20+ Turkey Recipe For Easter Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Easter is a special holiday that brings families together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Along with the spiritual significance, Easter is also a time for delicious feasts and traditional meals. And when it comes to Easter dinner, there is no better main dish than a succulent, juicy turkey. This versatile and flavorful bird is the centerpiece of many Easter dinner tables, and for good reason. Not only is it a delicious and traditional choice, but it is also relatively easy to prepare. In this article, we will go through a tried and tested turkey recipe for Easter that is sure to impress your loved ones and make your holiday celebration truly memorable.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
If you're tired of dry, bland turkey, this recipe is for you. The secret is in the brine, which infuses the turkey with flavor and keeps it juicy. Trust us, this will be the best turkey you've ever had.
To make the brine, combine 1 cup of kosher salt, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 gallon of water in a large pot. Heat over medium heat until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Let cool completely before adding the turkey to the brine. Brine the turkey for 1 hour per pound in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Keto Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Grated Parmesan
Who says you can't have comfort food on a keto diet? This keto lasagna is a delicious and satisfying meal that won't derail your low-carb lifestyle. Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, this recipe uses zucchini slices as the "pasta."
To make the lasagna, start by making a meat sauce with ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Then, layer the zucchini slices with the meat sauce and a mixture of ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be complete without a perfectly roasted turkey. This recipe will give you a perfectly crispy and flavorful bird every time. Start by rubbing the turkey with a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs. Then, stuff the turkey with lemon slices, onion, and more herbs for added flavor.
Roast the turkey in the oven, basting with chicken broth every 30 minutes. For a perfectly crispy skin, turn the oven to broil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
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Turkey Tetrazzini
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, Flour
Turkey tetrazzini is a classic casserole dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a splash of sherry to the pan and stir until combined.
Combine the sauce with the cooked spaghetti and shredded turkey. Top with grated parmesan cheese and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with a side salad for a comforting and delicious meal.
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Best Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Celery Stalk, Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Salt
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without gravy. This recipe will give you a rich and flavorful gravy to top your turkey and mashed potatoes. Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Whisk in chicken broth and pan drippings from the roasted turkey.
Simmer the gravy until it thickens, then add in fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor. Strain the gravy before serving to remove any lumps. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Thyme Leaves
If you want a simple and hassle-free way to cook your turkey, try this oven roasted turkey recipe. Rub the turkey with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for flavor. Cut an onion and lemon in half and stuff them inside the turkey cavity for added moisture and flavor.
Roast the turkey in the oven breast side down for the first half of cooking, then flip it over breast side up for the remaining time. This will help keep the breast meat juicy and tender. Let the turkey rest before carving and serving.
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Turkey Brine
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Salt, Orange, Onion, Lemon, Rosemary
If you're looking to take your turkey to the next level, try brining it before cooking. This will infuse the turkey with flavor and help keep it moist and juicy. In a large pot, combine water, salt, brown sugar, and a variety of spices and herbs. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 24 hours.
After brining, be sure to rinse the turkey and pat it dry before cooking. Roast the turkey according to your preferred method and enjoy the flavorful and moist results.
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One Pan Turkey Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Sliced Mushrooms, Chicken
This one pan turkey casserole is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and diced turkey until the onion is softened.
Add in frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and milk to the pan and stir until combined. Stir in the cooked noodles and top with shredded cheese before baking in the oven. This one pan meal is sure to become a family favorite.
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Turkey Pot Pie
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Butter, Sour Cream, Egg, Sweet
Turkey pot pie is a delicious and comforting way to use up leftover turkey. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in a pot until softened. Add in chicken broth and leftover turkey and simmer until heated through.
Stir in frozen peas, corn, and green beans for added vegetables and flavor. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and top with another crust before baking until golden brown. This hearty and satisfying pie is perfect for any night of the week.
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Easy Sausage Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sausage, Medium Carrots, Celery Stalks
If you're looking for a flavorful and filling meal, try this easy sausage jambalaya. Start by cooking sausage in a large pot until browned. Add in onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until softened.
Stir in rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked through. Add in shredded turkey towards the end of cooking for a unique twist on this classic dish.
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Juiciest Turkey Ever
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salted Butter, Paprika, Ground Oregano, Basil
If you want a turkey that is guaranteed to be moist and juicy, try this recipe. Combine butter, garlic, and herbs in a bowl and rub it all over the turkey, including under the skin. Stuff the turkey with lemon, onion, and herbs for added flavor.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Roast the turkey in the oven at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and stay juicy. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking for a crispy skin.
