Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without a beautifully prepared turkey at the center of the table. But with so many recipes and techniques out there, it’s hard to know which one will truly impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro looking for new inspiration, we’ve curated 16 of the best Thanksgiving turkey recipes to make your holiday meal unforgettable.
From classic roasted turkey with herbs to unique takes on turkey wings, turkey legs, smoked or brined variations, slow cooker Crockpot methods, and even the air fryer, these recipes are sure to suit every palate and skill level. Dive in and discover the perfect turkey recipe that will earn you rave reviews and become a beloved tradition for years to come.
16 Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes: The Only Recipes You’ll Ever Need
Whether you’re hosting for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro looking for new inspiration, we’ve curated 16 of the best Thanksgiving turkey recipes to make your holiday meal unforgettable.
From classic roasted turkey with herbs to unique takes like smoked or brined variations, these recipes are sure to suit every palate and skill level. Dive in and discover the perfect turkey recipe that will earn you rave reviews and become a beloved tradition for years to come.
Tender Juicy Spatchcock Turkey
This Tender Juicy Spatchcock Turkey recipe will show you how to cut the backbone from the bird to produce a perfectly butterflied masterpiece. This roasted turkey is ready in no time with an hour and a half of cook time. Thanksgiving and the holidays just got easier!
Cajun Turkey Recipe
This Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey uses a dry rub brine for crispy skin with a spicy kick! It’s also injected with butter and herbs to keep the bird tender, moist, and loaded with flavor.
Baked Turkey Legs
This Oven Baked Turkey Legs recipe is cooked low and slow, wrapped in foil and seasoned with mouthwatering spices. This is the best way to cook fall-off-the-bone drumsticks.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
If you’re looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort, Air Fryer Turkey Legs are the perfect choice. Air frying delivers crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving family dinner or simply craving a taste of a giant turkey leg, this recipe is an amazing option.
Baked Turkey Wings
Savor the flavor with our irresistible Baked Turkey Wings recipe! You will learn how to cook the best oven roasted wings that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and literally fall off the bone. This tender meat it a staple dish for any soul food spread.
Smoked Turkey
This is the best Traeger Smoked Turkey recipe using a homemade dry rub and an injectable marinade or feel free to make it with no brine. This can be made with any smoker or pellet grill for Thanksgiving, the holidays, or any occasion!
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Wings
Cooking turkey wings in the Crockpot doesn’t get much easier! A slow cooker is the best way to achieve juicy fall off the bone wings. Smother these in our gravy recipe if you wish!
Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast
This recipe will show you how to make a boneless turkey breast in a Crock Pot. It’s so easy! Slow cooking is the best way to get tender and juicy meat loaded with flavor. Serve this for Thanksgiving or weeknight dinners.
Crockpot Slow Cooker Bone-in Turkey Breast
This recipe will show you how to brine and cook a bone-in split or whole turkey breast in a Crock Pot. It’s so easy! Slow cooking is the best way to get tender and juicy meat loaded with flavor. Serve this for Thanksgiving or weeknight dinners.
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
These Slow Cooker Turkey Legs are made in the Crockpot and are perfect for fall-off the bone drumsticks. The drumsticks are tender and juicy. Serve these for Thanksgiving or any weeknight meal.
Baked Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
This Boneless Turkey Breast Roast is perfect for a cozy dinner or a small gathering and is packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. The Butterball turkey breast is seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices, then baked to juicy, succulent perfection.
Smoked Turkey Breast
This tender and juicy Smoked Turkey Breast can be prepared using bone-in or boneless meat. The turkey is seasoned to perfection using a dry rub with or without a brine This spread can be made with any smoker or pellet grill for holidays, weeknight dinners, or any occasion!
Bone-In Baked Turkey Breast
This Roasted Bone-In Turkey Breast is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday meal. With crispy golden skin and tender juicy meat that falls off the bone, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Infused with a savory blend of herbs and spices, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it a delicious and impressive addition to any meal.
Smoked Turkey Legs
These Smoked Turkey Legs are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. Fire up your smoker or pellet grill to ensure layers of deep, savory flavor. Whether you’re looking for fall-off-the-bone drumsticks, or the juicy theme park and Disney World style, our tips capture it all.
Grilled Turkey Legs
This Grilled Turkey Legs recipe is bursting with smoky goodness and seasoned to perfection using a homemade blend of spices. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones for a backyard barbecue or simply craving juicy drumsticks, these are the perfect choice for any occasion.
Stuffed Turkey Legs
This Stuffed Turkey Legs recipe is partially inspired by the popular Turkey Leg Hut restaurant creations. These drumsticks are prepared to fall off the bone, all while loaded with cheesy, creamy mac and cheese or your favorite items.