Best 20 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

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Thanksgiving turkey is a traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, enjoyed by families and friends across the United States. This iconic dish holds a special place in American culinary history, symbolizing gratitude, unity, and abundance. The preparation of Thanksgiving turkey is an art form, passed down through generations. From selecting the perfect bird to roasting it to perfection, each step requires careful attention to detail. Our collection of Thanksgiving turkey recipes offers a diverse range of flavors and cooking methods, ensuring that every palate is catered to. Whether you prefer a classic roasted turkey with savory herbs, a juicy deep-fried turkey, or a smoky grilled turkey, we have the perfect recipe for you. Additionally, we provide mouthwatering recipes for flavorful stuffing, delectable gravy, and an array of side dishes to complete your Thanksgiving feast. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Thanksgiving experience with our comprehensive guide to cooking the perfect turkey and all the trimmings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WORLD'S SIMPLEST THANKSGIVING TURKEY



World's Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey image

The most-important meal of the year deserves a foolproof recipe for the World's Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey from Food Network Magazine.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h10m

Yield 1 turkey

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Pull the neck and giblets out of the cavity; ditch the liver and save the rest of the giblets for gravy. Dry the turkey with paper towels, then season inside and out with salt and pepper. Fill the turkey with aromatics like chopped onions, carrots, apples and herbs, then place breast-side up in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter. Tent with foil and roast for 2 hours (for a 10- to 12-pound turkey; add an extra 15 minutes per pound for larger birds). Remove the foil, baste with more melted butter and crank the oven to 425 degrees F. Roast for another hour or until the meat at the thigh registers 165 degrees F. Let rest while you make the gravy.

JUICY THANKSGIVING TURKEY



Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey image

My grandmother and mother passed this recipe on to me. It changes just a little every year, because we've never written it down before. But it is always incredibly juicy and succulent!

Provided by Kirsten

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Whole Turkey Recipes

Time 3h20m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 tablespoons ground dried rosemary
2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 orange, cut into wedges
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a turkey roaster with long sheets of aluminum foil that will be long enough to wrap over the turkey.
  • Stir together the parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the herb mixture into the cavity of the turkey, then stuff with the celery, orange, onion, and carrot. Truss if desired, and place the turkey into the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and champagne over the turkey, making sure to get some champagne in the cavity. Bring the aluminum foil over the top of the turkey, and seal. Try to keep the foil from touching the skin of the turkey breast or legs.
  • Bake the turkey in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. Uncover the turkey, and continue baking until the skin turns golden brown, 30 minutes to 1 hour longer. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.6 calories, Carbohydrate 4.3 g, Cholesterol 201.2 mg, Fat 24 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 69.3 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 680.2 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

THANKSGIVING PIONEER-STYLE HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Thanksgiving Pioneer-Style Herb Roasted Turkey image

Crown your holiday feast with this Thanksgiving Pioneer-Style Herb Roasted Turkey recipe from Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network.

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 5h35m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (17-pound) whole fresh turkey, rinsed well and patted dry
1 1/4 stick unsalted butter, slightly softened
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 large stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large onions, quartered
8 cups homemade chicken stock, divided, plus more if needed for gravy
Turkey neck
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup white wine
4 cups sage-infused stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage

Steps:

  • For the turkey: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting.
  • Combine the butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper and fill the cavity with half of the carrots, celery, and onion. Rub the entire turkey with herb butter and season liberally with salt and pepper.
  • Put 4 cups of the chicken stock in a medium saucepan and keep warm over low heat.
  • Place the remaining vegetables on the bottom of a large roasting pan. Put the turkey on top of the vegetables, put in the oven, and roast in the oven until lightly golden brown, 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and continue roasting, basting with the warm chicken stock every 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 160 degrees F, about 2 to 2 1/4 hours longer. Remove the turkey from the oven, transfer to baking sheet and tent loosely with foil, and let rest 20 minutes before slicing.
  • For the sage gravy:
  • Strain the cooking liquid from the roasting pan into a medium saucepan (should be about 4 cups, if not, add more stock to make 4 cups). Add the neck, bring to a boil, add the sage leaves, remove from the heat, and let steep for 15 minutes. Remove the sage leaves.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until reduced. Whisk in the stock and cook until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper and chopped sage.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH HOLIDAY RUB



Thanksgiving Turkey with Holiday Rub image

Make this turkey rub from Food Network, which has thyme, rosemary, sage and garlic powder.

