasting in the oven. The result? A juicy and tender turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Turkey Pot Pie
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Butter, Sour Cream, Egg, Sweet
Put those Thanksgiving leftovers to good use by making a comforting and delicious pot pie. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a pot, then add in shredded turkey, peas, and gravy . Let it simmer for a few minutes before pouring it into a pie crust. Top it with another layer of crust and bake until golden brown. This is a great way to use up all those leftover veggies and gravy in one tasty dish.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Turkey
If you're looking for a one-dish meal to use up all those Thanksgiving leftovers, try making a Thanksgiving leftover casserole . Simply layer mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and shredded turkey in a casserole dish. Top it with some shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great way to use up all those sides and create a new and tasty meal.
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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
For a juicy and flavorful turkey, try using a dry brine instead of a wet brine. Simply rub a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs all over the turkey, including under the skin. Let it sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours before rinsing and roasting. The result? A juicy and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.
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Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
Start your Thanksgiving morning off right with these delicious Thanksgiving breakfast cups . Simply line a muffin tin with slices of bacon and crack an egg into each cup. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the eggs are cooked to your liking. Serve with diced leftover turkey, cheese, and herbs for a protein-packed and festive breakfast that will keep you fueled for the day's festivities.
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How to Dry Brine a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Dried Herbs
If you want a flavorful turkey without the hassle of a wet brine, try dry brining instead. Rub a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs all over the turkey, including under the skin. Place the turkey in the fridge for 12-24 hours before rinsing and roasting. The result? A juicy and flavorful turkey that will impress your guests without the mess of a wet brine.
Don't want to spend hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving day? Try this easy, no-fuss turkey recipe . Simply season the turkey with herbs and spices and place it in a roasting pan with some broth. Cover it with foil and let it cook in the oven while you enjoy time with your loved ones. The result? A juicy and flavorful turkey without all the stress and fuss.
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Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
Don't let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Turn them into a delicious and hearty casserole that's perfect for a post-holiday meal. Simply layer mashed potatoes, stuffing, shredded turkey, and veggies in a casserole dish. Top with some gravy and cheese and bake until heated through. This is a great way to use up all those leftover dishes in one tasty and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Pie
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Garlic Clove
Don't forget about dessert on Thanksgiving! Instead of a traditional pumpkin pie, try mixing it up with a Thanksgiving-inspired pie . Some delicious options include apple cranberry, pecan, or even a savory turkey pot pie . Get creative with your leftover ingredients and impress your guests with a unique and tasty dessert.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
Add some extra flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey with a garlic butter rub . Simply mix melted butter, garlic, and herbs and rub it all over the turkey before roasting. Not only will the house smell amazing, but the result will be a juicy and flavorful turkey that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don't forget to make some extra gravy with those delicious pan drippings.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with this delicious and unique maple bacon roasted turkey . Rub a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and herbs all over the turkey before wrapping it in slices of bacon. Roast it in the oven and baste it with the maple glaze for a sweet and savory flavor . This will be a new Thanksgiving tradition for sure.
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Homemade Thanksgiving leftover hot pockets
Main Ingredients: Pie Dough, Turkey, Leftover Gravy, Cranberry Sauce
Looking for a fun and tasty way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers? Try making homemade hot pockets filled with everything from turkey to mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce. Simply stuff your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers into a pocket of dough and bake until golden brown. These make for a great snack or a quick and easy lunch on the go.
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How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
Roasting a turkey may seem intimidating, but with the right technique, it's actually quite simple. Start by seasoning the turkey with herbs and spices and placing it in a roasting pan. Tent it with foil and let it cook in the oven, basting it with its own juices every hour. Remove the foil for the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to get crispy. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Super Moist Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
For a super moist and flavorful turkey, try using a wet brine . Simply dissolve salt and sugar in water and add in some herbs and spices like sage, thyme, and garlic. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it, making sure it's fully submerged. Let it brine in the fridge for at least 12 hours before rinsing and roasting. The result? A juicy and tender turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
Preparing and Thawing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
Before you even start preparing your turkey, it's important to choose the right one. When it comes to frozen turkeys, you have two options - a self-basting or plain turkey. Self-basting turkeys have been injected with a solution to keep them moist during cooking, whereas plain turkeys have not. Both are good options, but if you prefer to have more control over the flavors and seasonings, go for a plain turkey.
Thawing the Turkey
The key to a successful and safe turkey is proper thawing. The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is in the refrigerator. For every 4-5 pounds of turkey, you'll need to allow 24 hours of thawing time in the fridge. So, if you have a 12-pound turkey, you'll need to allow 3 days for it to fully thaw. Make sure to place the turkey on a tray or pan to catch any drippings. If you're short on time, you can also use the cold water method by placing the turkey in a sink or large bowl filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method is quicker, but still requires a few hours of thawing time.
Seasoning and Cooking the Turkey
Seasoning the Turkey
Once your turkey is fully thawed, it's time to season it. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your choice of herbs and spices. For added flavor, try rubbing softened butter under the skin of the turkey. This will help keep the meat moist and add a delicious buttery flavor. You can also stuff the turkey with aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.
Cooking the Turkey
Now it's time to cook the turkey. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the turkey in a roasting pan. For a 12-pound turkey, you'll need to cook it for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remember to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the drippings and juices from the pan. Once it's done, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a daunting task. With this easy recipe for a frozen turkey, you'll be able to impress your guests with minimal effort and stress. Just remember to choose the right turkey, thaw it properly, and season and cook it with care. Happy Thanksgiving!
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