16+ Recipe For Turkey Dinners During Thanksgiving And Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. And what better way to celebrate this holiday than with a mouth-watering turkey dinner? Whether you're a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a novice looking to impress your loved ones, this recipe for turkey dinners is guaranteed to be a hit. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
If you want to take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level, try roasting it instead of the traditional method of baking. Roasted turkey has a crispy, golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat that will impress your guests. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! All you need is a roasting pan, some seasonings, and a little bit of patience. Here are some of our favorite recipes for roasted Thanksgiving turkey.
Is there anything more comforting than a hearty casserole on Thanksgiving? This dish combines all your favorite holiday flavors into one delicious and easy-to-make meal. Layered with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, this casserole is a great way to use up all your leftovers in a creative way. Plus, you can customize it to add your own twist with different seasonings and vegetables.
If you're looking for a unique and crispy way to use up your leftover turkey, try making croquettes. These fried morsels are made from a mixture of shredded turkey, mashed potatoes, and seasonings, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. They make a delicious appetizer or side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Pot pies are a classic comfort food, and they're even better when made with Thanksgiving leftovers. This recipe combines tender chunks of turkey with vegetables and a creamy sauce, all baked in a flaky pie crust. It's a hearty and satisfying way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers in one dish.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
Brining your turkey before roasting is a great way to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird. This recipe uses a simple brine made from salt, sugar, and spices, and then roasts the turkey in the oven to perfection. The result is a moist and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.
6of 20
Leftover Thanksgiving Dinner Casserole
Main Ingredients: Celery Stalks, Onion, Apples, Butter, Stuffing, Chicken
Similar to the Thanksgiving dinner casserole, this recipe uses all your holiday leftovers to create a delicious and easy meal. Layered with mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and gravy, this casserole is comforting and hearty without requiring much effort or time in the kitchen.
7of 20
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Turkey
If you're a fan of casseroles, here's another variation to try using your Thanksgiving leftovers. This recipe combines turkey, stuffing, and vegetables with a creamy sauce and tops it all off with a layer of mashed potatoes. It's a delicious and filling way to use up all your holiday leftovers in one dish.
8of 20
Mediterranean Style Thanksgiving Dinner
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Lemon, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Garlic
If you're tired of the traditional Thanksgiving flavors, why not switch things up with a Mediterranean twist? This recipe uses herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, and garlic to give your turkey a savory and herby flavor. And instead of mashed potatoes, it calls for a creamy polenta as a side dish. It's a unique and delicious way to change up your Thanksgiving menu.
9of 20
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
If you're looking for a classic and fool-proof recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey, look no further. This simple recipe uses only a handful of ingredients and easy techniques to create a moist and delicious turkey that will have your guests raving. It's perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a no-fuss way to make a Thanksgiving staple.
10of 20
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
Here's another take on the Thanksgiving leftovers casserole, this time using a creamy and rich cheese sauce to bring all the ingredients together. This recipe also calls for a layer of cornbread on top, adding a sweet and savory element to the dish. It's a creative and delicious way to use up all your turkey, stuffing, and other leftovers.
For those who want a stress-free Thanksgiving, this recipe is for you. It uses a simple and fool-proof method to roast your turkey, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird without much effort. With only a few ingredients and easy instructions, this recipe will save you time and headache on Thanksgiving day.
12of 20
Thanksgiving Pie
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Garlic Clove
Pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but instead of the traditional pumpkin or apple, why not try something different this year? This recipe uses a mixture of turkey, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked in a pie crust. It's a savory and delicious way to switch up your dessert game on Thanksgiving.
13of 20
Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
For a rich and savory twist on your Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that calls for a garlicky and buttery sauce to baste the bird. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds. And don't forget to serve it with the homemade gravy made from the pan drippings!
14of 20
Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
If you love the combination of sweet and salty, you'll love this recipe for maple bacon roasted turkey. The maple syrup adds a sweet and smoky flavor, while the crispy bacon enhances the savory aspect. It's an indulgent and delicious way to take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level.
15of 20
How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you've never roasted a turkey before, this recipe is a great place to start. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and roast your turkey, including tips and tricks for ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird. It's a fool-proof way to make your first Thanksgiving turkey a success.
16of 20
Super Moist Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
If you're looking for a guaranteed way to make a moist and delicious turkey, try this recipe that uses a wet brine to infuse the bird with flavor and moisture. The brine is made from a mixture of water, salt, sugar, and spices, and the result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will impress your guests.
17of 20
Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (aka Thanksgiving...
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Minced Garlic
If you love shepherd's pie, you'll love this recipe that uses leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of ground beef. The creamy sauce and flavorful vegetables are topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It's a creative and delicious way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers.
18of 20
How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
For those who are new to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe provides comprehensive instructions and helpful tips for preparing and roasting your bird. It also includes a flavorful and easy herb butter to baste the turkey with, ensuring a juicy and delicious result.
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, why not try making a Thanksgiving pizza? This recipe uses a homemade pizza crust topped with turkey, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a savory and sweet combination. It's a creative and delicious way to enjoy all your holiday flavors in one bite.
If you're a fan of spicy and flavorful dishes, you'll love this recipe for Thanksgiving turkey gumbo. It uses leftover turkey, vegetables, and spices to create a hearty and delicious soup that will warm you up on a cold Thanksgiving day. Serve it with some rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Preparing the Turkey
Gather Your Ingredients
The key to a successful Thanksgiving turkey dinner is to start with high-quality ingredients. You'll need a fresh or thawed turkey, salt, pepper, butter, fresh herbs, and vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots for added flavor.
Brine the Turkey
For a tender and juicy turkey, it's important to brine it beforehand. This involves soaking the turkey in a solution of water, salt, and herbs for at least 12 hours. This process helps to infuse the turkey with flavor and keep it moist during cooking.
Prep and Season the Turkey
Once the turkey is brined, pat it dry and remove any excess skin and fat. Then, rub a mixture of butter, salt, and pepper all over the turkey. You can also add additional herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
Cooking the Turkey
Roasting in the Oven
The most traditional method of cooking a turkey is roasting it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey in a roasting pan with vegetables and herbs on the bottom. Cover the turkey with foil and cook for 15 minutes per pound, uncovering and basting with pan juices every 45 minutes.
Frying the Turkey
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also fry your turkey for a crispy and flavorful alternative. This method requires a deep fryer and a thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving the Turkey Dinner
Once the turkey is cooked and rested, it's time to serve up your delicious Thanksgiving turkey dinner. Don't forget to carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter with all the trimmings like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. And of course, don't forget to give thanks before digging in!
Now that you have a tried and true recipe for turkey dinners during Thanksgiving, you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. And the best part? Leftover turkey makes for delicious sandwiches and casseroles the next day. So, enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving!
