Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this collection of 42 Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes, updated for 2024, will save the day.
Let’s be honest —Thanksgiving is all about the turkey! But that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. You’ll find juicy, flavorful options for cooking a whole turkey or a turkey breast that’ll impress your guests without leaving you stuck in the kitchen all day.
This comprehensive recipe collection also includes a bonus section with 10 unique recipes for your leftover turkey, plus links to my Thanksgiving side dish recipes, Thanksgiving dressing and stuffing recipes, Traditional Thanksgiving dessert recipes, and Non-Traditional Thanksgiving dessert recipes.
So, if you’re ready for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal that everyone will rave about, dive into this collection of easy, no-fail turkey recipes. Your perfect Thanksgiving feast is just a few quick and easy recipes away!
Jump to:
- What’s the easiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
- Smoked, Roasted, and Fried: 16 Whole Turkey Recipes for Every Cooking Style
- 16 Easy Turkey Breast and Thigh Recipes for a Small Thanksgiving Dinner
- How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey
- 10 Delicious Recipes For Leftover Turkey
- Recipe FAQs
- Serving suggestions and menu ideas to go with your Thanksgiving turkey
- Christmas recipe collections
What’s the easiest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
One of the easiest ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey is to roast it in the oven using simple seasonings. This results in a juicy, tender turkey with minimal effort.
Smoked, Roasted, and Fried: 16 Whole Turkey Recipes for Every Cooking Style
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.
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” and back to the basics to bring you a classic roast turkey recipe. It’s the stuff of Thanksgiving dreams.
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.
Dry-Brined Fried Turkey without Oil – Grits and Pinecones
Crispy outside and juicy inside, this Dry-Brined Fried Turkey recipe without Oil is an easier, faster, and healthier way to deep fry a turkey in an oil-less turkey fryer. Dry brining adds flavor and moistness for a Thanksgiving turkey recipe you will never forget!
Dry-Brined Spatchcock Turkey with Herb Butter – Maple and Mango
Looking for a delicious roast turkey recipe? Then you will love this spatchcock turkey with herb butter! Crispy skin, juicy, flavorful meat and it only takes 90 minutes to cook!
Cajun “Fried” Turkey without the Fry – Pudge Factor
There’s a widespread view that in the South, we’ll eat anything fried; 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.
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.
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? Rest assured, roasting a turkey like this Butter and Herb-Roasted Turkey is a snap! Follow these simple tips on how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey.
Best Spatchcock Turkey with Apple Cider Maple Glaze – Feast and Farm
Spatchcock 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.
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!
Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey – Carrie’s 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 recipe that takes minutes to prepare, then let the oven do the rest of the work.
Rosemary, Molasses and Apple Cider Turkey with Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy – Arts and Crackers
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, and it’s totally gluten-free!
Upside Down Inside Out Turkey – Syrup & Biscuits
Use my method for Upside Down, Inside Out Turkey; dry turkey will never plague you again.
Roasted Savory & Citrus Turkey (Amaze Your Guests) – Platter Talk
Herbs and fruit combine to make Roasted Savory & Citrus Turkey from Platter Talk.The finished product is anything but ordinary. This Citrus Turkey has a taste and flavor that you won’t ever forget.
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.
16 Easy Turkey Breast and Thigh Recipes for a Small Thanksgiving Dinner
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Sauce – From A Chef’s Kitchen
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Sauce is perfect for a small-scale holiday or family dinner any day of the year. Best of all, it’s easy and totally make-ahead!
Roasted Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries – Grits and Pinecones
The answer to your small Thanksgiving dinner prayers! An amazing, delicious, one-skillet turkey dinner that cooks in an hour and serves four people. It’s amazing.
Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage – Adore Foods
These Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage are the perfect alternative to roasting a whole bird for Thanksgiving.
Turkey Breast Roulade – Pudge Factor
For an elegant main course for the holiday season, you should try this delicious Turkey Breast Roulade. It has everything you would want – amazing stuffing, moist and perfectly cooked turkey breast, and a sauce that’s out of this world!
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.
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 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.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Delicious Homemade Gravy – This Old Gal
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with delicious homemade gravy is moist and tender and cooks in under an hour in the pressure cooker. It is also low-carb and gluten-free.
Turkey Cutlets with Gravy and Cornbread Dressing (30 Minutes) – Grits and Pinecones
This easy Thanksgiving feast for four features tender, pan-seared turkey cutlets topped with flavorful pan gravy and a tasty, super-simple cornbread dressing. It is the perfect meal for a smaller gathering and only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast – Moore or Less Cooking
Perfect for Thanksgiving this Slow Cooker Bone-In Turkey Breast recipe will become your new favorite way to roast your holiday dinner entrée. It’s an easy and hands-off way to cook a smaller turkey.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast – Quiche my Grits
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to roasting a whole turkey for Thanksgiving. It’s moist, tender, and flavorful from 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!