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 3h45m

Yield 12 to 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (14 to 16 pound) turkey, rinsed, patted dry inside and out (neck, heart, and gizzard reserved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Turkey or chicken stock
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 shallots, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Mix all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Put the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Generously season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush the turkey with olive oil, and rub it with the seasoning mixture. Tie the legs together loosely to hold their shape, and tuck the wing tips under.
  • Roast the turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165 to 170 degrees F, about 3 hours.
  • Transfer the turkey to a platter. Tent it very loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees). Reserve the juices in the pan.
  • Gravy: Scrape the juices and browned bits from the roasting pan into a large glass measuring cup. Spoon off the fat, reserving 2 tablespoons. If necessary, add enough stock to the juices to measure 1 2/3 cups.
  • Heat the reserved 2 tablespoons fat in a heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, and shallots, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and whisk until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the degreased pan juices, and the 2 cups stock. Bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and simmer until the gravy is reduced to the desired consistency, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice, and the sour cream. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the gravy into a serving bowl. Carve the turkey and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve the turkey with the gravy.

JUST-LIKE-THANKSGIVING TURKEY MEAT LOAF



Just-Like-Thanksgiving Turkey Meat Loaf image

For a holiday meal any time of year, this tender turkey meat loaf is perfect. Complemented with a cranberry glaze, it's a mouthwatering dish.-Mollie Brown, Los Angeles, CA

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup seasoned stuffing cubes
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 celery rib, finely chopped
1 small onion, grated
1 small carrot, grated
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 to 4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
3 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1-1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, combine stuffing cubes and milk. Let stand 10 minutes; break up stuffing cubes with a fork. Stir in egg, celery, onion, carrot, cranberries, salt and pepper. Combine sage and rosemary; add half to the mixture. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well. Pat into an ungreased 9x5-in. loaf pan., Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes; drain if necessary. Combine cranberry sauce, ketchup, pepper sauce and remaining herbs; spread over meat loaf. Bake 20-25 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 165°. , Freeze option: Shape meat loaf in plastic wrap-lined loaf pan; cover and freeze until firm. Remove from pan and wrap securely in foil; return to freezer. To use, unwrap meat loaf and bake in pan as directed, increasing time as necessary for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 127mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

CREAMY AFTER-THANKSGIVING TURKEY SOUP



Creamy After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup image

This is a version of Valorie Walker's recipe with a few of my changes. Enjoy.

Provided by Paul

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Turkey Soup Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 turkey carcass
1 cup butter, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
4 ounces fettuccine, broken into 2-inch pieces
¼ cup prepared stuffing, or more to taste
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch poultry seasoning, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place turkey carcass in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Remove carcass and allow to cool. Separate turkey meat from the bones. Cut meat into bite-size pieces; discard bones. Reserve about 12 cups turkey broth in a large bowl. Save remaining broth for another use.
  • Melt butter in another large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat; cook and stir onion, carrots, and celery in melted butter until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir flour into vegetable mixture; cook and stir until smooth, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir in about 1/3 the reserved turkey broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir remaining turkey broth, turkey meat, half-and-half, fettuccine, stuffing, salt, chicken bouillon, pepper, and poultry seasoning into half-and-half mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.1 g, Cholesterol 56.8 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 442.2 mg, Sugar 1.3 g

