5 Turkey Breast Recipes Your Guests Will Gobble Up

This year, skip roasting a whole turkey, and go for these easy turkey breast recipes instead.

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

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.

01 of 05

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

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.

02 of 05

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

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.

03 of 05

Roasted Turkey Breast

roasted turkey breast - southern living

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.

04 of 05

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A sweet apple cider brine packed with thyme, rosemary, and sage will give your turkey a beautiful, delicate flavor when it exits the smoker.

05 of 05

Turkey With Shallot-Mustard Sauce And Roasted Potatoes

Turkey with Shallot-Mustard Sauce and Roasted Potatoes

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.

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