10 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes | Easy & Unique

Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Sultana Parvin

Whether you’re looking for a new take on the classic turkey or want to try something completely different, we’ve got 10 Thanksgiving turkey recipes that will have your guests asking for seconds.

1. Maple-Mustard Roasted Turkey

Maple syrup and mustard may seem like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, they work beautifully together in this recipe. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness while the mustard provides a nice tangy contrast.

Ingredients for maple glazed roast turkey

• 1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

How to cook healthy thanksgiving turkey recipes

1. Preheat the air fryer to 325°. Place turkey, breast side up, in a roasting pan of the air fryer. Loosen skin from breast and thighs; rub mustard mixture under skin. Tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Tuck wings under the turkey.

2. Bake, uncovered, for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 170°. Cover turkey loosely with foil; let stand 15 minutes before carving. Remove and discard skin before carving the turkey.

For the mustard mixture:

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper.

For the gravy:

Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into the roasting pan. Place pan over two burners on medium heat; bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Strain gravy; skim off fat. Serve with turkey.

2. Herb-Roasted Turkey

If you’re a fan of herbs, this recipe is for you. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a variety of fresh herbs, including rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Ingredient for easy turkey recipes

• 1 (12-pound) whole turkey
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

How to cook unique turkey recipes

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. Combine rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Loosen the skin over the breast and legs of the turkey by inserting your fingers, being careful not to tear the skin. Rub the herb mixture under the skin.

4. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.

5. Roast turkey for 1 hour. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 2 1/2 hours more. Remove from oven, and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

3. Citrus-Roasted Turkey

If you’re looking for a turkey with a little bit of zing, this recipe is for you. The addition of orange and lemon juice gives the turkey a lovely citrus flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients for easy thanksgiving turkey recipes

• 1 (14 to 16-pound) turkey
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

How to cook the best thanksgiving turkey recipes ever

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange zest, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey.

3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, and roast for 3 to 4 hours, or until the juices run clear when you insert a knife into the thickest part of the thigh.

4. About 1 hour before the turkey is done, combine the flour and olive oil in a small bowl, and mix well. Rub the flour mixture all over the turkey.

5. Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roast the turkey for an additional 20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown.

6. Remove the turkey from the oven, and transfer it to a platter. Cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7. To make the gravy, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup. Add enough chicken broth to measure 2 1/2 cups. Pour the mixture into a saucepan, and stir in the orange juice and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook until the gravy is thickened.

4. Apple Cider-Brined Turkey

Apple Cider-Brined Turkey recipe takes things in a sweeter direction with the addition of apple cider. The cider helps to keep the turkey moist and gives it a lovely flavor that’s perfect for the fall season.

Ingredients for thanksgiving turkey recipes easy

• 1 turkey (12-16 pounds), thawed if frozen
• 1-gallon apple cider
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon juniper berries
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 orange, quartered
• 1-gallon cold water

How to cook Thanksgiving turkey

1. Combine the apple cider, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and juniper berries in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

2. Place the turkey in a large container. Add the cooled brine and enough cold water to cover the turkey. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours.

3. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well. Pat dry with paper towels.

4. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Add the onion, garlic, lemon, and orange to the pan. Roast the turkey for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F.

6. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

5. Bourbon-Glazed Turkey

Bourbon and turkey are a classic pairing and for good reason. The bourbon adds a lovely depth of flavor to the turkey, and the glaze ensures that the bird is nice and moist.

Ingredients for thanksgiving baked turkey recipes

• 1 (12-pound) turkey
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to cook Thanksgiving baked turkey

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. To make the glaze: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. To prepare the turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Pour the bourbon over the turkey. Brush the turkey with the glaze.

4. Roast the turkey for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze, until the turkey is golden brown and cooked through.

5. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

6. Spicy Chili-Rubbed Turkey

This recipe has a bit of a kick to it, thanks to the addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper. If you like your turkey with a little bit of heat, this is the recipe for you.

Ingredients for spicy thanksgiving turkey recipes

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (4-pound) turkey breast, skin removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to cook spicy thanksgiving turkey

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

3. Rub spice mixture all over turkey breast.

4. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil.

5. Roast until turkey is cooked through, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

7. Brown Sugar-Glazed Turkey

This easy recipe takes things in a sweeter direction with the addition of brown sugar. The sugar helps to caramelize the skin of the turkey, resulting in a bird that’s both sweet and savory.

Ingredients for turkey recipes brown sugar

• 1 (15-pound) turkey
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup water

How to Cook thanksgiving turkey recipes brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry with paper towels.

3. Combine butter, brown sugar, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Starting at the neck cavity, loosen the skin from the breast and drumsticks by inserting your fingers and gently pushing between skin and meat. Rub butter mixture under loosened skin. Truss turkey.

5. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan coated with cooking spray; add 1/2 cup water to the pan.

6. Bake at 350°F for 2 hours and 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.

7. Remove turkey from oven; let stand for 10 minutes before carving.

8. Orange-Rosemary Turkey

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of oranges. The orange juice and zest give the turkey a lovely citrus flavor, while the rosemary adds a touch of earthiness.

Ingredients for turkey recipes with oranges

• 1 (12-pound) turkey
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves

How to Cook thanksgiving turkey recipes with oranges

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Combine the orange juice, rosemary, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl and pour over the turkey. Rub the butter all over the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle the flour over the turkey and pat it gently so that it adheres.

3. Roast the turkey for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F.

4. Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a platter. Cover with foil and let rest for 20 minutes.

5. To make the gravy, pour the pan juices into a fat separator. Let the fat rise to the top and then spoon it off. Pour the defatted pan juices into a small saucepan. Add the chicken stock, white wine, honey, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the gravy is thickened, about 5 minutes.

6. Carve the turkey and serve it with gravy. Sprinkle with the chopped rosemary leaves.

9. Cranberry-Glazed Turkey

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the tart flavor of cranberries. The cranberry glaze adds a lovely pop of color and flavor to the turkey, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients for glazed Turkey

• 1 turkey, 12-14 pounds
• 1 can (14 ounces) of whole cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Cook turkey recipes for dinner

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange peel, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated through. Reserve 1/2 cup for the glaze.

3. Brush turkey with cranberry mixture. Roast turkey for 4 to 5 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 180°F, basting frequently with cranberry mixture.

4. About 30 minutes before the turkey is done, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, orange peel, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is heated through and the sugar is dissolved.

5. Remove the turkey from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush turkey with glaze. Return the turkey to the oven. Roast for an additional 30 minutes or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.

6. Remove the turkey from the oven. Let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

10. Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey

Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey is a holiday classic that will please family and friends alike. This recipe features a succulent turkey that is roasted to perfection and basted with a flavorful herb-butter mixture. The result is a juicy and tender turkey that is packed with flavor. This recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.

To make butter roasted turkey recipe, you will need:

• 1 (12-pound) turkey, thawed
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine

How to Make Roasted Turkey

1. To make the herb butter: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine. Set aside.
2. To roast the turkey: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Rub the herb butter all over the turkey. Sprinkle the flour over the turkey. Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the bottom of the pan.
4. Roast the turkey for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes or so.
5. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

Choose one of the best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for your Thanksgiving day. This list will help you to prepare the best turkey recipe. Happy Thanksgiving Day 2022.