18+ Preparing Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!

Published on: Mar 9, 2024

Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey is not just about cooking a delicious meal, it's also about creating a memorable experience for your loved ones. The smell of turkey roasting in the oven, the warmth of the kitchen, and the anticipation of a mouth-watering feast are all part of the holiday tradition. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a first-timer, our step-by-step guide will help you prepare the perfect Thanksgiving turkey recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Mexican Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe - Reboot turkey with a Mexican-inspired ...

Mexican Thanksgiving Food - MEXICAN TURKEY ALAMBRE RECIPE (With images ...

Mexican Thanksgiving Food - From turkey mole to spicy soups, mexican ...

Spice up your Thanksgiving feast with a Mexican twist! This turkey recipe is packed with bold flavors and will surely be a hit with your guests. The secret ingredient? A can of beer! The beer not only adds moisture to the turkey, but also infuses it with a delicious, slightly hoppy flavor. Serve this Mexican Thanksgiving turkey with your favorite sides like roasted corn, black beans, and homemade guacamole for a truly festive meal.

2 of 20

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen

Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe — Easy and Juicy | Nkechi Ajaeroh

Herb-Citrus Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey - The Wooden Skillet

For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further. This roasted turkey is simple to prepare and delivers juicy, tender meat every time. The key is to use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the turkey and allow for even cooking. Pro tip: baste the turkey with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor and a beautiful golden brown skin.

3 of 20

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

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

Turkey Pot Pie (Easy Leftover Turkey Recipe) – Well Plated

Turkey Pot Pie - Great for Leftover Turkey! - Sugar Spun Run

Leftover Turkey Puff Pastry Pot Pie - The Brooklyn Cook

Leftover turkey pot pie - Simply Delicious | Recipe | Turkey pot pie ...

Don't let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! This turkey pot pie is the perfect way to use up any extra turkey, vegetables, and gravy from your holiday feast. The creamy filling is made with a combination of leftover gravy and milk, and the flaky crust is made with store-bought puff pastry for an easy and delicious meal. Serve with a side salad for a complete and comforting meal.

4 of 20

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Juicy Turkey Recipe | Juicy Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey Recipe

Juicy Whole Roast Turkey | Easy Weeknight Recipes

If you want a Thanksgiving turkey that is super juicy and flavorful, this is the recipe for you. The key is to brine the turkey for at least 24 hours before roasting. This allows the turkey to soak up all the flavors and ensures a moist and tender result. Pro tip: use a combination of herbs and citrus in the brine for a fragrant and delicious turkey.

5 of 20

Easy Juicy Oven Roasted Brined Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast - The Stay At Home Chef

Easy Oven Roasted Brined Turkey Breast Recipe | BeginnerFood

This Simple Roast Turkey Recipe will make your Thanksgiving dinner look ...

Want a juicy turkey without the hassle of brining? This recipe has got you covered. The secret is to use a combination of melted butter and chicken broth to baste the turkey every 30 minutes while it cooks. This not only adds flavor, but also keeps the turkey moist and juicy. Pro tip: add a few sprigs of fresh herbs to the basting liquid for even more flavor.

6 of 20

Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey | Recipe | Turkey recipes, Turkey ...

22 Easy No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes and Menu Ideas ...

If you're short on time or just want a no-fuss Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is perfect for you. The turkey is roasted in the oven with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs, and the result is a perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful bird. Serve with your favorite gravy and sides for a stress-free holiday meal.

7 of 20

Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Best Oven Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever - Oh Sweet Basil

Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Lepp Farm Market Maple Bacon ...

This easy, healthy, sweet and savory maple bacon roasted butternut ...

Bacon lovers, rejoice! This maple bacon roasted turkey is a dream come true. The turkey is wrapped in strips of bacon and roasted in the oven, resulting in a crispy, flavorful skin and juicy meat. The addition of maple syrup gives the turkey a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty bacon. Pro tip: save the bacon drippings to make a delicious gravy to serve with the turkey.

8 of 20

Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy

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

The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) - Tatyanas Everyday Food

Garlic Herb Butter Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe - No. 2 Pencil

The Best Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Turkey photo picture recipe 3

Garlic Bacon Butter Thanksgiving Turkey - The Domestic Geek Blog

This garlic butter turkey is a showstopper on your Thanksgiving table. The turkey is rubbed with a garlic butter mixture and roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird. The pan drippings are then used to make a rich and flavorful gravy that will have your guests asking for seconds. Serve with your favorite sides for a memorable holiday meal.

9 of 20

Thanksgiving Turkey Gumbo.

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

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

Put a New Orleans twist on your Thanksgiving with this turkey gumbo recipe. This hearty and flavorful stew is made with leftover turkey, vegetables, and a homemade roux. The addition of Cajun spices gives the gumbo a kick of heat, making it the perfect dish for a chilly fall night. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

10 of 20

How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe + Video - Family Fresh Meals

Every Recipe You Need For A Thanksgiving Feast! | Roast turkey recipes ...

How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey (with Herbs and Citrus) | Recipe ...

If you're a first-time turkey roaster, this step-by-step guide will help you cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. From preparing the turkey to carving it for serving, this recipe covers everything you need to know to roast a delicious and impressive turkey. Don't forget to let the turkey rest before carving to ensure juicy and tender meat.

11 of 20

How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey

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

How To Cook a Turkey: The Simplest, Easiest Method | Kitchn

How To Cook a Completely Frozen Turkey for Thanksgiving | Kitchn

Best Turkey To Buy For Thanksgiving : The Best Thanksgiving Turkey ...

