Date: · Updated: Author: Sharon Rigsby
Gobble, gobble, it’s all about the turkey! This year, make one of these 32 Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for the most stress-free Thanksgiving ever.
Updated for 2023, this collection of 32 simple and delicious turkey recipes delivers all of the flavor and juiciness you would expect from a perfect Thanksgiving turkey, bite after incredible bite!
Whether you are looking for smoked, roasted, fried, or grilled turkey recipes or plan to cook a whole turkey or just a turkey breast, I have you covered. So check out these highly-rated turkey recipes from some of the country’s top bloggers and do’s and don’ts for cooking the perfect turkey.
From my Simple and Perfect Whole Roast Turkey to Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast, there is a Thanksgiving turkey recipe here you will love. I’ve also included recipes for turkey cooked in a Crock Pot, slow cooker, and Instant Pot.
All recipes include easy step-by-step directions with photos to ensure that your turkey is the star of the show this year!
Smoked Turkey with Herb and Garlic Butter – Grits and Pinecones
Smoked Turkey blanketed in a fresh herb and garlic butter rub is a wonderful choice for Thanksgiving or any occasion where your oven might be space-challenged.
If you have never smoked a whole turkey before, you will be surprised at just how easy it is and how moist and tender the result is.
Read More
Simple and Perfect Roast Turkey – Grits and Pinecones
May I introduce you to Thanksgiving’s superstar, the Simple and Perfect Roast Turkey! I’ve gone “old school” this year and back to the basics to bring you a simple and classic roast turkey recipe.
It’s the stuff of Thanksgiving dreams and probably resembles the moist and delicious turkey you remember from your childhood.
Read More
Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe (Slow-Cooker) West via Midwest
This easy juicy slow cooker turkey breast recipe has herbed butter with hints of garlic and onion. Finished in the oven to get the crispy golden skin, this recipe is perfect for those who don’t need the entire bird for their Thanksgiving celebration or those who only want the breast meat.
No Baste Holiday Cheesecloth Turkey – Spinach Tiger
My No Baste Holiday Cheesecloth Turkey is the only turkey recipe you’ll ever need. I’ve made at least 8 of these turkeys roasted with cheesecloth, and they were all perfect. Crispy skin. Moist meat.
Cajun “Fried” Turkey without the Fry – Pudge Factor
There’s a widespread view that in the South, we’ll eat anything that’s fried, and fried turkey is no exception! Although fried turkey is not necessarily confined to the South, its origins are very Southern – the heart of Cajun country in Louisiana, to be exact.
What if you could achieve a crisp and crunchy outside and moist and flavorful inside?
Brown Sugar Date Roast Turkey – Vintage Kitty
Brown Sugar Date Roast Turkey is a sweet way to serve up your next holiday dinner. Find out tricks to keep your turkey moist and flavorful and get this recipe for a sweet, gingery turkey baste.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Sauce – From A Chef’s Kitchen
Spinach and RicottaStuffed Turkey Breastwith Garlic Herb Sauce is perfect for a small-scale holiday or a nice family dinner any day of the year. Best of all, it’s easy and totally make-ahead!.
Easy Spicy Honey Glazed Turkey – Savory Spin
Looking to jazz up your turkey this Thanksgiving? Well, then this slightly spicy, slightly sweet, fully-flavor-packed, Easy Spicy Honey Glazed Turkey is for you!
Butter and Herb Roasted Turkey – Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
Is this your first time making Thanksgiving dinner? Well, rest assured, roasting a turkey like this Butter & Herb Roasted Turkey is a snap! Follow these simple tips on How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey.
Best Spatchco*ck Turkey with Apple Cider Maple Glaze – Feast and Farm
Spatchco*ck a turkey and stick ‘er in the oven. She’ll roast in half the time of a regular whole bird and be juicy if you use these easy tips. Plus, the sauce. It will take a classic baked centerpiece to a whole new level.
Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage – Adore Foods
These Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage is the perfect alternative to roasting a whole bird for Thanksgiving.
