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    Home » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    42 Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for a Stress-Free Feast

    Modified: Nov 1, 2024 · Published: Oct 14, 2023 by Sharon Rigsby · Leave a Comment

    Pinterest pin showing three whole cooked turkeys and one turkey breast.

    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.

    Four pictures of cooked turkeys in a collage, a whole turkey roasted, stuffed, spatchcocked, and cut up.

    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 on a platter with candles behind it.

    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.

    Smoked Turkey

    Simple and Perfect Roast Turkey – Grits and Pinecones

    Thanksgiving Simple and Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe

    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.

    Roast Turkey

    No Baste Holiday Cheesecloth Turkey – Spinach Tiger

    Large roasted turkey on a platter garnished with sage leaves.

    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.

    Holiday Turkey

    Dry-Brined Fried Turkey without Oil – Grits and Pinecones

    Dry Brined Fried Turkey without Oil garnished with lemon slices and rosemary

    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 Fried Turkey

    Dry-Brined Spatchcock Turkey with Herb Butter – Maple and Mango

    A dry brined spatchcock turkey on a platter garnished with orange slices.

    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!

    Spatchcock Turkey

    Cajun “Fried” Turkey without the Fry – Pudge Factor

    Cajun Fried Turkey on a cutting board ready to carve.

    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.

    Cajun Fried Turkey

    Brown Sugar Date Roast Turkey – Vintage Kitty

    Brown Sugar Date Roast Turkey cut up on a white serving platter garnished with herbs.

    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.

    Brown Sugar Date Turkey

    Easy Spicy Honey Glazed Turkey – Savory Spin

    A baking sheet covered with a brown paper bag holding a large honey glazed cooked turkey.

    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!

    Honey Glazed Turkey

    Butter and Herb Roasted Turkey – Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen

    Butter and herb roasted turkey in a baking pan just out of the oven.

    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.

    Butter and Herb Roasted Turkey

    Best Spatchcock Turkey with Apple Cider Maple Glaze – Feast and Farm

    A cooked spatchcock turkey garnished with sage and cranberries.

    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.

    Spatchcock Turkey

    Epic Duck Fat Roasted Turkey – Bessie Bakes

    A whole roasted turkey on a platter garnished with sage leaves.

    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!

    Roasted Turkey

    Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey – Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen

    Maple Bacon Roasted Turkey cut into serving slices and pieces on w white plate.

    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.

    Roasted Turkey

    Rosemary, Molasses and Apple Cider Turkey with Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy – Arts and Crackers

    Aa roasted turkey on a white platter with a bowl of cranberry sauce.

    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!

    Apple Cider Turkey

    Upside Down Inside Out Turkey – Syrup & Biscuits

    A large platter full of turkey pieces as well as sliced turkey.

    Use my method for Upside Down, Inside Out Turkey; dry turkey will never plague you again.

    Upside Down Turkey

    Roasted Savory & Citrus Turkey (Amaze Your Guests) – Platter Talk

    Roasted turkey with citrus and herb garnishes.

    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.

    Citrus Turkey

    Cheesecloth Herb Butter Turkey Recipe – Noshing with the Nolands

    Roasted turkey on a bed of greens.

    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.

    Cheesecloth Herb Butter Turkey

    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

    Stuffed turkey breast with slices cut showing the spinach and ricotta stuffing.

    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!

    Stuffed Turkey Breast

    Roasted Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries – Grits and Pinecones

    Roasted turkey breast with sweet potatoes and cranberries in a skillet.

    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.

    Skillet Roasted Turkey Breast

    Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage – Adore Foods

    Roasted turkey thighs stuffed with cranberries and sausage.

    These Roasted Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Dried Cranberries, Mushrooms, and Sausage are the perfect alternative to roasting a whole bird for Thanksgiving.

    Roasted Turkey Thighs

    Turkey Breast Roulade – Pudge Factor

    Turkey roulade cut into slices on wooden cutting board.

    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! 

    Turkey Breast Roulade

    Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving – Blackberry Babe

    Smoked turkey breast garnished with apples.