MARINATED THANKSGIVING TURKEY



Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey image

My family enjoys this Thanksgiving turkey because it cooks up tender, tasty and golden brown. Build up flavor by marinating the meat, then grill it to add a tempting barbecued flavor. -Ken Churches, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h40m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups water
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon pepper
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)

Steps:

  • Combine the first 7 ingredients; set aside and refrigerate 1 cup for basting. Place 1 oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside inner bag; pour in remaining marinade. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate overnight, turning several times., Remove turkey; drain and discard marinade. , Prepare grill for indirect medium heat. Tuck wings under turkey and arrange breast side down on grill rack. Grill, covered, for 1 hour. , If using a charcoal grill, add 10 briquettes to coals; turn the turkey. Baste with reserved marinade. Cook, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, adding 10 briquettes to maintain heat and brushing with marinade every 30 minutes until thermometer inserted in thigh reads 170°. Remove turkey from grill; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. , Conventional roasting method: Follow steps for marinating turkey overnight. Preheat oven to 325°. Place turkey on a rack in a large roaster. Bake, uncovered, 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in a thigh reads 170°. Baste frequently with reserved marinade. When turkey begins to brown, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil. Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. If desired, skim fat and thicken pan drippings for gravy; serve with turkey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 171mg cholesterol, Sodium 383mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 67g protein.

HOW TO ROAST A THANKSGIVING TURKEY RECIPE BY TASTY



How To Roast A Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: turkey, kosher salt, unsalted butter, fresh sage leaf, garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon, medium white onion, large carrot, celery, low-sodium chicken broth, all-purpose flour

Provided by Jody Duits

Categories     Dinner

Yield 7 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 turkey, fresh or frozen, 1½ pounds (680 g) per person
½ teaspoon kosher salt, per pound (455g) of turkey
1 cup unsalted butter, 2 sticks, cubed and softened
½ cup fresh sage leaf, plus more for garnish
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
½ lemon, cut into wedges, plus more for garnish
1 medium white onion, skin-on, cut into wedges
1 large carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
32 oz low-sodium chicken broth, 1 carton
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, optional

Steps:

