25 Unique Turkey Recipes To Prepare For Thanksgiving (2024)

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, indulgent feasting. And at the heart of this delectable celebration stands the star of the show – the Thanksgiving turkey. Are you looking for a unique turkey recipe to take your holiday culinary prowess up a notch?

We’ve got you covered with an array of unique turkey recipes for Thanksgiving that will have your taste buds dancing in delight. Say goodbye to the traditional roast turkey, and say hello to these unique and mouthwatering herb-roasted alternatives.

25 Unique Turkey Recipes To Prepare For Thanksgiving (1)

Exploring Exciting New Flavors

Hey y’all, Tiffany here with some unique ways to prepare a Thanksgiving turkey!

Thanksgiving dinner, a cherished tradition in many American households, often features a familiar menu that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. The classic turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce have been gracing our tables for generations, offering a warm and hearty experience. However, if you’re looking to spice up your holiday feast this year, there’s a world of culinary adventure awaits.

While many, like myself, with Crohn’s disease, I have to be careful about the things I eat. I typically end up sticking with bland foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. I find comfort in the tradition of Thanksgiving dishes, there are those who are more inclined to explore new culinary horizons. Phillip, for instance, is one such enthusiast who revels in experimenting with new flavors. Phillip loves to eat out and try new foods, so we try to find a balance. He really enjoys experimenting with foods and trying new things, like when he got a smoker and learned how to smoke a turkey. If you share Phillip’s passion for culinary creativity, Thanksgiving is the perfect way to do that!

Let’s embark on a Thanksgiving dinner adventure like never before. There are some great recipes on this list! They go perfectly withthis Fresh Cranberry Salad.

As you get ready for Thanksgiving, don’t forget to order someturkey oven bags!They make cleanup SO much easier.

Unique Turkey Recipes for Thanksgiving

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Smoked Apple Cider Turkey {Juicy & Delicious}

Photo Credit:outgrilling.com

Enhance your Thanksgiving with our Smoked Apple Cider Roast Turkey recipe. This flavorful and succulent turkey is marinated to perfection, infusing every bite with a blend of smokiness and sweet apple cider. The result is a showstopper that will impress at any holiday gathering or family dinner. Make this good roast turkey recipe the star of your table, and savor the joy it brings to your loved ones. Transform your meal into a culinary masterpiece with this unforgettable turkey recipe.

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Orange-Ginger Glazed Turkey

Photo Credit:www.theroastedroot.net

Orange-Ginger Glazed Turkey, herb roasted to perfection, is an incredibly flavorful and unique take on Thanksgiving turkey. The infusion of zesty orange and the subtle warmth of ginger elevate this dish to a whole new level, making it a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy this simple and easy turkey recipe, and let it redefine your Thanksgiving tradition. This succulent herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey, glazed with the vibrant flavors of orange and ginger, will undoubtedly be the star of your holiday table.

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Succulent Smoked Turkey Recipe

Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com

We all know there has to be turkey on the table for Thanksgiving, but if you are like me, you find the cooked turkey done in the oven kind of dry. This succulent Smoked Turkey is one of the perfect turkey recipes for your Thanksgiving! You may not have any leftovers, thanks to the mouthwatering tenderness and juiciness that smoking brings to your holiday turkey.

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Cherry Chestnut Turkey Roulade - with Red Wine Soaked Cherry Sauce

Photo Credit:www.runningtothekitchen.com

This exquisite turkey roulade, a truly unique turkey recipe, is a symphony of flavors, with the tartness of cherries, the richness of chestnuts, and the aromatic herbs. The pièce de résistance is the crimson cherry sauce, soaked in red wine, that crowns this dish, elevating it to a culinary masterpiece perfect for any holiday gathering. And, if you happen to have any leftovers, this turkey roulade is also a fantastic foundation for a delectable turkey salad, ensuring your holiday feast continues to delight in a new way.

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BACON WRAPPED TURKEY BREAST STUFFED WITH PEAR HASH

You may never want to cook a whole turkey for Thanksgiving again after trying this flavorful meat. Stuffed with pear harsh and wrapped in bacon, what more could you want? Discover a new level of simplicity and flavor in your Thanksgiving turkey recipes with this spiced turkey breast that promises succulence and culinary innovation.

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Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Breasts For Two - Homemade In The Kitchen

Photo Credit:www.chocolatemoosey.com

When roasting a whole turkey is too much food, make Thanksgiving Stuffed Turkey Breast For Two with caramelized onion cranberry stuffing and turkey pan gravy.

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Buttery Roasted Turkey Thighs

Photo Credit:www.wenthere8this.com

Instead of trying to cook a whole turkey for that holiday meal, make these buttery Roasted Turkey Thighs. Seasoned with honey and spicy harissa (spicy pepper) paste, these thighs are sure to be a hit for a family dinner!