    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.

    Smoked Turkey Breast

    Easy Herb Butter Instant Pot Turkey Breast – The Hungry Bluebird

    A sliced turkey breast on a platter.

    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

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Delicious Homemade Gravy – This Old Gal

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast topped with gravy.

    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.

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    Turkey Cutlets with Gravy and Cornbread Dressing (30 Minutes) – Grits and Pinecones

    Turkey cutlets topped with gravy and a serving of cornbread dressing on a plate.

    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.

    Turkey Cutlets Recipe

    Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast – Moore or Less Cooking

    Sliced turkey breast on a plate with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

    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.

    Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

    Dutch Oven Turkey Breast – Quiche my Grits

    A cooked turkey breast in a Dutch Oven, garnished with sprigs of rosemary.

    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!

    Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

    Instant Pot Sous Vide Turkey Breast – Paint the Kitchen Red

    A sliced turkey cooked turkey breast on a plate.

    Free up your oven at Thanksgiving and use your Instant Pot to make perfectly cooked and super tender turkey breast!

    Sous Vide Turkey Breast

    Grilled Turkey Breast – Julia’s Simply Southern

    Sliced turkey breast on a plate with flowers.

    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. 

    Grilled Turkey Breast

    Juicy Turkey Breast Recipe (Slow-Cooker) – West via Midwest

    Sliced turkey breast with cranberry relish on the side.

    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.

    Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

    Buttermilk Brined Turkey Breast – The Feathered Nester

    Buttermilk brined cooked turkey breast on a white platter.

    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.

    Buttermilk Brined Turkey Breast

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast – 4 Sons R Us

    A turkey breast cooked in an Instant Pot with a bowl of gravy.

    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!

    Instant Pot Turkey Breast

    Roasted Turkey Porchetta – Sift and Simmer

    A stuffed turkey breast with sprigs of herbs garnishing it on a platter.

    This Roasted Turkey Porchetta is a simple yet sophisticated turkey breast rolled with fresh chopped herbs, perfect for Thanksgiving.

    Roasted Turkey Porchetta

    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

    A bowl of turkey chili topped with avocado, cheese and sour cream.

    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!

    Leftover Turkey Chili

    Creamy Turkey Noodle Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    Turkey noodle casserole in a baking dish topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley.

    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.

    Turkey Noodle Casserole

    Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas – Grits and Pinecones

    Turkey Enchiladas in a white baking dish.

    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.

    Turkey Enchiladas

    Easy Turkey Egg Rolls – Grits and Pinecones

    Easy Leftover Turkey Egg Rolls with Leftover Cranberry Sauce

    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.

    Turkey Egg Rolls

    Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew – From A Chef’s Kitchen

    Southwestern Turkey Stew in a bowl topped with sour cream.

    Slow Cooker Southwestern Turkey Stew is hearty, flavorful, easy and healthy.  You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand!

    Turkey Stew

    Diner Style Turkey Croquettes – Ask Chef Dennis

    Turkey croquettes on a plate.

    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.

    Turkey Croquettes

    Leftover Turkey Panini – It’s a Keeper

    A stacked turkey panini on a cutting board.

    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 Panini

    Turkey and Cheese Puff Pastry – Giangi’s Kitchen

    Turkey and cheese encased in golden brown puff pastry.

    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 Cheese Puff Pastry

    Turkey Barley Soup – Beyond the Chicken Coop

    Turkey Barley Soup in a white bowl with a spoon.

    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.

    Turkey Barley Soup

    Leftover Turkey Stuffing Balls – Souffle Bombay

    Three turkey stuffing balls with gravy in a white bowl.

    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!

    Turkey Stuffing Balls

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you avoid a dry turkey?

    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.

    What’s the best way to season a Thanksgiving turkey?

    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.

    How long should I cook a Thanksgiving turkey?

    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

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    • A collage of 4 Thanksgiving side dishes including mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole.
      38 Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes – 2024
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      27 Thanksgiving Dressing and Stuffing Recipes for 2024

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      40 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes 2024
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    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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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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