10+ Turkey Recipes to Delight Your Dinner Table

Turkey is a versatile and delicious protein that can be used in many different recipes. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, there are countless ways to bring out the flavor and texture of turkey in your dishes.

From classic roasted turkey to creative leftovers, you can explore many options that will delight your family and friends.

In this article, you’ll find a variety of turkey recipes to suit any occasion. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable, providing you with tasty meals that everyone will love. Get ready to dive into the mouthwatering world of turkey cooking!

1) Classic Roast Turkey with Gravy

Roasting a turkey is a classic choice for any special occasion. You’ll enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks. This recipe keeps it simple while delivering great flavor.

To start, you’ll need a fresh turkey. Make sure to season it well with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Cooking it at a high temperature ensures a golden, crispy skin.

While the turkey roasts, you can prepare the gravy. Use the drippings from the roasting pan to make it rich and savory.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs or 4.5-5.5 kg)
• Salt and pepper
• Herbs (like thyme and rosemary)
• 1 cup (240 ml) turkey drippings
• 1/4 cup (30 g) flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
4. Roast for about 2-2.5 hours, basting occasionally.
5. Remove the turkey, and let it rest.
6. For the gravy, whisk flour into the drippings, then add chicken broth. Cook until thickened.

2) Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey

Herb-butter roasted turkey is a delightful dish perfect for any gathering. The herb butter gives the turkey a rich flavor and keeps it moist. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require long prep time.

To start, you’ll want to make a blend of butter with fresh herbs. Rosemary, sage, and thyme work wonderfully together. Rub this mixture under the skin of the turkey to infuse flavor directly into the meat.

Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method will give you a golden brown skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey without tearing it.
4. Rub the herb butter evenly under the skin and on the outer surface.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast for about 3-4 hours.
6. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest before carving and serving.

3) Juicy Brined Turkey for Thanksgiving

Brining your turkey is a great way to keep it juicy and flavorful. A brine helps to break down the meat and add moisture, which is perfect for Thanksgiving.

To make your brine, combine equal parts salt and sugar with water. You can also add ingredients like apple juice or garlic for extra flavor.

Soak your turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours. This will give it a delicious taste and keep it tender.

Before cooking, rinse the turkey well to remove excess brine. Then, roast it in the oven at 325°F (about 165°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 74°C).

Ingredients

• 1 (14 to 16 pound) turkey
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 gallon vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the brine with salt, sugar, and vegetable stock.
2. Place your turkey in the brine for 12 hours.
3. Rinse the turkey and preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
4. Roast the turkey until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

4) Stuffed Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce

Stuffed turkey breast with cranberry sauce is a delicious meal option. This dish combines tender turkey with a flavorful stuffing and a sweet-tart sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

To make this recipe, you start by preparing the stuffing. A mix of bread, herbs, and pecans creates a wonderful base. You then stuff the turkey breasts, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Next, you’ll make a cranberry sauce that balances the savory stuffing perfectly. It adds a burst of freshness to the dish. After cooking, let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless turkey breasts
• 1 cup herb-seasoned bread stuffing mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the stuffing by mixing the bread stuffing mix and pecans.
3. Stuff the turkey breasts and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake in the oven for 1.5 hours or until cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Simmer until the cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
7. Serve the stuffed turkey with cranberry sauce on top.

5) Cajun-Spiced Deep-Fried Turkey

Cajun-spiced deep-fried turkey is a tasty twist on the classic turkey dish. The turkey is marinated with a flavorful mix of spices and then cooked to perfection. This method gives the meat a crispy skin and juicy inside.

To make this dish, you start by injecting the turkey with a marinade. Common ingredients include a blend of Cajun seasonings, garlic, and butter. After marinating, the turkey is deep-fried in hot peanut oil.

This method can create a festive and delicious meal for gatherings or holidays.

Ingredients

• 12-15 lbs turkey
• 1 1/2 cups Italian dressing
• 1 stick butter
• Cajun seasonings (to taste)
• Peanut oil (for frying)
• Garlic (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the turkey by thawing it completely if frozen.
2. Mix the marinade ingredients well.
3. Inject the marinade into the turkey in several places.
4. Heat the peanut oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil.
6. Fry the turkey for about 3-4 minutes per pound.
7. Once cooked, remove the turkey and let it rest before carving.

6) Garlic and Sage Roasted Turkey Legs

Garlic and sage roasted turkey legs are perfect for a tasty dinner. The combination of garlic and sage adds a wonderful flavor. Crispy skin and juicy meat make this a dish you’ll love.

To start, you will need to prepare your turkey legs by patting them dry. This helps the skin get crispy when cooking. Next, create a flavorful mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh sage.

Rub this mixture under the skin of each turkey leg. Then, season the outside with salt and pepper. Roast the legs in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are golden and cooked through.

Enjoy the delicious aroma as they cook. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 turkey legs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat dry the turkey legs with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped sage, and olive oil.
4. Rub the mixture under the skin of each turkey leg.
5. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
6. Place the legs on a baking tray and roast for about 45-55 minutes.

7) Honey-Balsamic Glazed Turkey

Honey-balsamic glazed turkey is a delicious choice for any special meal. The sweet and tangy glaze gives the turkey a lovely flavor that you’ll enjoy.

To make it, you’ll need balsamic vinegar, honey, and some spices. This combination creates a glossy finish and adds a rich taste to the meat.

Prepare your turkey by basting it with the honey-balsamic mixture. Make sure to do this every half hour while it cooks. This will help keep the turkey juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole turkey (size of your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over the turkey.
4. Roast the turkey in the oven, basting every 30 minutes, until fully cooked.
5. Enjoy your delicious honey-balsamic glazed turkey!

8) Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Cooking a turkey breast in a slow cooker is simple and rewarding. This method helps the meat stay juicy and flavorful. You can prepare it with minimal effort and enjoy a delicious meal.

To start, season your turkey breast with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You can place it in the slow cooker without any extra fuss.

Set the slow cooker on high for 1 hour, then switch to low for about 6-7 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

The slow cooking process allows the turkey to soak in all those tasty flavors. When it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

9) Smoked Turkey with Paprika and Garlic

Smoked turkey with paprika and garlic is a flavorful dish perfect for gatherings. The spice blend adds a lovely taste that will impress your guests.

For this recipe, you’ll coat the turkey with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic, and other seasonings. This helps the turkey stay juicy while enhancing its flavor.

Prepare your smoker and aim for a cooking temperature of about 225°F (107°C). Smoke the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Your turkey will be tender and packed with smoky goodness, making it a standout at any meal!

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
4. Place the turkey in the smoker.
5. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the smoker and rest before carving.

10) Maple-Roast Turkey with Pecans

Maple-roast turkey with pecans is a tasty twist on the classic roast. The sweet maple syrup adds a nice glaze, while the pecans give a satisfying crunch. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a memorable family dinner.

To make it, start with a well-seasoned turkey. Combine melted butter, maple syrup, and crushed pecans for the glaze. You will also want to add herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.

Roast your turkey at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The result is a golden-brown turkey that is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup crushed pecans
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, maple syrup, and crushed pecans.

3. Rub this mixture all over the turkey. Then, season with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.

5. Roast for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).

6. Let it rest before carving and serve.