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Peach-Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast

Photo Credit:www.lifeloveliz.com

This Peach-Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast is a perfect summer dish for everyday meals or to serve at a barbecue. The end result is juicy, turkey breasts, full of fresh summer flavor with perfectly crisp skin.

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Citrus & Rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast - Frugal Mom Eh!

Photo Credit:www.frugalmomeh.com

This Citrus and rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast combines the fresh flavors of citrus fruit with the aroma of fresh herbs for a delicious turkey that easily feeds a small crowd. I used stem and leaf Clementines, Meyer lemons, and blood oranges to create a flavor profile suited to a spring meal – a dish worthy of your family's Easter dinner table.

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The BEST Citrus Tea-Glazed Roasted Turkey

Photo Credit:www.jaroflemons.com/

When it comes to making the perfect roasted turkey, it doesn't get much better than this Citrus Tea-Glazed Roasted Turkey recipe. It truly is the best! Not only does it taste delicious, but the citrus tea glaze adds a slightly sweet flavor and beautiful visual that will impress your guests this holiday season!

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Delicious Garbage Can Turkey Recipe » Homemade Heather

Photo Credit:homemadeheather.com

Would you believe me if I told you that this garbage can turkey recipe makes for one of the best turkeys that I have ever tasted?!

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Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs

Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com

This roasted turkey breast is coated in savory garlic and herb butter and then baked to golden brown perfection.

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Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Maple Glaze

Photo Credit:saporitokitchen.com

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, t Thanksgiving Roast Turkey with Maple Glaze had to make an appearance. This turkey has been a family favorite for the last few years and has the most delicious flavor. This turkey is brined so the meat stays moist and then roasted to perfection. It's finished off with a maple glaze so the skin is beautifully crispy and makes for amazing drippings.

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Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Brine - Flavor Mosaic

Photo Credit:flavormosaic.com

This Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Brine is our family's recipe for cooking a moist, juicy, and golden roast turkey for our Thanksgiving or holiday table. The secret to this turkey recipe is the Apple Cider Brine and lots of butter.

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Slow Cooker Turkey with Cranberry Quinoa Dressing

Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com

This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Quinoa Cranberry Dressing is the perfect special meal for a small gathering. It feeds up to 6 people, but it's perfect for 4 if you want leftover turkey sandwiches (and who doesn't?!)

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Five Spice Turkey {Asian Inspired Thanksgiving}

Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com

Five-spice turkey with sticky rice is an Asian-inspired Thanksgiving meal that your family will love!

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Dry Brined Turkey

Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com

This dry-brined turkey is coated in a blend of salt, herbs brown sugar, and spices, then roasted to golden brown perfection.

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Pavochon with Mofongo Stuffing

Photo Credit:senseandedibility.com

Pavochon is a turkey seasoned like a Puerto Rican lechon and filled with garlicky plantain mashed stuffing. Chicken-friendly, too!

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Grilled Spatchco*ck Turkey with Yucatan Dry Rub {90 Minutes Grill Time}

Photo Credit:kitchenlaughter.com

This Grilled Yucatan Spatchco*ck Turkey will be the showcase of your Thanksgiving table. The quick and easy brine combined with flavors of the Yucatan region of Mexico makes this one a family favorite.

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Deep Fried Turkey

Photo Credit:www.dinneratthezoo.com

This deep-fried turkey is brined in a mixture of herbs and citrus and then fried to golden brown perfection.

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Spatchco*ck Turkey

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Spatchco*ck Turkey is a quick way to roast turkey. Butterflying a turkey makes it cook fast while the meat comes out extra juicy with crispy skin!

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Air Fryer Turkey Legs (Gluten Free)

Photo Credit:glutenfreesupper.com

This air fryer turkey legs recipe will walk you through how to cook gluten-free, air-fried turkey legs that are deliciously crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

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Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Photo Credit:sweetteaandsprinkles.com

Cook your Thanksgiving Turkey in an instant pot to free up space in the oven for baked goods and side dishes! It cooks quickly and the bird comes out fork-tender every time!

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How to Smoke a Turkey on Your Traeger - Smoked Meat Sunday

Photo Credit:www.smokedmeatsunday.com

If you're like most folks, turkey is going to be on your table at some point during the holidays. Turkey can be really tasty if it's cooked right, and it can be easy to prepare too. If you're wondering how to make Traeger Smoked Turkey, you're in the right place.

