![Smoked Turkey Breast](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/EQ4nAh1aigU7uHlDg2dWmnXYgYM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Smoked_Turkey_Breast_001-2000-c0a573f960c3466e85e16bfc356285bb.jpg)
The turkey breast is one the most coveted parts of the bird at Thanksgiving, and for good reason: it's incredibly juicy and no bone gets in the way. It's even better when dripping in gravy and with a delicately crispy skin. If you're cooking for a small party this year—or want to forgo doing a whole bird—consider cooking turkey breast for Thanksgiving.
Just because you aren't roasting an entire turkey doesn't mean you have no options. Cooking a turkey breast for Thanksgiving can be as easy as dumping one into your slow cooker and forgetting about it while you tend to the pies. Or, you can put in a little extra effort (but not too much) and use the smoker. Whatever you choose, here are our best Thanksgiving turkey breast recipes.
Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
![Southern Living Dutch Oven Turkey Breast and Vegetables on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/kSga8OGBusKCMAxfyYwILn0e0G4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27577_Hosp_Turkey_209_preview_scale_100_ppi_150_quality_100-442e20e66d974259a01ef63d5182d56b.jpg)
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Cooking a turkey breast in a Dutch oven is a genius way to save oven space and get a juicy, moist turkey. Plus, this recipe makes a side of roasted vegetables at the same time.
Boudin-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Lemon-Garlic Butter
![Boudin-Stuffed Turkey Breast With Lemon-Garlic Butter](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/zAogJk8e31nCPd3QhYujKxfewRI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/27253_KBeltonTurkeyRoll-186_4x3-b8f0a05ccfd44d77b69347a6b19c29ca.jpg)
A boneless turkey breast, stuffed with boudin (a cooked sausage made from pork, rice, various vegetables, and typically Creole seasonings) is a special option for a Thanksgiving or holiday meal. Make your own boudin, or use your favorite store-bought option.
Roasted Turkey Breast
![roasted turkey breast - southern living](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/13oAPmgEoKCWkWxONEFKgpCIqZM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Roasted-Turkey-Breast-130-step5-beauty-4x3-49e93367fca3427c9580e53403cdfa89.jpg)
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Proof that simple is almost always perfect. This roasted turkey breast uses a butter rub filled with herbs and spices to season the skin and infuse the meat with loads of flavor.
Smoked Turkey Breast
![Smoked Turkey Breast](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/EQ4nAh1aigU7uHlDg2dWmnXYgYM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Smoked_Turkey_Breast_001-2000-c0a573f960c3466e85e16bfc356285bb.jpg)
A sweet apple cider brine packed with thyme, rosemary, and sage will give your turkey a beautiful, delicate flavor when it exits the smoker.
Turkey With Shallot-Mustard Sauce And Roasted Potatoes
![Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/to8HVJK5mkJJ37b52Ccq-Oh51NA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/turkey_with_shallot-mustard_sauce_2548401_slowc_180_0_0_0_0-bc41b84b4e804d97afddd8b9de86d2eb-29c9158007094f03be9b4544b4b726a4.jpg)
Instead of roasting a chicken, roast a turkey and get loads more meat. Unlike whole turkeys, turkey breasts are readily available year-round, and they make great dinner options, especially when you have a crowd to feed. This mustard-shallot sauce is a great alternative to turkey gravy.