  • Defrost the turkey. Place the wrapped turkey on a baking sheet and set on the bottom shelf of the fridge. Defrost for 1 day if fresh, or 4-5 days, if frozen. For a quicker defrost, submerge the turkey in a large sink or cooler filled with cold water and defrost for 30 minutes per pound of turkey.
  • 1 day before cooking, brine the turkey. Measure the salt into a small bowl. Set up your work station with kitchen shears, a plastic bag, a fresh baking sheet with a wire rack set over it, and a garbage can nearby.
  • Cut the packaging off the defrosted turkey, being careful not to cut the skin or flesh, and remove from the bag. Set the turkey on the baking sheet with the wire rack. Cut off any excess skin around the neck and release the plastic holder securing the legs. Remove any innards and giblets from the cavity and discard. Thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Sprinkle the salt all over the turkey, making sure to get in the cavity, under the skin, and between any crevices.
  • Refrigerate the turkey, uncovered, for 1 day. If brining for more than 1 day, cover the turkey with plastic wrap, then remove for the last day to let the skin dry out before roasting.
  • A few hours before serving, prepare the turkey for roasting. Set an oven rack at the lowest height and the other in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325˚F (160˚C).
  • Add the butter to a medium bowl. Chop the sage leaves and add to the bowl, along with the garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Mash the herbs into the butter. Set aside.
  • Set a roasting pan or single-use aluminum pan over a baking sheet near your work station.
  • Trim off the wing tips of the turkey and add to the roasting pan. Cut off any excess skin to expose the wishbone, then use a paring knife to cut out the bone. Use your hands or kitchen shears if the bone is hard to remove. Add to the roasting pan.
  • Turn the bird so the legs are facing you. Tug out the plastic holder. Loosen the skin around the breasts, using your fingers to create a pocket. Be careful not to tear the skin. Rub the herb butter under the skin, then all over the rest of the turkey. Make sure to get in any crevices and the cavity.
  • Stuff the lemon wedges and ¼ of the onion inside the turkey cavity. Add the rest of the onion wedges to the roasting pan, along with the carrot and celery. Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
  • Use the wire rack to rest the turkey over the roasting pan, then pour any accumulated juices from the baking sheet into the pan.
  • Set the roasting pan on the lowest oven rack. Place the turkey on the wire rack on the middle oven rack, directly over the roasting pan to catch any juices.
  • Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160˚F (71˚C). Start checking the turkey about 90 minutes into roasting to ensure it does not overcook.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and set the wire rack over a baking sheet to catch any juices. Let rest for about 30 minutes while the internal temperature climbs to 165˚F (74˚C).
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy: Remove any solids from the roasting pan. Strain the liquid into a large pot and bring to a boil, then let reduce to your desired consistency. The gravy can be served as is or, for a thicker gravy, ladle a few spoonfuls of stock into a small bowl with the flour. Whisk until no lumps remain, then stir a bit of the flour mixture at a time back into the pot. Return to a boil and let cook for 5 minutes, until thickened. Repeat as needed until the gravy has reached your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to low, whisking occasionally, until ready to serve, or remove from the heat and bring back to temperature before serving.
  • Carve the turkey: Transfer the turkey to a large cutting board with a lip to catch any juices. First, release the legs to make carving the rest of the bird easier. Using a sharp knife, cut along where the legs meets the breasts, being careful not to cut all the way through. Then, use your hands to pull the legs and thigh away from the carcass and tuck them under the wings to keep them in place.
  • Cut straight down along both sides of the breast bone until you can't cut any further, then cut horizontally near the wing to release the breasts from the carcass.
  • Cut all the way through the legs to release from the hip joint.
  • Find where the shoulder meets the breast, then cut through that joint to remove the wings, using your hands to pull the wing away if the joint is tough to find.
  • Set the carcass aside--you can pick off any remaining meat for leftovers, or make stock from the whole carcass.
  • Slice the breasts crosswise, against the grain, then transfer to a serving platter. Cut the drumsticks from the thighs through the joint, wiggling the knife to find an easy release or pulling apart with your hands. Add the drumsticks to the platter. Cut the thigh meat away from the bone, then into bite-size pieces, and add to the platter. Release the flats from the wings by cutting through the joint, pulling apart with your hands if necessary, then add to the platter.
  • Rearrange the meat on the platter so the larger pieces of meat with crispy, browned skin are on top. Garnish the platter with sage leaves and lemon wedges, if desired.
  • Serve with the warm gravy.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1003 calories, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 74 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 41 grams, Sugar 8 grams

SLOW COOKER THANKSGIVING TURKEY



Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Turkey image

Throw this together before work in your slow cooker, and come home to the smells of Thanksgiving! This could not be any easier. Just whip up a few side dishes and you're set!

Provided by Eating Indy

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Breasts

Time 8h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 slices bacon
1 (5 1/2 pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin removed
½ teaspoon garlic pepper
1 (10.5 ounce) can turkey gravy
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried sage

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain and crumble.
  • Spray a slow cooker with cooking spray. Place turkey in the slow cooker. Season with garlic pepper. In a bowl, mix the bacon, gravy, flour, Worcestershire sauce, and sage. Pour over turkey in the slow cooker.
  • Cover slow cooker, and cook turkey 8 hours on Low.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.9 calories, Carbohydrate 2.6 g, Cholesterol 138.8 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 54.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 379.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS TURKEY SHEPHERD'S PIE



Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Shepherd's Pie image

Make and share this Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Shepherd's Pie recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Karen..

