10 Classic Ways To Cook Your Turkey This Thanksgiving

Find the perfect Thanksgiving turkey recipe for every situation you can think of.

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht turned her home baking into a career in 2016 when she began working as the head baker at The Greenbean Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA. Afterwards, she started Baking with Rachel (her blog), began teaching kids' cooking classes, and recipe tested for the cookbook "Let's Stay In" by Ashley Rodriguez.
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Published November 12, 2023
Rachel Knecht
A whole roasted turkey in a roasting pan

Simply Recipes / Allison Conklin

I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. I cherish the time spent sharing a meal, expressing my gratitude for the people around the table and the year that has passed.

Though the menu stays the same, the recipes and people around the table change from year to year. Maybe your holiday is similar?

If this is your first Thanksgiving hosting a big celebration or you and your favorite person are celebrating together, the recipes below come in handy for a wide range of celebrations. You’re sure to have a delicious meal, whether two or twelve around the table. 

No matter which recipe you choose, you’ll want to make sure that your turkey is thawed by Thanksgiving. And the most stressful part of cooking a turkey is figuring out when it’s done. Save yourself the worry and brush up on how to check the turkey for doneness. Your future self will thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving! I appreciate that you’re here and hope you have a wonderful holiday.

  • Roast Turkey Breast with Roasted Garlic Gravy

    Roast Turkey Breast with Garlic Gravy
    Elise Bauer

    A turkey breast cooks in less time and is a great option for a smaller crowd, but the lean white meat doesn't make enough drippings for gravy. This recipe solves the problem by cooking turkey legs for the gravy separately. As a bonus, you can make the gravy ahead of time.

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  • Turkey Tenderloin

    Turkey Tenderloin Sliced on a Cutting Board

    Simply Recipes / Katie Morford

    Skip the time it takes to cook a whole turkey and make tenderloins instead. Tenderloin is white, boneless meat cut from the breast. They cook in mere minutes and are tender and juicy. Use the extra time to make a quick mustard sauce from the juices to serve over top.

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  • Pecan Wood Smoked Turkey

    Citrus-brined smoked turkey carved on a platter.
    Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

    Turn the turkey into the showstopper it’s meant to be. Smoking the turkey frees up oven space and more importantly, imparts a slightly nutty smoky flavor to the meat. The key is making sure you brine it and let it dry out before smoking. If you start on Tuesday, you’ll be ready to smoke it on Thursday.

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  • Mom's Roast Turkey

    A whole turkey in a roasting pan.
    Elise Bauer

    With a name like that, you know it has to be good. The secret to juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is to keep an instant-read thermometer on hand and to cook the turkey breast side down. This recipe also takes you from thawing to making gravy from the drippings.

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    Continue to 5 of 10 below.

  • Instant Pot Turkey Breast and Gravy

    Quick and easy instant pot turkey breasts set on an herb covered platter.
    Coco Morante

    Shorten your time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving by making use of the Instant Pot. You’ll end up with a flavorful turkey plus gravy in the process. You’ll want to crisp up the turkey skin in the oven or use the air fryer lid before serving. For the gravy, you can use an immersion blender inside the pot or transfer it to a blender before serving.

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  • Smoked Turkey Breast

    A plate with two slices of apple and sage-brined smoked turkey breast served with vegetable sides.
    Mike Lang

    This one goes out to all the fans of white meat. Did you know that you can buy just the breast and still serve eight? To maximize the flavor, brine it in an apple juice mixture, let it dry out, and then smoke it. You’ll be rewarded with ultra-crispy skin and juicy meat.

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  • Chard and Prosciutto Stuffed Turkey Breast

    Chard Stuffed Turkey Breast
    Elise Bauer

    Elegant and full of flavor, this is a recipe you'll turn to long after Thanksgiving. The filling is made of blanched Swiss chard, pine nuts, and prosciutto. Save yourself some time by having the butcher butterfly the turkey breast for you. Two pounds serves three to four people. 

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  • Easiest Turkey Brine

    Turkey Brine
    Emma Christensen and Elizabeth Stark

    We’ve all had our fair share of dry turkey. Here's an easy solution. Brine the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and aromatics before roasting it. The meat comes out juicy and tender. I can guarantee you'll never look back.

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    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • Pressure Cooker Turkey with Dijon Gravy

    Pressure Cooker Turkey with Dijon Gravy
    Coco Morante

    If you love dark meat like I do, then this is the recipe for you. Not only do you end up with juicy turkey but you'll have a tasty gravy without dirtying extra dishes. The gravy is flavored with Dijon mustard and makes enough to spoon over mashed potatoes, as well.

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  • Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Stock

    Slow Cooker Chicken Broth
    Alison Bickel and Emma Christensen

    Thanksgiving dinner gives and gives. Once the turkey has been carved, hold on to the carcass and make a beautifully rich stock. All you need is a carcass, water, and a big pot to put it in. Freeze your homemade stock or use it in recipes like turkey mushroom risotto to start.

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