Turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday tables. From a classic roasted whole bird to a juicy turkey breast, our turkey recipes are approachable for any level of cook or type of gathering. Whether it’s an extra-crispy skin or a juicy brined bird, you’re sure to find a new favorite.
Brown Sugar–Brined Turkey
A simple brown sugar brine gives this turkey deep, rich flavor and beautifully burnished skin. You can make a simple gravy with the pan drippings, but remember that brining increases the saltiness of drippings, so use salt-free or low-sodium broth in your gravy and taste it before adding additional salt.
Herby Dry-Brined Turkey
Dry brining with an herb and spice mixture gives your bird great flavor and locks in moisture, and many cooks find this technique more convenient than wet brining. We suggest leaving the turkey uncovered overnight in the refrigerator, a step that helps crisp the skin when roasting, but you can also cover the turkey in a large plastic bag or in plastic wrap.
Turkey with Extra-Crispy Skin
If you crave crispy, crackling turkey skin, this is the bird for you! A few simple techniques result in a juicy, rosemary-scented turkey with skin that’s wonderfully caramelized.
Golden Roasted Turkey
This deliciously moist roasted turkey is surprising in its ease of preparation. Exactly what you remember from Thanksgiving dinners of old — only better. While you can prepare this turkey recipe without the brining step, we highly recommend you give it a try as this process produces wonderfully succulent meat.
Simple Parchment-Roasted Turkey Breast
Cooking a turkey breast in parchment makes it particularly tender and succulent, a real treat for lovers of white meat. Use leftovers to create just about the most delicious turkey sandwiches ever.
Dry-Brined Spiced Citrus Turkey
Our new favorite turkey technique — dry brining — flavors and locks in moisture during a hands-off “curing” period for a juicy, perfectly seasoned bird. The mixture of coriander, pink peppercorns and grapefruit zest is fragrant and distinctive. Garnish the serving platter with fresh herbs and citrus peel.
Honey and Rosemary Brined Turkey with Herb Riesling Gravy
This sweet, herb-brined turkey makes an impressive centerpiece for any holiday meal. The delicious pan drippings create the base of an inventive gravy.
Get the recipe: Honey and Rosemary Brined Turkey with Herb Riesling Gravy
Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast with Mushroom-Leek Stuffing
An ideal entrée for those who don’t want or need to cook an entire turkey but would like the “turkey with stuffing” experience. The preparation, herb butter and stuffing can betaken care of one day in advance, easing the workload on turkey day.
Get the recipe: Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast with Mushroom-Leek Stuffing
Roast Turkey with Apples and Onions
This fragrant, beautifully browned turkey produces very flavorful pan juices. Use them as a base for a simple gravy, or just spoon off excess fat and serve them as they are.
Roast Turkey Breast with Apple Cider Gravy
This is an ideal dish for a small gathering. Prepared as below, turkey breast cooked by itself is more likely to turn out moist and tender than white meat on a whole bird, and our butter-and-sage rub guarantees that it bursts with flavor. Pan drippings and cider make an ideal sweet-and-tangy combo for gravy.
Grilled Turkey with Simple Gravy
This year there’s no need to juggle oven space if you grill the Thanksgiving turkey! It’s a surprisingly easy way to prepare the holiday centerpiece and keep the kitchen (relatively) calm on the big day. Watch the grill temperature carefully since the outside temperature can impact it.
Curious about more tasty turkey techniques? Our No-Basting Roasted Turkey recipe takes the guesswork out of achieving that golden-brown skin and juicy meat. For enhanced flavor and tenderness, explore our Basic Brine for Turkey, and don’t miss our Essential Tips for Brining Your Turkey before you start.
Stuffing and Gravy
Apple, Sausage and Sage Sourdough Stuffing
This rich, full-flavored stuffing is a show stealer, whether stuffed in a turkey or baked on its own. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute vegetarian sausage or a few cups cooked shiitake mushrooms for the meat sausage.
Classic Gluten-Free Stuffing
Add finely diced sausage or bacon bits to the sautéed vegetables, if you like, or toss in diced chestnuts, apples or raisins.
Easy Turkey Gravy
The trick here is to make the backbone of the gravy ahead of time, while you’re waiting for the turkey to cook or even the day before, and then add the flavorful drippings later.
Classic Gravy
Creamy, flavorful and lump free, this broth-based gravy is easy to pull off, even with those finicky in-laws looking over your shoulder.
Need more gravy variations? Try our savory and herbacious Sage Gravy or this umami-packed Mushroom Gravy recipe. Both pair perfectly with any roasted turkey.
Leftovers, No Problem
Turkey Picadillo
Picadillo is traditionally made with beef or pork, but it’s just as tasty with turkey. Served Cuban style over rice and beans or topped with taco fixings like lettuce, tomatoes and onions, it’s an excellent use for leftover turkey that the whole family will love.
Turkey Pot Pie
There’s always something comforting about eating rich and creamy turkey pot pie, and this version is no exception. Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or even shredded roasted chicken, to make this simple take on a classic even easier.
Turkey Pho-Style Soup
Got leftover turkey? Try this pho-inspired soup packed with herbs, chiles and spices. Make it after a holiday meal, or substitute meat from a rotisserie roast chicken to enjoy it anytime.
Day-After-Thanksgiving Pizza
Can’t face another turkey sandwich? Try this fabulous pizza that relies on the classic leftovers from a traditional Thanksgiving dinner: roast turkey, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and even cranberry sauce.
Butternut Hash with Leeks and Turkey
Transform leftover turkey breast into a satisfying skillet meal with some vegetables and a bit of chili powder (use more if you like it spicy!).
Turkey Noodle Soup
What better way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving than to make a satisfying pot of turkey noodle soup? Our hearty version gets a nourishing boost from kale and whole wheat elbow macaroni.