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 28

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
1/4 teaspoon spice essence or 1/4 teaspoon creole seasoning, recipe follows
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 ounces mushrooms, stemmed, wiped clean, and sliced
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leave
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 -2 1/2 cups chopped roasted turkey (white and or or dark meat) or 2 -2 1/2 cups shredded roasted turkey (white and or or dark meat)
1 1/4 cups chicken stock or 1 1/4 cups canned chicken broth
1/2 cup green peas
4 cups leftover mashed potatoes
3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese or 3/4 cup cheddar cheese
chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9-inch square or 2.2 quart baking dish with the butter and set aside.
  • In a large saute pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, Essence, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms, thyme, and bay leaf and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until thick, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the meat and stir well to combine. Gradually add the stock and then the peas, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture is thickened, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Carefully transfer to the prepared dish and spoon the potatoes over the meat mixture, spreading to the edges. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are crisp around the edges, 22 to 25 minutes.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

JUICY TWO-STAGE THANKSGIVING TURKEY MARINADE



Juicy Two-Stage Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade image

This recipe has two different marinades that are started on Tuesday morning. This is a marinade recipe only, and makes a pre-Thanksgiving marinade for a juicy turkey with lots of flavor.

Provided by jaclynfarr

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Marinade Recipes

Time P2DT25m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup salt
1 cup orange juice
1 cup brown sugar
1 gallon water
1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
1 (15 pound) turkey, thawed if purchased frozen
3 oranges, sliced
3 lemons, sliced
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon whole cloves
¼ cup garlic powder
2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons paprika
¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons ground black pepper

Steps:

  • On the Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving, whisk together salt, orange juice, brown sugar, a cinnamon stick and water in a large nonreactive container with a cover, such as a large stainless steel stockpot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve, about 5 minutes. Place the turkey into the brine, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  • The next day, remove turkey from the first marinade, shake off excess, and pat the bird dry. Discard the brine. Clean the stockpot or brining container.
  • In the clean stockpot, make the marinade by stirring together together sliced oranges, sliced lemons, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, cloves, garlic powder, cinnamon sticks, paprika, olive oil, and pepper. Place the turkey into the stockpot and rub the marinade into the turkey. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • On Thanksgiving Day, remove turkey from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Roast the turkey using your favorite method.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 814.1 calories, Carbohydrate 27.1 g, Cholesterol 267.6 mg, Fat 35.7 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 93.3 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 238.1 mg, Sugar 19.8 g

THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH ITALIAN MEAT STUFFING



Thanksgiving Turkey with Italian Meat Stuffing image

Each Thanksgiving we all looked forward to my Mom's delicious turkey with Italian meat stuffing. When she got older and could no longer cook, I took over the Thanksgiving dinners. She is no longer with us but each year members of my family continue to ask for Grandma's recipe so they can make it for their own family. I would now like to pass it on to you.

Provided by travelrose

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 6h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound ground beef
½ (1 pound) loaf day-old Italian bread
1 large onion, chopped
2 large stalks celery with leaves, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh mushrooms
4 cloves garlic, chopped, or more to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons, cut in half
2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
2 teaspoons garlic powder, or to taste
1 cup water

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place the ground beef into a skillet, and cook and stir the meat until browned and crumbly, breaking it up into chunks as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Drain grease. Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
  • Tear the bread into rough chunks, and place into a bowl; soak bread in water until moistened, and squeeze the water out of the bread. Crumble the wet bread into the bowl with the ground beef. Mix in the onion, celery, mushrooms, 4 cloves of garlic, flat-leaf parsley, Parmesan cheese, and egg until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly stuff the turkey with the ground beef mixture, and place into a roasting pan with a lid. Rub the turkey with olive oil, squeeze lemons over the turkey, and sprinkle 2 more cloves of garlic, the garlic powder, and more salt and black pepper over the bird.
  • Roast the turkey uncovered in the preheated oven until the skin is browned, about 45 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees C (175 degrees C), and cover the turkey with the lid. Continue roasting until the juices run clear and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 180 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 5 more hours. Baste occasionally. If the bottom of the roasting pan looks dry, pour in water.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 611.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7.6 g, Cholesterol 225.2 mg, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 75 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 289.5 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