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Leftover Turkey Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Carrots, Potatoes
This leftover turkey soup is the perfect way to use up any extra turkey from Thanksgiving dinner. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add in diced turkey and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Stir in cooked egg noodles and frozen mixed vegetables and simmer until heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. This soup is a comforting and delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey.
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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Sage
For a flavorful and elegant turkey, try this herb butter roasted turkey recipe. Combine softened butter with herbs and garlic. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the butter mixture under the skin.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth over the top. Cover with foil and roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking for a crispy skin.
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The Best Leftover Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Sugar
Don't let your leftover turkey go to waste! This leftover turkey salad is a tasty and easy way to use up any extra turkey. Shred or chop leftover turkey and mix with mayonnaise, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
Serve the salad on sandwich rolls or croissants for a tasty and satisfying lunch. Add in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. You'll never want to waste leftover turkey again.
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Simple Turkey Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Lemon Juice, Cracked Black
This simple turkey salad is a healthier alternative to traditional chicken salad. Chop cooked turkey and mix with plain Greek yogurt, diced apples, and diced celery. Add in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy the salad on sliced bread or crackers for a light and refreshing lunch. This recipe is also great for using up any leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
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Easy Crock Pot Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion Soup Mix, Butter, Turkey, Water
If you're not a fan of cooking a whole turkey, try this easy crock pot turkey breast instead. Place a boneless turkey breast in the crock pot and season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the turkey is tender and cooked through. Use the drippings to make a flavorful gravy to serve with the turkey. This is a simple and stress-free way to enjoy turkey any time of year.
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Turkey Meatloaf
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Turkey, Olive Oil, Onion
This turkey meatloaf is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. In a bowl, combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, and diced onion. Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
Bake in the oven until cooked through, then brush the top with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar for a sweet glaze. Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal.
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Smothered Turkey Chops
Main Ingredients: Turkey, All Purpose Flour, Ground Black Pepper, Kosher
If you're tired of traditional turkey recipes, try these smothered turkey chops for a unique and flavorful meal. Cut turkey breast into chops and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Sauté in a pan until browned.
In the same pan, sauté onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened. Add in chicken broth and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Add the turkey chops back to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Easy Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Flour, Salt, Pepper
If you're short on time but still want a delicious gravy to accompany your turkey, try this easy recipe. In a saucepan, mix together chicken broth, flour, and seasonings.
Simmer until thickened, then stir in a can of cream of chicken soup. Season with additional herbs and spices to taste. This gravy is perfect for drizzling over turkey and mashed potatoes.
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Slow Cooker Turkey Soup
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Celery, Large Carrots, White
For a comforting and easy meal, try this slow cooker turkey soup. Combine diced turkey, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Stir in cooked egg noodles towards the end of cooking. This soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey and can be easily customized with your favorite herbs and spices.
Preparing the Turkey
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the turkey recipe for Easter, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For a 12-14 pound turkey, you will need:
1 whole turkey (thawed if frozen)
1 stick of butter, softened
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of dried thyme
1 tablespoon of dried sage
1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
Salt and pepper
It is important to have all the ingredients ready and measured out before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Cleaning and Preparing the Turkey
Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to clean and prepare the turkey. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity of the bird. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan.
Making the Herb Butter
The key to a flavorful and moist turkey is the herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This herb butter will infuse the turkey with delicious flavors and help keep it moist during cooking.
Cooking the Turkey
Applying the Herb Butter
Using your hands, gently loosen the skin of the turkey from the breast and thighs. Spread the herb butter evenly under the skin. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and keep it moist. Rub any remaining herb butter over the outside of the turkey.
Tying the Legs
Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine to keep them in place during cooking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the legs from spreading apart.
Cooking Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in the oven and cook for 20 minutes per pound. This means a 12-14 pound turkey will take approximately 4-4.5 hours to cook. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
Checking for Doneness
To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the turkey is not done yet, continue cooking and check the temperature every 15-20 minutes.
Serving the Turkey
Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist and flavorful turkey. Serve the turkey with your favorite Easter side dishes and enjoy a delicious and traditional holiday meal.
In conclusion, a turkey is a perfect choice for your Easter dinner. Not only is it a delicious and versatile option, but it is also relatively easy to prepare. By following this turkey recipe for Easter, you can impress your family and friends with a flavorful and juicy main dish that will make your holiday celebration truly special. Happy Easter!
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