There are many ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, and this recipe will show you one of the most popular methods. The turkey is basted with a mixture of butter, herbs, and broth, and then roasted in the oven until golden brown and cooked through. The result is a flavorful and tender turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.

12 of 20

Thanksgiving Turkey

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

old white turkey, head, live turkey, holiday, thanksgiving, bird ...

Thanksgiving Turkey Roll - What the Forks for Dinner?

The Ultimate Guide To A Delicious Thanksgiving - HoneyBear Lane

This classic Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a must-have for your holiday menu. With a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs, this turkey is roasted in the oven to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy turkey that is sure to impress your guests. Serve with your favorite sides for a traditional and delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

13 of 20

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe - Downshiftology

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe - The Schmidty Wife

Simple Thanksgiving Turkey Kids Craft with FREE Printable Template

This easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a stress-free holiday meal. The turkey is seasoned with a simple rub and roasted in the oven, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird. The best part? This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones.

14 of 20

Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Best Way to Cook a Turkey With Bacon - Hicklin Netaid

Roast Turkey 7kg| Jamie Oliver turkey recipes Simple Christmas ...

Easy BACON WRAPPED TURKEY BREAST - Easy Peasy Creative Ideas

Bacon Wrapped Herb Roasted Turkey takes dinner to a whole new level ...

Take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level with this bacon roasted turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a mixture of spices and then wrapped in bacon before being roasted in the oven. The result is a crispy, flavorful skin and juicy, tender meat. Pro tip: add a few slices of bacon to the bottom of the roasting pan for extra flavor and moisture.

15 of 20

Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Whole Smoked Turkey - Thanksgiving Or Christmas Dinner With A Smoking Twist

Cider Brined Smoked Turkey - Buy This Cook That

Traeger Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey - The Grilling Life

If you have a smoker, why not use it to cook your Thanksgiving turkey? This recipe will guide you through the process of brining and smoking a turkey to perfection. The result is a smoky and flavorful bird that will have your guests raving. Pro tip: use a combination of wood chips, like hickory or applewood, for a delicious flavor infusion.

16 of 20

Mom's Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Turkey Gravy & Mom’s Stuffing | Turkey gravy, Stuffing recipes for ...

Mom's Turkey Stuffing Recipe - The Black Peppercorn

Nothing beats a tried and true family recipe, and this turkey recipe is no exception. Passed down through generations, this recipe is a family favorite and will surely become a tradition at your Thanksgiving table. The turkey is basted with a mixture of butter and broth, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. Serve with all your family's favorite sides for a truly special meal.

17 of 20

Best Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Best Turkey To Buy For Thanksgiving - Best Place to Buy Your ...

Best 30 Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade – Best Diet and Healthy Recipes ...

If you're looking for the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further. This recipe has been tested and perfected to deliver a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey every time. The turkey is brined to infuse it with flavor and then roasted to golden perfection. Serve with your favorite sides for a holiday meal that will impress your guests.

18 of 20

Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Maple Glazed Spatchcock Turkey with Maple Herb Butter - Plays Well With ...

Spatchcocking, or butterflying, a turkey is a technique that involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey for faster and more even cooking. This recipe will guide you through the process of spatchcocking and roasting a delicious Thanksgiving turkey. The result is a bird with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

19 of 20

No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey is a No-Fail, Moist, and Flavorful recipe ...

These Hilarious Thanksgiving fails are worse than Turkey nightmares

4 No-Fail Recipes for the Perfect Low Carb Thanksgiving Menu ...

Williams Sonoma on Instagram: “It's not too soon to start planning for ...

For a foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, try this no-fail method. The turkey is roasted in the oven with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs, and then basted with a mixture of butter and broth. The result is a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. Serve with all your favorite sides for a memorable holiday meal.

20 of 20

Clean Eating Thanksgiving Turkey

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

A Clean Eating Thanksgiving Dinner. A recipe collection full of recipes ...

Get a belly laugh from these Thanksgiving dark humor memes – Film Daily

A Creative and Crafty Inspiration: Clean Eating - Thanksgiving Edition

If you're looking for a healthier option for your Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and then roasted in the oven. The result is a clean and flavorful turkey that is free of processed ingredients. Serve with your favorite sides for a guilt-free holiday meal.

Choosing the Perfect Turkey

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is undoubtedly the turkey. That's why it's important to choose the right one for your holiday feast. Fresh, organic, and free-range turkeys are becoming increasingly popular as they are raised in a more natural environment and have a better flavor. However, they can be more expensive and may need to be ordered in advance. Frozen turkeys, on the other hand, are more readily available and can be purchased weeks in advance. When choosing a frozen turkey, make sure to allow enough time for it to thaw properly in the refrigerator. Another important factor to consider is the size of the turkey. As a general rule, plan for 1 pound of turkey per person, with a little extra for leftovers.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you have your turkey, it's time to prepare it for the oven. Remove the turkey from its packaging and rinse it well under cold water. Make sure to remove any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Season the turkey with kosher salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. For added flavor, you can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. Tie the legs together and tuck the wings under the body to prevent them from burning. Finally, brush the entire turkey with melted butter or oil. This will help create a beautiful golden-brown skin.

Cooking the Turkey

The key to a juicy and flavorful turkey is cooking it correctly. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the turkey in the oven. For a 12-15 pound turkey, plan to cook it for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover it with foil. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

By following these simple steps, you will have a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey that will be the highlight of your holiday meal. Don't forget to save the drippings from the roasting pan to make a delicious gravy. Happy Thanksgiving!