AFTER-THANKSGIVING TURKEY SOUP



After-Thanksgiving Turkey Soup image

As much as my family loves the holidays, they look forward to this creamy leftover Thanksgiving soup even more. It makes a big batch that we can enjoy for days. -Valorie Walker, Bradley, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 2h45m

Yield 16 servings (about 4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 leftover turkey carcass (from a 12- to 14-pound turkey)
3 medium onions, chopped
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
3/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Place turkey carcass in a soup kettle or Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour. Remove carcass; cool. Set aside 3 qt. broth. Remove turkey from bones and cut into bite-size pieces; set aside., In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute the onions, carrots and celery in butter until tender. Reduce heat; stir in flour until blended. Gradually add 1 qt. of reserved broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Add cream, rice, salt, bouillon, pepper, remaining broth and reserved turkey. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender.

Nutrition Facts :

THANKSGIVING STUFFED TURKEY



Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey image

I've tried fancy stuffing recipes for our holiday bird, but none hits the spot like my mother's simple mixture of bread, eggs and caramelized vegetables. Have it on any holiday. -Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h50m

Yield 24 servings (3 cups gravy, 16 cups stuffing).

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 turkey (16 to 18 pounds) with giblets and neck
3/4 cup butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 large onions, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
2 loaves (1 pound each) day-old egg bread, cubed
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup egg substitute
GRAVY:
1 medium carrot, halved
1 celery rib, halved
1 small onion, quartered
1 bay leaf
6 whole peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 cups water, divided
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Reserve turkey giblets and neck; cover and refrigerate. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Melt 1/4 cup butter; brush over turkey. Sprinkle with seasonings., Roast, uncovered, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, 4 to 4-1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes after the first hour. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), In a large skillet, heat remaining butter over medium heat; saute vegetables until tender. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, parsley and onion mixture; stir in broth and egg substitute. Divide mixture between two greased 2-qt. baking dishes. Bake, covered, until a thermometer reads 165°, about 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes., For gravy, place vegetables, seasonings, 4 cups water and reserved giblets and neck in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until giblets are tender, about 1 hour. Strain stock; return to pan., Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving. Skim fat from pan drippings; add remaining drippings and loosened browned bits from roasting pan to stock., Mix flour and remaining water until smooth; stir into stock mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve with turkey and stuffing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534 calories, Fat 24g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 199mg cholesterol, Sodium 408mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 53g protein.

THANKSGIVING FLAVORED TURKEY BURGERS



Thanksgiving Flavored Turkey Burgers image

Thanksgiving on a bun any time of year! Use stuffing mix and cranberry sauce to turn ground turkey into an easy and delicious dinner. Serve with sweet potato fries with chipotle ketchup.

Provided by Hez

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup butter
1 onion, finely chopped
½ cup finely chopped celery
3 pounds ground turkey breast
1 (6 ounce) package chicken-flavored dry bread stuffing mix
2 eggs
16 hamburger buns, split
1 (16 ounce) can cranberry sauce
whipped cream cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
  • Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and cook and stir the onion and celery until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Place the cooked onion and celery in a large bowl with the ground turkey, stuffing mix, and eggs; mix to thoroughly combine. Form the mixture into 16 patties. Unlike hamburger, these patties will not change shape while cooking, so make them even in size.
  • Grill the turkey burgers on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Place each patty on a hamburger bun, and top with cranberry sauce and a dollop of whipped cream cheese to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.8 calories, Carbohydrate 42.6 g, Cholesterol 94.2 mg, Fat 9.8 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 27.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 539.4 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

MAKE-AHEAD THANKSGIVING TURKEY



Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h30m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
One 18-pound turkey, cut into 2 boneless breasts, 2 legs and 2 thighs (both bone-in) by your butcher
2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken broth

Steps:

  • The day before serving, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Put the thyme and rosemary on the bottom of a baking sheet. Put the turkey pieces on top, dot with the cubed butter, drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Roast, basting from time to time and checking for doneness every 15 minutes after 1 hour of cooking, until the meat reaches 165 degrees F, about 1 1/2 hours. Let rest, covered in foil, for 45 minutes.
  • Carve the breasts and thighs into slices (keep the legs whole), then arrange on a fresh baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate.
  • On the day of serving: let the turkey come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Drizzle the chicken broth over the turkey, cover again with foil and roast until it registers 165 degrees F, about 1 hour.