Grilled Turkey Breast – Julia’s Simply Southern
This juicy, delicious turkey breast is perfect for a small Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Turkey breasts are also a great option for intimate holiday meals, as they don’t take up valuable oven space.
Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe (Slow-Cooker) – West via Midwest
This easy, juicy, slow-cooker turkey breast recipe uses herbed butter with hints of garlic and onion. It is finished in the oven to achieve a crispy golden skin. This recipe is perfect for those who don’t need a whole turkey for their Thanksgiving celebration or those who only want the breast meat.
Buttermilk Brined Turkey Breast – The Feathered Nester
This buttermilk-brined turkey breast is 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.
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!
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.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey
According to the USDA, after dinner, be sure to carve the remaining turkey off the bone and put it in the fridge immediately. For safety, ensure it’s refrigerated within 2 hours of coming out of the oven.
Use the leftovers within 4 days or freeze them for later. While your frozen turkey is technically safe to eat indefinitely, it’s best enjoyed within 4 months for the best flavor.
The best way to reheat leftover turkey is to preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the turkey in a baking dish with a bit of broth or gravy to keep it moist, then cover it with foil. Heat it for about 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave turkey slices. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat them in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
10 Delicious Recipes For Leftover Turkey
Best Turkey Chili Using Leftover Turkey – Grits and Pinecones
This quick and easy recipe is a hearty meal packed with lean turkey, vegetables, and black beans. It is one of my go-to recipes in the fall and winter, and I predict it will quickly become one of yours, too. The whole family will love it!
Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
If you are like me, Thanksgiving is as much about the leftovers as it is about the meal itself. This creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole recipe will make you wish you had leftover turkey all year.
Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas – Grits and Pinecones
Are you wondering what to do with all of your Thanksgiving leftovers? Well, you could freeze them, but if you still have a house full of company and a plate full of leftover turkey, check out this delicious and easy leftover turkey enchiladas recipe.
Easy Turkey Egg Rolls – Grits and Pinecones
Are you looking for a delicious way to use that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Say hello to our Easy Turkey Egg Rolls with a delightful cranberry dipping sauce.
Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew – From A Chef’s Kitchen
Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew is hearty, flavorful, easy and healthy. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand!
Diner Style Turkey Croquettes – Ask Chef Dennis
Turkey Croquettes are a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. They freeze well, too, so you’ve got more ready to heat up for dinner on those days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Leftover Turkey Panini – It’s a Keeper
Leftover Turkey Panini is packed with layers of juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and melted cheese. This panini sandwich will revolutionize the way you enjoy those Thanksgiving leftovers.
Turkey and Cheese Puff Pastry – Giangi’s Kitchen
I had some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and wanted to prepare something other than a sandwich or pasta with it. As I stood with the refrigerator and freezer doors open, I created my next dinner. It was ready in less than 10 minutes.
Turkey Barley Soup – Beyond the Chicken Coop
A delicious way to use up any leftover turkey is with this Turkey Barley Soup. Easy to make and full of hearty barley, carrots, and turkey.
Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – Souffle Bombay
I’m very excited to share these Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls with you! They’re everything you love about Thanksgiving in one bite—except for the dessert, which you can have after you devour these if you have room, lol!
Recipe FAQs
1. Use either a dry brine or wet brine 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.
2. Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure you cook the turkey to the correct internal temperature without overcooking.
3. Trussing the turkey (tying the legs together and securing the wings) can help the bird cook more evenly, preventing overcooking in certain areas.
4. Basting the turkey with melted butter or oil during roasting can add moisture and flavor.
1. Season inside the cavity: Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the turkey cavity. Add fresh herbs, garlic cloves, onion wedges, and lemon or orange slices.
2. 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.
3. 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.
It depends on several variables, but a general rule of thumb for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey is to roast it at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound. For a turkey that weighs 12 to 14 pounds, this usually means cooking for 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the turkey (usually the thigh), it’s ready!
Serving suggestions and menu ideas to go with your Thanksgiving turkey
Christmas recipe collections
I hope this collection of Thanksgiving turkey recipes helps make your holiday meal both delicious and stress-free! Thank you so much for visiting my blog and being a part of this journey with me.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with joy, gratitude, and wonderful food. Happy Thanksgiving!
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