Epic Duck Fat Roasted Turkey – Bessie Bakes
Are you hosting Thanksgiving dinner and want to learn how to make a roast turkey that your guests will be swooning over? Well then, this EPIC duck fat roasted turkey recipe is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable turkey dinner!
Easy Herb Butter Instant Pot Turkey Breast – The Hungry Bluebird
Easy herb butter Instant Pot turkey breast for Thanksgiving. Bone-in turkey breast rubbed with a garlic-herb butter that cooks up juicy and moist in no time in the pressure cooker, with gravy in minutes, all in the Instant Pot. Free up the oven for everybody’s favorite part of Thanksgiving ~ the sides!
Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey – Carries Experimental Kitchen
I’m all about easy, especially when it comes to cooking meals for the holidays. This recipe for Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey is the perfect example of one of those recipes that take minutes to prepare; then let the oven do the rest of the work.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Delicious Homemade Gravy – This Old Gal
Instant Pot Turkey Breast withdelicious homemade gravy is moist and tender and cooks in under an hour in the pressure cooker. Low carb and gluten-free.
Turkey Breast Roulade – Pudge Factor
For an elegant main course for theholiday season,you should try this delicious Turkey Breast Roulade.It has everything you would want – amazing stuffing (myMushroom Wild Rice Dressing to be exact), moist and perfectly cooked turkey breast, and a saucethat’s out of this world!Because it’s in a neat roll, there’s no tricky carving. Just slice and serve!
Upside Down, Inside, Outside Turkey – Syrup and Biscuits
Use my method for Upside Down, Inside, Outside Turkey, and dry turkey will never plague you again.
Roasted Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries – Grits and Pinecones
The answer to your Thanksgiving Dinner prayers! An amazing, delicious, one-skillet turkey dinner that cooks in an hour and serves four people.
Read More
Roasted Savory & Citrus Turkey (Amaze Your Guests) – Platter Talk
Herbs and fruit go together to make Roasted Savory & Citrus Turkey from Platter Talk.The finished product is anything but ordinary. ThisCitrus Turkey has a taste and flavor that you won’t ever forget.
Grilled Turkey Breast – Julia’s Simply Southern
In this post, I am sharing how to make a brined Grilled Turkey Breast. This turkey breast is juicy, delicious, and perfect for a small Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.A turkey breast is a great option for intimate holiday meals. They don’t take up valuable oven real estate either.
Dry-Brined Fried Turkey without Oil – Grits and Pinecones
Crispy outside, juicy inside, Dry-Brined Fried Turkey without Oil, is a recipe for an easier, faster, and healthier way to deep fry a turkey in an oil-less turkey fryer. Dry brining adds flavor and moistness throughout and cajun seasoning spices things up ever so slightly for a Thanksgiving turkey recipe you will never forget!
Read More
Turkey Cutlets with Gravy and Cornbread Dressing – Grits and Pinecones
This easy Thanksgiving feast for four features tender, pan-seared turkey cutlets, topped with flavorful pan gravy and a tasty and super simple cornbread dressing. It is the perfect meal for a smaller gathering, and best of all, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Read More
Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving – Blackberry Babe
Having a smaller crowd for Thanksgiving dinner this year? Smoke a juicy turkey breast on the smoker! Made with a homemade dry rub and ready in about 2 hours.
Cheesecloth Herb Butter Turkey Recipe – Noshing with the Nolands
It makes a showstopper of a presentation, and you will get rave reviews. The turkey recipe does require basting every 30 minutes, but that gets the best golden brown skin ever and trust me, the best-tasting gravy ever too.
Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast – Moore or Less Cooking
Perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond, this Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast recipe will become your new favorite way to roast yourholiday dinner entrée. It’s an easy and hands-off way to cook a smaller turkey to juiciness that’s infused with outrageous flavor.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast – Quiche my Grits
Dutch Oven Turkey Breastis the perfect alternative to roasting a whole turkey during the holidays. It’s moist, tender, andloaded with flavorfrom the dry rub brine, fresh herbs, and juicy lemons!
Instant Pot Sous Vide Turkey Breast – Paint the Kitchen Red
Free up your oven at Thanksgiving and use your Instant Pot to make perfectly cooked and super tender turkey breast! Make asous vide turkey breastat Thanksgiving or any occasion with little to no fuss. This Instant Pot turkey breast recipe gives consistent results and is foolproof!
Dry-Brined Spatchco*ck Turkey with Herb Butter – Maple and Mango
Looking for a delicious roast turkey recipe? Then you will love thisspatchco*ck turkey with herb butter! Crispy skin, juicy, flavorful meat, and it only takes 90 minutes to cook! Learn how easy it is to spatchco*ck and dry brine your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey Breast – The Feathered Nester
This buttermilk-brined turkey breastis perfect for Thanksgiving or any family dinner! Although the breast is arguably the best part, it has a bland flavor, so making a zesty buttermilk turkey brine adds a much-needed flavor boost. Get our tips for a tender, juicy poultry dinner everyone raves about!
Instant Pot Turkey Breast – 4 Sons R Us
Quick and easy Instant Pot turkey breast lets you enjoy the classic holiday entree without fussing with a whole bird.
Ready in just 40 minutes, the result’s a golden roasted, freshly seasoned, and flavorful dish worthy of being the star of your holiday meal! Perfect for smaller holiday gatherings or to make as a second entree for larger crowds.
Rosemary, Molasses and Apple Cider Turkey with Gluten Free Turkey Gravy –
Each year, I make my family a flavorful, juicy Thanksgiving turkey. The first time I cooked a turkey, I decided to make my delicious glaze—a Rosemary, Molasses, and Apple Cider Brine, you could call it. I’ve done the same thing each year because it was so good. And it’s totally gluten-free!
Roasted Turkey Porchetta – Sift and Simmer
This Roasted Turkey Porchetta is a simple yet sophisticated turkey breast rolled with fresh chopped herbs, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Well, what do you think? How do you usually cook your turkey? Do you typically roast a whole turkey for a crowd or cook a turkey breast for a few?
I know all of these recipes look delicious. Now, the hardest part will be figuring out which one to make!
Recipe FAQs:
How do you ensure your turkey is juicy and not dry?
Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution to enhance its moisture retention and flavor. You can add other seasonings and aromatics to the brine for extra flavor. Brine the turkey for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure you cook the turkey to the correct internal temperature without overcooking.
Trussing the turkey (tying the legs together and securing the wings) can help the bird cook more evenly, preventing overcooking in certain areas.
Basting the turkey with melted butter or oil during roasting can add moisture and flavor.
What’s the best way to season a turkey?
Season Inside the Cavity: Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the turkey cavity. Add fresh herbs, garlic cloves, onion wedges, and lemon or orange slices.
Season the Skin: Gently lift the turkey’s skin over the breast and thighs without tearing it. Season the meat underneath with salt, pepper, and herbs. You can also place thin slices of butter or herb butter slices under the skin.
Season the Exterior: Rub the outside of the turkey with oil or melted butter. This helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. Then, generously season the skin with salt, pepper, and additional herbs.
What are some traditional Thanksgiving side dishes to serve with the turkey?
These are the common side dishes in the South, but there are countless regional and family variations.
Mashed Potatoes
Gravy
Dressing
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Pie and Pecan Pie
Cornbread
Need even more Thanksgiving menu ideas? Check out these collections of recipes:
- 42 Best Desserts for Thanksgiving – 2023
- 50 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts – 2023
- 37 Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Impress – 2023
- 27 Easy Savory Dressing and Stuffing Recipes for 2023
And, because Christmas isn’t far behind, I thought you might be interested in these Christmas recipe collections:
- 38 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes 2023
- 30 Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts 2023
- 30+ Easy And Elegant Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Recipes
- 48 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers 2024
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐If you make any of these turkey recipes, please leave a comment and give give i a star rating. We would love to know how you liked it!
Thank you for visiting Grits and Pinecones, I hope you come back soon!
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Best Southern Fried Corn with Bacon Recipe
- Easy Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Gingerbread Ice Cream Recipe (No Churn)
- Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole Recipe with Leftover Turkey
Reader Interactions
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
