18+ Recipe For Cooking Thanksgiving Turkey Prepare To Be Amazed!

Published on: Mar 13, 2024

Thanksgiving is a time of celebration and giving thanks, and what better way to honor this holiday than with a deliciously roasted turkey? Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, cooking a Thanksgiving turkey can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, with the right recipe and techniques, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday feast. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect Thanksgiving turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.

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 delicious and flavorful turkey is sure to be a crowd favorite. The secret is in the marinade, which combines traditional Mexican flavors like cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Serve with some homemade salsa and tortillas for a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving 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 Thanksgiving turkey with a crispy and golden exterior, try this roasted turkey recipe. The key is to baste the turkey with melted butter and herbs every 30 minutes, resulting in a tender and flavorful bird. Don't forget to save the drippings for a delicious homemade gravy!

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

Just a Taste | Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust

Don't let your Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! Turn them into a comforting and hearty pot pie. This recipe uses leftover turkey, vegetables, and a creamy gravy, all topped with a flaky pie crust. It's the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving for days to come.

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

Looking for a foolproof way to ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey? This recipe uses a simple brine of water, salt, and sugar to infuse the turkey with moisture and flavor. The result is a tender and succulent turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

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 ...

If you're short on time, this easy brined turkey recipe is the perfect solution. The brine only takes 20 minutes to make and the turkey cooks in the oven in under 2 hours. The result is a juicy and delicious turkey with minimal effort required.

6 of 20

Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes Roundup | Eat Well Enjoy Life

Don't stress about cooking a Thanksgiving turkey - this easy and no-fuss recipe has got you covered. The turkey is seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices and cooked in the oven with a little bit of broth for added moisture. It's the perfect hassle-free option for a stress-free Thanksgiving 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 sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. The turkey is coated in a maple and bacon glaze, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor that will have your guests raving. Plus, the bacon adds a crispy and delicious crunch to the exterior of 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 with gravy is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving feast. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of garlic, butter, and herbs, resulting in a flavorful and tender bird. And the homemade gravy is the perfect finishing touch to this mouthwatering dish.

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 Cajun spin on your Thanksgiving meal with this delicious turkey gumbo. The leftover turkey is combined with traditional gumbo ingredients like sausage, okra, and rice, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with some crusty bread for a truly comforting Thanksgiving meal.

10 of 20

How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe (Step by Step) - Spend With Pennies

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

If you're new to cooking Thanksgiving dinner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of roasting a turkey. From preparing the bird to carving it, this guide has everything you need to know to make a perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

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 THANKSGIVING TURKEY Don't let this big bird worry you! I ...

Cooking Time for Thanksgiving Turkey: A Pound by Pound Guide | Turkey ...

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey - Feast and Flight

There are many ways to cook a turkey, but this recipe is a tried and true method for a delicious and tender bird. The turkey is rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices and cooked in the oven with a little bit of broth for added moisture. Follow these simple steps for a Thanksgiving turkey that will impress your guests.

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

Of course, no list of Thanksgiving turkey recipes would be complete without a traditional option. This recipe keeps it simple with a butter and herb rub and cooking the turkey in the oven. It may be a classic, but it's always a crowd pleaser.

13 of 20

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

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

Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey – Grandma's recipes

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe | Yellow Bliss Road

How To Cook A Turkey: Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe + Tips! – Catenus

If you're short on time or just want a simple and fuss-free Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and cooked in the oven with a little bit of broth for added moisture. It's an easy and delicious option for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal.

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

The Best Ideas for Thanksgiving Turkey with Bacon – Best Diet and ...

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey - CincyShopper

Everything is better with bacon, and that includes your Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe combines the flavors of bacon and maple syrup for a sweet and savory glaze that takes your turkey to the next level. Plus, the bacon adds a delicious crunch to the exterior of the bird.

15 of 20

Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

30 Best Smoked Turkey for Thanksgiving - Most Popular Ideas of All Time

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

If you have a smoker, take your Thanksgiving turkey to a whole new level with this recipe. The turkey is rubbed with a blend of spices and smoked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and tender bird with a delicious smoky flavor. It's a unique and impressive option for your Thanksgiving feast.

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

For many of us, Mom's cooking is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe for Mom's Thanksgiving turkey is sure to bring back memories of childhood holidays. The turkey is cooked in the oven with a simple herb and butter rub, resulting in a flavorful and tender bird that will make you feel like you're back at your childhood Thanksgiving table.

17 of 20

Best Thanksgiving Turkey

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

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

Best Thanksgiving Desserts Ever : My Best Thanksgiving Recipes ...

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

Looking for the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe? Look no further! This recipe combines a simple herb and butter rub with the addition of apple cider for a delicious and tender bird. It's a tried and true method for a perfect Thanksgiving turkey every time.

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 ...

For a unique and impressive presentation, try spatchcocking your Thanksgiving turkey. This method involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, resulting in a quicker cooking time and a crispy and golden exterior. Plus, it's a fun and different way to serve your Thanksgiving turkey.

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 ...

If you're worried about overcooking or undercooking your Thanksgiving turkey, this no-fail recipe is the perfect solution. The turkey is cooked in the oven with a simple herb and butter rub and a little bit of broth for added moisture. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and delicious Thanksgiving turkey every time.

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

For those looking for a healthier option, this clean eating Thanksgiving turkey recipe is for you. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and cooked in the oven with a little bit of broth, resulting in a flavorful and tender bird without any added sugar or unhealthy ingredients. Serve with some roasted vegetables for a delicious and guilt-free Thanksgiving meal.

Preparing the Turkey

Thawing the Turkey

Before you even begin to think about cooking your turkey, it's important to ensure that it is properly thawed. A frozen turkey needs time to thaw in the refrigerator, so be sure to plan ahead. The general rule of thumb is to allow one day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey. For example, if you have a 16-pound turkey, it will take about four days to fully thaw in the refrigerator. Pro tip: For a quicker thawing method, you can place the turkey in a sink or large container filled with cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 30 minutes per pound.

Cleaning and Seasoning the Turkey

Once your turkey is fully thawed, it's time to clean and season it. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey and discard. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Pro tip: For added flavor, you can brine your turkey overnight in a mixture of water, salt, and herbs. This will help ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey. Next, it's time to season your turkey. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as butter, herbs, and spices, to create your desired flavor profile. Be sure to season both the outside and inside of the turkey. Pro tip: For a crispy and golden skin, rub butter or oil on the outside of the turkey before seasoning.

Cooking the Turkey

Roasting the Turkey

There are several methods for cooking a turkey, including roasting, frying, and smoking. In this recipe, we will focus on the traditional method of roasting. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with foil and place in the oven. Pro tip: For a moist and tender turkey, baste the turkey with its own juices every 30 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to determine if your turkey is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, avoiding hitting any bones. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Pro tip: For a perfectly cooked turkey, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Final Thoughts

Cooking a Thanksgiving turkey may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and techniques, you can create a delicious and memorable holiday meal. Remember to plan ahead for thawing, properly clean and season your turkey, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, go ahead and impress your friends and family with your perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey!