19+ Recipe To Cook A Turkey For Thanksgiving Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday that brings families and friends together to celebrate and give thanks. And no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a perfectly cooked turkey as the centerpiece of the meal. While it may seem like a daunting task, cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving is actually quite simple and can be done with just a few key ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. In this article, we will provide you with a tried and true recipe for cooking a delicious and juicy turkey that will impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving celebration a memorable one. So, let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Fresh Rosemary
If you're tired of the same old roasted turkey for Thanksgiving, why not mix things up with a delicious garlic smoked turkey? This recipe adds a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional holiday dish. The combination of smoky, garlicky flavors will have your guests begging for seconds.
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Prosciutto Wrapped Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Black Peppercorns, Red Pepper
For a more elegant and gourmet take on the classic Thanksgiving turkey, try this prosciutto wrapped version. The salty and savory prosciutto adds a delicious depth of flavor to the turkey, making it a standout dish on your holiday table. Plus, it looks impressive and is easy to make!
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Prosciutto Wrapped Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Black Peppercorns, Red Pepper
Another way to incorporate prosciutto into your Thanksgiving turkey is by roasting it in a prosciutto crust. This adds a crispy and flavorful layer to the outside of the turkey, while keeping the inside moist and juicy. It's a winning combination that your family and friends will love.
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How To Cook a Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Unsalted Butter
If you're a first-time turkey cook or just need a refresher, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of cooking a perfect Thanksgiving turkey. From preparing the bird to carving and serving, this guide has you covered. You'll be a turkey cooking pro in no time!
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How to Make a Test Run Turkey for Thanksgiving
Main Ingredients: Turkey Legs, Honey, Chipotle Powder, Garlic Powder
Don't want to risk ruining your Thanksgiving turkey? Try making a test run turkey beforehand. This will allow you to perfect your recipe and cooking technique, ensuring a delicious and stress-free holiday meal. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a tasty turkey dinner twice!
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Super Moist Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
There's nothing worse than a dry turkey on Thanksgiving. But with this recipe for a super moist turkey, that won't be a problem. The secret is in the brine, which infuses the turkey with flavor and moisture. Your turkey will come out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
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Keto Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Grated Parmesan
If you're following a keto diet, you may think lasagna is off-limits. But with this recipe for keto lasagna, you can enjoy the comforting and delicious dish without the carbs. Instead of pasta, this lasagna uses layers of zucchini, making it a healthier and keto-friendly option.
For a classic and simple Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further than this roasted turkey. With just a few ingredients and easy instructions, you'll have a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey on your holiday table. It's a no-fail recipe that will impress your guests.
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Turkey Tetrazzini
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, Flour
Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? Don't let it go to waste! Instead, use it to make this delicious and easy turkey tetrazzini. It's a creamy and hearty pasta dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey and satisfying those post-holiday cravings.
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Best Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Celery Stalk, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Salt
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this recipe for the best turkey gravy will not disappoint. It's rich, flavorful, and made with the drippings from your roasted turkey. It's the perfect finishing touch to your holiday meal.
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Thyme Leaves
If you're short on time or oven space, this oven roasted turkey recipe is for you. It's a simple and hassle-free way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, and it still comes out tender and delicious. Plus, you can use the extra oven space to make some delicious side dishes.
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Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Salt, Orange, Onion, Lemon, Rosemary
As mentioned earlier, brining your turkey is the key to a juicy and flavorful bird. This recipe for turkey brine is a tried and true method that will infuse your turkey with savory and herby flavors. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
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One Pan Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Sliced Mushrooms, Chicken
For an easy and delicious way to use up leftover turkey, try this one pan turkey casserole. It's a complete meal in one dish, with layers of turkey, vegetables, and stuffing. It's a hearty and comforting way to enjoy your leftover turkey.
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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 by making a turkey pot pie. This recipe takes the classic pot pie to the next level by using a flaky and buttery puff pastry crust. It's a hearty and satisfying way to enjoy your leftover holiday turkey.
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Easy Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sausage, Medium Carrots, Celery Stalks
If you want to switch things up and have a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, try this easy sausage jambalaya. It's a flavorful and hearty dish that will warm you up on a cold holiday. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
For a delicious and fool-proof roasted turkey recipe, give this one a try. It uses a simple and flavorful spice rub, and the turkey is roasted to perfection. It's a no-fail recipe that will have everyone asking for your secret.
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Juiciest Turkey Ever
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salted Butter, Paprika, Ground Oregano, Basil
If you want to ensure your turkey comes out juicy and tender, give this recipe a try. It uses a combination of butter and broth to baste the turkey, resulting in the juiciest turkey you've ever had. It's a must-try for your Thanksgiving spread.
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Leftover Turkey Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Carrots, Potatoes
Another great way to use up leftover turkey is by making a hearty and comforting soup. This recipe for leftover turkey soup is easy to make and packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for post-holiday meals.
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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Sage
If you want to add extra flavor to your roasted turkey, try this herb butter recipe. The butter is infused with herbs and garlic, and it's spread under the skin of the turkey before roasting. This results in a perfectly seasoned and flavorful turkey that will impress your guests.
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The Best Leftover Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Sugar
Not sure what to do with all that leftover turkey? Make a tasty and easy turkey salad! This recipe uses a combination of mayo, mustard, and cranberries for a twist on the classic chicken salad. It's perfect for sandwiches or served on top of a bed of greens.
Preparation and Ingredients
1. Choose the Right Size Turkey
When it comes to cooking a turkey, size does matter. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 1 pound of turkey per person, so if you are expecting 10 guests, a 10-pound turkey would be ideal. This will ensure that everyone has enough to eat without having an excessive amount of leftovers.
2. Thaw the Turkey
If you bought a frozen turkey, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey. This will ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and prevents any potential foodborne illnesses.
3. Gather Your Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need a 12-14 pound **fresh** turkey, **salt**, **butter**, **pepper**, **garlic**, **onion**, **lemon**, and **fresh herbs** such as rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Instructions
1. Season the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff the Turkey
Place a halved onion, a lemon cut into quarters, a few cloves of garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs inside the turkey cavity. This will not only add flavor to the turkey, but also keep it moist while cooking.
3. Tie the Legs Together
Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together to keep the stuffing and herbs inside. This will also help the turkey cook more evenly.
4. Add Butter to the Turkey
Cut a stick of butter into small pieces and tuck them under the skin of the turkey. This will help keep the turkey moist and add flavor.
5. Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil. Roast for about 2-2.5 hours, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to brown.
6. Check the Temperature
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, making sure not to touch any bones. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Let it Rest
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the turkey even more flavorful and moist.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving may seem like a daunting task, but with this easy and delicious recipe, you can confidently serve a perfectly cooked turkey that will impress your guests. Don't forget to save the leftover turkey for sandwiches and soups the next day. Happy Thanksgiving!
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