BRINED AND ROASTED THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH SIMPLE GRAVY



Brined and Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy image

For succulent meat, brine the bird. Stop your turkey from being dry by brining it and not overcooking it. Also,when serving roasted chicken, you can brine it first to keep it moist. Brining means your not required to baste as much during the cooking process. Prep time does not include brining time.

Provided by Alan in SW Florida

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 4h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 30

1 small onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
3 garlic cloves, sliced
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh sage
6 sprigs fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup iodized salt
3 gallons cold water
1 (16 lb) whole turkey, brined (neck and giblets removed and discarded)
salt and pepper, to season turkey
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
1 apple, sliced into wedges
1 orange, sliced into wedges
4 garlic cloves, peeled and whole
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
3 garlic cloves, whole
3 sprigs fresh sage
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
6 sprigs fresh Italian parsley
3 bay leaves
1/4 lb unsalted butter, sliced into pats
5 cups chicken stock or 5 cups chicken broth, divided

Steps:

  • BRINING TURKEY: ONE DAY BEFORE baking turkey, prepare brine. Combine all the brine ingredients. Place the turkey in a bucket or very large pot and pour brine over turkey to submerge. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Remove turkey from brine; dry off turkey with paper towels. Discard brine.
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Brine turkey as instructed above. Salt and pepper the brined turkey and cavity. Fill the cavity with carrots, celery, apple, orange, and garlic; bind the legs with kitchen twine.
  • In a large roasting or braising pan (or disposable aluminum pan), spread onion, carrot, celery, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley and bay leaves. Place the turkey on top of the bed of vegetables and herbs.
  • Put butter on turkey, or between skin and breast meat.
  • Place the turkey in the oven and roast 45 minutes. Pour half the chicken stock over the turkey; roast 45 minutes. Pour remaining stock over the turkey and roast 45 more minutes; it will start turning golden brown.
  • Baste with pan juices, cover loosely with foil and roast an additional 45 minutes. When the turkey has reached and internal temperature of 165 to 175 degrees, remove from oven, keep covered, and let rest at least 10 minutes before carving. Transfer to platter.
  • TO MAKE SIMPLE GRAVY: From the bottom of the roasting pan, discard herbs and measure out 1 cup of vegetables and 3 cups of pan juices; puree in blender. To thicken, add more vegetables; to thin add more pan juice. pour through a mesh strainer to make a smooth gravy. Makes 4 cups. TIP: For silken gravy, forget the flour. Avoid using flour, because that's usually what causes lumps. Instead, puree the vegetables you roast along with your turkey; they become your thickening agent. That, along with your pan juices, becomes your gravy. You can strain it through a mesh strainer, or use cream and reduce it.

TURKEY CHEESE BALL FOR THANKSGIVING



Turkey Cheese Ball for Thanksgiving image

Any cheese ball recipe can be turned into the shape of a turkey for a festive appetizer for your Thanksgiving dinner. All you need is some creativity!

Provided by Allrecipes

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Snacks     Kids     Cute and Fun

Time 2h20m

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dressing mix
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup whole pecans
7 whole-wheat crackers
¼ red bell pepper
1 black olive
½ teaspoon cream cheese, softened
1 slice yellow zucchini

Steps:

