These unique turkey recipes are just perfect for Thanksgiving dinner! It’s the center of the holiday feast, so it’s important to have something delicious, whether you prefer something traditional, or something a little different. This list of Thanksgiving turkey ideas are all easy, juicy, flavorful, and beautiful. So say goodbye to the same old turkey, and make these recipes instead!
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Find Different Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner centers around the turkey, so it’s important to find the perfect recipe for your feast. You want it to be easy to make, but still taste super delicious. It should be juicy, savory, and full of flavor. Luckily, there’s no shortage of unique recipes for different types of turkeys!
I’ve gathered some of my best Thanksgiving turkey recipes to help you along. Whether you want to cook a whole turkey or just a turkey breast, you can find the recipe you need. You can go the traditional route by roasting or deep frying it, or you can make something using your Air Fryer, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker. There’s really something for everyone here.
Whichever turkey recipe you choose, it’s sure to be something that will impress all of your holiday guests. So pick your favorite turkey idea, get cookin’, and surround it with all of the best Thanksgiving dishes.
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Make a Traditional Roast Turkey
Let’s start with a classic, simple recipe. If you want a beautiful, roasted whole turkey to serve up at Thanksgiving dinner, then this is the way to go. This recipe is so easy, it’s foolproof!
Get the Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Deep Fry Your Turkey
Whether you want to cook a whole turkey or a turkey breast for your Thanksgiving feast, you can fry it! If you want that crispy, juicy, flavorful turkey, these recipes make it easy.
Get the Recipes: Deep Fried Turkey, Deep Fried Turkey Breast
Smoked Turkey
A smoked turkey is infused with so much flavor, creating something different for Thanksgiving that everyone will love. This recipe includes instructions for various types of grills.
Get the Recipe: Whole Smoked Turkey, Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe
Grill a Whole Turkey
This whole turkey recipe is stuffed, coated in butter, and grilled to create juicy, crispy skin! It’s a unique way to make a turkey, but it definitely satisfies in the flavor department.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Turkey Recipe
Cook Turkey in an Air Fryer
Cooking a turkey in the Air Fryer is such an easy process for holiday cooking, and it gives you a beautifully crisp texture. This recipe is seasoned with sage, rosemary, thyme, and more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fried Turkey Breast Recipe
Stuffed Turkey Roll
Juicy turkey breast is stuffed with garlic, apple, and herb stuffing, slow-roasted in the oven, and served with rich gravy! This is a beautiful dish if you’re looking for some different Thanksgiving ideas this year.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roulade Recipe
Garlic Butter Turkey Breast
If you want a classic roast turkey for Thanksgiving, but you’re only serving a small family or group, this turkey breast recipe is perfect! It’s flavorful (40 cloves of garlic!), it’s easy to cook in the oven, and it’s easier to slice and serve than a whole turkey.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Strips of bacon add an extra layer of flavor, crispiness, and juiciness to this unique roasted turkey breast. It’s so easy to make and everyone will love it.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast Recipe
Make a Turkey in the Slow Cooker
Making your turkey in a Crockpot is a great, hands-off option for the holiday, so you can free up the oven for other stuff. And this recipe gives you juicy, succulent turkey every time!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Breast Recipe
Turkey Meatloaf
If you want to skip the typical turkey and make something simple and comforting for your family this holiday, meatloaf is the answer! Go with the traditional loaf with ground turkey, or try these individual-sized, cheese-stuffed meatloaves.
Get the Recipes: Mini Turkey Meatloaves, Turkey Meatloaf
Add a Garlic Rosemary Rub
This turkey breast is perfectly flavored with rosemary and garlic for a savory, herb-y taste. And cooking it in the Air Fryer gives it a nice, crispy finish!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Rosemary Turkey Recipe
Honey Glazed Turkey Breast
If you love honey baked ham, you’ll love this delicious boneless turkey breast recipe! Roast it, glaze it, and it’s sure to satisfy guests.
Get the Recipe: Honey Baked Turkey Recipe
This Dry Brine Adds so Much Flavor
This herb-and-spice-filled dry rub creates tender and juicy turkey meat, while adding tons of savory flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dry-Brined Turkey Recipe
Instant Pot Turkey
Cook your Thanksgiving turkey in a pressure cooker for an easy (and pretty quick) method. Pop it in, set the timer for about an hour, and it’ll be ready to serve. It comes out so juicy and tasty (even better with this turkey gravy).
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
The Most Unique Turkey Recipe of Them All
This is the most unique turkey recipe I can think of for Thanksgiving. Get out the grill and add some incredible flavor–that pineapple salsa is so refreshing! It makes a nice change from the more traditional recipes, and gives everyone a chance to try something different.
Get the Recipe: Huli Huli Turkey Breast Recipe
Say goodbye to the same old turkey–any of these unique turkey recipes and ideas will light up the center of the Thanksgiving table! And they all go perfectly with your favorite side dishes to create one delicious holiday dinner. Enjoy!
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Finish off your Thanksgiving menu with these easy recipes! Find side dishes for your turkey, and lots of pies, desserts, and more to enjoy after the feast.
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