10 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

Thanksgiving turkey is the quintessential main dish at the centre of Thanksgiving dinner — a dinner that we literally spend days preparing for. So it has to be epic. Whether it’s your first time cooking turkey or you are just looking for a new recipe to try, if you are wondering “how to cook a turkey” this year, then you are in the right place. We are sharing over 10 of the best Thanksgiving turkey recipes including traditional whole roast turkey to feed a crowd, turkey breast recipes for an small intimate holiday dinner, and turkey thighs and drumstick recipes because there are so many ways to serve turkey that go beyond the whole bird. Plus, all the delicious leftover turkey recipes.

Whole Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving

Best and Juiciest Roast Turkey

The best and juiciest roast turkey cooks faster that traditional methods and requires no brining. It's so tender and juicy every time. And use the giblets and drippings to make delicious homemade turkey gravy.

Asian Five-Spice Roast Turkey

Asian five-spice roast turkey is tender and juicy, marinated with a delicious flavourful Asian rub and has a crispy brown skin. The perfect holiday dinner.

Instant Pot Whole Turkey

Instant pot whole turkey is a tender, juicy, and delicious holiday main. Ready in under 2 hours, it's the fastest and easiest way to cook a whole turkey!

Thanksgiving Turkey Breast Recipes

Easy Juicy Roasted Turkey Breast

Easy juicy roasted turkey breast is the perfect holiday dinner, minus the headache…tender meat, crispy skin, and a layer of roasted onions. Serve it with easy 2-ingredient gravy made with the drippings.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Instant pot turkey breast is the most tender and juicy turkey you’ll ever try. It's so easy to make in the pressure cooker and requires little prep.

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Soft, tender and juicy slow cooker turkey breast with the crispiest skin and fresh fall herbs is the easiest way to cook a turkey this holiday season. Serve it with make ahead cranberry sauce.

Instant Pot Turkey Roast

Instant pot turkey roast with homemade gravy is easy to prepare in minutes, the fastest way to cook turkey, and delivers flavorful, juicy, tender turkey.

Soy Glazed Braised Turkey Breast with Five-Spice

Soy glazed braised turkey breast with Asian five-spice is moist, tender, succulent and the juiciest turkey ever with browned and crispy skin. So flavourful. Serve it with delicious cornbread stuffing.

Asian Sesame Soy Turkey Roast

Tender juicy Asian sesame soy turkey roast is a creative take on a holiday classic, packed with sweet, salty, and savoury umami flavours in every bite.

Thanksgiving Turkey Thighs and Drumsticks

Instant Pot Turkey Thighs

Instant pot turkey thighs are tender, juicy, and delicious. Perfect for a small holiday dinner or weeknight dinner with little effort and 10 minutes prep.

Roasted Turkey Legs with Vegetables

Tender, succulent and flavourful, easy roasted turkey legs with crispy skin and vegetables is a complete wholesome turkey dinner and family favourite. It's perfect over a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

Turkey Gravy Recipes

Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy

Thanksgiving is not the same without thick and delicious, classic homemade turkey gravy made using leftover drippings and homemade turkey stock. There is seriously no need for powdered gravy if you are already making a roast turkey dinner!

Easy 2-Ingredient Turkey Gravy

This silky smooth and delicious, easy 2-ingredient turkey gravy takes less than 10 minutes to prepare using turkey drippings and no turkey stock.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Turkey Tetrazzini with Spinach

Creamy leftover turkey tetrazzini with spinach is a simple, easy and delicious pasta recipe that is comforting, creamy and cheesy. It's a family favourite.

Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Creamy turkey gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, rich, and delicious, made with good carbs, clean protein, and veggies in 25 minutes.

Leftover Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Leftover turkey stuffed peppers are a nutritious, wholesome and healthy dinner that you can throw together easily and quickly. A total crowd-pleaser and delicious Thanksgiving leftover recipe.

Creamy Turkey Orzo Soup

Warm and cozy, creamy turkey orzo soup is wholesome, hearty, filling, and flavourful. Make this delicious one pot meal with leftover turkey in 30 minutes. One of my favorite ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers.

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Leftover turkey fried rice with turkey, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings is a one skillet meal made in just 10 minutes.

Buffalo Turkey Wraps

Quick easy buffalo turkey wraps with homemade buffalo sauce are flavorful, spicy, and delicious. A healthy lunch that will keep you full until dinner.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Wholesome hearty one pot leftover turkey wild rice soup is the most comforting way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving turkey dinner. So easy to make.

Turkey Potato Chowder

Leftover turkey potato chowder is a creamy, savory, and delicious soup that is loaded with holiday leftovers. Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes.

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce

Looking for comfort food in a hand-held serving? You got it! Put those leftovers to good use in this leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce.

More Thanksgiving Recipes

• 50 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
• 30 Best Thanksgiving Appetizers
• 25 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
• 20 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes
• 15 Thanksgiving Bread Recipes
• 25 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Did You Make Any of These Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of these Thanksgiving turkey recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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