22 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes For Every Type Of Gathering

By

Kimberly Holland

Updated on July 19, 2024

Spice-Rubbed Turkey - Southern Living — Photo:
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

Thanksgiving dinners are unique to each family and type of gathering, and the Thanksgiving turkey recipe you choose should be just as special. From a classic roasted turkey to a spicy-sweet smoked turkey breast, this collection of turkey recipes has a bird for every feast.

If you're serving a smaller group, consider a turkey breast recipe. Planning to make two birds because your holiday guest list is so big? Why not make a deep-fried turkey and a butter-basted turkey? And if you're keeping things intimate with just one or two other people, turkey tenderloins are the way to go. All the different styles, rubs, brines, and cooking techniques mean there's a turkey recipe for everyone.

Find the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe for your gathering, and you'll be making it year after year.

01 of 21

Simple Roasted Turkey

Southern Living Simple Roasted Turkey on a platter to serve — Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

If you're looking for a classic roasted Thanksgiving turkey, this is the recipe for you. Simple seasoning and a foolproof technique equal a perfect bird.

02 of 21

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A turkey breast is a smart choice for a smaller gathering—or for one where people only like white meat. Smoking the meat helps it retain its moisture and juicy texture while adding loads of flavor from the smoking process.

03 of 21

Spatchcock Turkey

Southern Living - spatchcock turkey — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We'll be the first to admit that spatchcocking a turkey isn't the easiest method—you have to cut out the backbone and flatten the turkey—but it's absolutely worth it in every way. The turkey roasts faster, the meat cooks more evenly (no extra-dry breast while you wait on the legs to come to temp), and it's easier to brine. Once you spatchcock, you'll never go back.

04 of 21

Smoked Turkey With Herb Rub

Herb-Rubbed Smoked Turkey — GREG DUPREE; PROP STYLING: KAY E. CLARKE; FOOD STYLING: TORIE COX

Some people roast. Some people fry. And some people smoke their turkeys—they'll tell you it's the only way. We might agree after one bite of this incredible bird.

05 of 21

Roasted Turkey Breast

roasted turkey breast - southern living — Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

You can have the traditional roast turkey experience but with a smaller turkey breast. Perfect for a gathering of just four to six people, a turkey breast cooks faster and results in juicy, tender white meat.

06 of 21

Roasted Herb Turkey And Gravy

50 Best Thanksgiving Roasted Herb Turkey and Gravy — Greg Dupree

An herb-infused butter adds incredible flavor to the turkey as it roasts. This is a classic Thanksgiving turkey if there ever was one.

07 of 21

Buttermilk-Brined Turkey

Buttermilk-Brined Turkey - Southern Living — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Brining a whole turkey in buttermilk and spices tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor and tang. Much like fried chicken, a buttermilk-brined turkey is extra juicy and delicious.

08 of 21

Spice-Rubbed Turkey Tenderloin

spice-rubbed turkey tenderloin - Southern Living — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

The perfect Thanksgiving turkey choice for two people, turkey tenderloins are boneless, skinless pieces of poultry that cook like chicken breasts. Use the pan drippings for the gravy, a Thanksgiving must.

09 of 21

Sweet-and-Spicy Roast Turkey

Sweet-and-Spicy Roast Turkey — Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch; Food Stylist: Cat Steele

Honey and hot sauce—that's the essence of this sweet-and-spicy turkey. If you've mastered roasting the turkey, now it's time to find your favorite flavorings. This will be a serious contender.

10 of 21

Roasted Turkey Legs

Roasted Turkey Legs - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Turkey legs can be a great weeknight dinner, but they're also wonderful for Thanksgiving if you want to mix up your poultry choices. Roasted on a bed of lemons and vegetables, the drumsticks boast incredible flavor and come out extra juicy.

11 of 21

Spice-Rubbed Turkey

Spice-Rubbed Turkey - Southern Living — ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS; FOOD STYLING: EMILY NABORS HALL

This spice-rich dry brine draws out the turkey's natural moisture so the meat will be moist and juicy—and the skin crispy and crackly.

12 of 21

Boudin-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Lemon-Garlic Butter

Boudin-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Lemon-Garlic Butter — Photographer: James Ransom; Food Stylist; Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

New Orleans chef Kevin Belton shares a small-scale turkey meal inspired by his mother's epic holiday feasts.

13 of 21

Butter-Basted Turkey

Butter-Basted Turkey — FOOD STYLING: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY

Basting is a time-consuming task, so if you're going to do it, make sure it's worth it and use flavorful butter. A cheesecloth helps adhere the butter mixture to the outside of the turkey, resulting in crisp and delicious skin.

14 of 21

Smoked Turkey Legs

Southern Living Smoked Turkey Legs on a platter to serve, garnished with fresh herbs — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

If you have big aspirations for a smoked turkey but won't have the crew to eat it, why not make these bourbon-glazed smoked turkey legs instead? Fans of dark meat will make this Thanksgiving main disappear in minutes.

15 of 21

Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

Southern Living Dutch Oven Turkey Breast and Vegetables on a platter to serve — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Roast the turkey and the vegetables in a one-pot turkey dinner that makes Thanksgiving's meal a breeze. Focus on the remaining sides and the pies while this turkey cooks.

16 of 21

Easiest Dry-Brined Turkey

Southern Living Easiest Dry-Brined Turkey on a platter to serve, garnished with fresh herbs — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A dry brine is a great way to impart plenty of flavor and ensure you get crispy skin and juicy meat. It's also the best choice if you don't have space to refrigerate a huge bucket of turkey and wet brine. Season the turkey, then let it sit, uncovered, in the fridge for a day or two for the best results.

17 of 21

Cajun Smoked Turkey

Cajun Smoked Turkey — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Most Thanksgiving turkey recipes are filled with warming herbs and spices like sage and rosemary, but you can mix things up with this Cajun-inspired bird.

18 of 21

Sweet Tea-Brined Smoked Turkey

Johnâs Sweet Tea-Brined Smoked Turkey — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

A wet brine with black tea, citrus, herbs, and sorghum infuses the turkey with flavor. The turkey rub adds a hint of sweetness thanks to brown sugar and a touch of heat from the chili powder, cayenne, and paprika. Lastly, a mopping sauce—made from ketchup, sorghum, and apple cider vinegar—doubles as a barbecue sauce for serving.

19 of 21

Spatchcocked Smoked Turkey

Spatchcock Smoked Turkey — Photographer: Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners

You don't need an expensive smoker for this smoked turkey recipe. We developed the turkey with a regular charcoal grill in mind.

20 of 21

Herb-Brined Turkey

Herb-Brined Turkey — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Even a simple turkey can hold its own alongside the full array of Thanksgiving side dishes when it's exceptionally juicy and flavorful. And this recipe will get you that type of turkey.

21 of 21

Turkey Breast and Herb-Cornbread Stuffing

Turkey Breast and Herb-Cornbread Stuffing — Photo: Oxmoor House

Use your slow cooker to make the Thanksgiving Day essentials: the turkey and the dressing.

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