  • Mix cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, and dressing mix together in a large bowl. Form into a large ball. Roll in chopped pecans to coat surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Arrange a row of whole-wheat crackers in the back of the cheese ball for the turkey tail feathers. Stick pecans evenly into the cheese ball for the body.
  • Cut out 2 strips of red bell pepper for the head and neck. Cut out 2 "eyes" from the black olive using a small pastry tip. Place 2 small dollops of cream cheese on one of the 2 bell pepper strips for the turkey head and stick the black olive circles into it as pupils. Cut a small triangular slice out of the yellow zucchini for the turkey beak and stick to the red pepper with cream cheese. Stick the undecorated red bell pepper strip on the front of the cheese ball. Stick the red bell pepper stick with the face into the top of the cheese ball for the head.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 178.9 calories, Carbohydrate 3.2 g, Cholesterol 28.5 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 187.7 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

THANKSGIVING TURKEY BRINE



Thanksgiving Turkey Brine image

Prepare yourself for a juicy flavor kiss! Brining is a popular method for improving the flavor and moisture content of lean meats like chicken, turkey, pork, and seafood. Enjoy the most juiciest and flavorful turkey you'll ever eat.

Provided by Henry K

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 17h

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 gallon water
4 quarts chicken broth
1 ½ cups kosher salt
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons dried rosemary
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried savory
2 tablespoons dried marjoram
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried tarragon
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
2 gallons ice, divided, or more as needed
1 (20 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

Steps:

  • Mix water, chicken broth, and salt together in a 5-gallon bucket with lid until salt dissolves. Add garlic, rosemary, onion, basil, savory, marjoram, thyme, tarragon, oregano, pepper, and coriander and mix well. Stir 2 cups ice into brine.
  • Place turkey into brine, filling cavity with brine. Add enough ice to bucket to cover turkey. Secure lid on bucket. Swish bucket from side-to-side to chill water. Refrigerate turkey and bucket, refilling with ice every 2 hours as needed, 12 to 24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Discard brine. Place turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan.
  • Bake turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 to 40 minutes, until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 5 to 6 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 704.2 calories, Carbohydrate 3.2 g, Cholesterol 272.3 mg, Fat 32.5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 93.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.3 g, Sodium 7841.3 mg, Sugar 1 g

THE GREAT AFTER-THANKSGIVING TURKEY ENCHILADAS



The Great After-Thanksgiving Turkey Enchiladas image

An easy Turkey Enchiladas recipe that is great for after Thanksgiving.

Categories     Cheese     Onion     Tomato     turkey     Bake     Hot Pepper     Fall     Sour Cream     Cilantro     Tortillas     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 3/4 cups finely chopped onions
1 28-ounce can enchilada sauce
5 plum tomatoes, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped canned chipotle chilies*
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cups coarsely shredded cooked turkey
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
12 5- to 6-inch corn tortillas
*Chipotle chilies canned in a spicy tomato sauce are sold at Latin American markets, at specialty foods stores and at some supermarkets.

Steps:

  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add enchilada sauce, tomatoes and chipotles. Cover; simmer 20 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cilantro. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Mix turkey, 11/2 cups cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup onions and 1/2 cup cilantro in bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook 1 tortilla until pliable, about 20 seconds per side. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  • Spread 1/2 cup sauce in 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Spoon 1/4 cup turkey mixture in center of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas. Arrange seam side down in dish. Spoon 2 1/2 cups sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake enchiladas until heated through, about 30 minutes.
  • Rewarm remaining sauce in saucepan over medium-low heat. Transfer to sauceboat. Serve enchiladas, passing sauce separately.

Tips:

  • Thaw the turkey properly: Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of weight. For faster thawing, submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
  • Choose the right size turkey: A good rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. If you have leftovers, they can be used to make sandwiches, soups, and stews.
  • Season the turkey inside and out: Use a combination of herbs, spices, and salt to create a flavorful turkey. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, onion, and pepper.
  • Roast the turkey at the correct temperature: The ideal temperature for roasting a turkey is 325°F. This ensures that the turkey cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
  • Baste the turkey regularly: Basting helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Use a mixture of melted butter, herbs, and spices to baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving: Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving turkey is a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection and that your Thanksgiving dinner is a success. So gather your family and friends, and enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast!

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