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Red Wine Turkey Recipe

Photo Credit:cookingwithjanica.com

Make the juiciest, most beautiful brown turkey ever with this red wine brine recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Sriracha Beer Injected Cajun Turkey Recipe

Photo Credit:cookingwithjanica.com

Looking to spice up the holidays? Try this Cajun-rubbed Turkey that's been injected with Sriracha beer. Flavorful, tender dark meat, with a hint of spice.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and gratitude. While traditional dishes have their special place, exploring new culinary horizons can be an exciting way to celebrate this cherished holiday. So, this year, why not create a Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will remember? Whether you opt for fusion flavors, vegan delights, seafood extravaganzas, or a combination of these, your Thanksgiving table will be a true reflection of your culinary passion. Embrace the new, experiment with flavors, and watch your Thanksgiving dinner become a sensational event. Happy Thanksgiving, filled with love, laughter, and the joy of sharing a delightful meal.

Happy eating!

More Thanksgiving Guide

Check out our other Thanksgiving posts.

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  • 15 Thanksgiving DIY Crafts and Printables for Kids
  • 47 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes
  • 90 Thanksgiving Desserts (That are NOT Pie!)
  • 27 Thanksgiving Decoration Ideas
  • Thanksgiving Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

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25 Unique Turkey Recipes To Prepare For Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

What are ten tips to use when preparing a turkey? ›

10 tips for the juiciest, tastiest turkey you've ever made
  1. Don't overspend on the turkey. ...
  2. Mix the stuffing at the right time. ...
  3. Choose the right roasting pan. ...
  4. Consider adding aromatics. ...
  5. Cover with foil very tightly. ...
  6. Let the turkey rest.
Nov 18, 2021

What flavors are good with turkey? ›

(Here's an idea: try stuffing your turkey with oranges, pomelos and fresh herbs to infuse extra flavor into your bird and help retain moisture!) Other fragrant fruity matches include cranberries, figs, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, almonds, walnuts and urfa biber (otherwise known as isot or Aleppo pepper).

How do you keep a turkey moist if you cook it the day before Thanksgiving? ›

To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover. Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.

Why put toothpicks in a turkey before cooking? ›

Secure the Skin and Oil it Up

One secret to making your turkey look its best is to use toothpicks to secure the skin to the inside of the bird. Then, pin the skin near the legs; your turkey will look more delicious and professional when you're finished cooking.

Should I brush turkey with butter or oil? ›

Rub the skin with fat

Fat is going to help the skin get brown and crisp, and contrary to what most might think, butter isn't better. Butter does an okay job, but because it contains a lot of water, oil is a better fat to rub on the skin to ensure it gets extra crispy.

How do you prep a turkey the night before? ›

Ready Your Turkey for the Fridge

You don't want the meat to dry out while it sits overnight, so you will need to cover it with a liquid. Spoon some chicken broth or the drippings from the roasting pan (and the cutting board) over the turkey so it stays moist. Cover snugly and refrigerate overnight.

How do you season a turkey the night before? ›

Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.

What should I put in the cavity of my turkey? ›

Add halved onions, carrot chunks, celery and fresh herbs to the cavity of your turkey, inserting them loosely. These flavor builders are the base of stock and most soups. As your turkey cooks, they'll steam and infuse your bird with moisture and flavor.

What can I put inside turkey besides stuffing? ›

Inside of the turkey you can put sliced lemons, herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage, whole garlic cloves, shallots and celery, which will perfume the meat and flavor the drippings.

How to season a turkey for best flavor? ›

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the right place to start. But you can expand upon these basics by using fall herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, which are natural accompaniments for turkey.

What is best to put inside a turkey for flavor? ›

Herbs: Make an herb bouquet with thyme, bay leaves, sage, parsley stems, and rosemary to infuse your bird. You can then easily discard it once the turkey comes out of the oven. Alliums: Add quartered onions, shallots, leeks, or garlic cloves for a delicious, earthy aroma.

What are 2 ways to keep turkey from drying out? ›

5 Ways to Prevent Your Turkey from Drying Out
  1. Cook Pieces Instead of a Whole Turkey. ...
  2. If Cooking a Whole Turkey, Buy Frozen. ...
  3. Ditch the Plastic Pop-Up Timer; Use an Instant-Read Thermometer Instead. ...
  4. Elevate the Legs. ...
  5. Let the Turkey Rest.
Nov 1, 2022

Should I butter my turkey the night before? ›

You can unwrap the turkey the night before or the morning of. Then, slide pats of butter under the skin and smooth them out. This helps to baste the meat, keeping it juicy as the butter melts, and it makes the skin ultra crispy.

Can I cook a turkey the day before and reheat it? ›

Cold, cooked turkey meat will keep in the fridge for up to four days, but always use your best judgement. Always reheat cold turkey until it's piping hot, not just warmed through. Only reheat cooked turkey once.

What are acceptable tips in turkey? ›

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Turkish restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Turkey depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.

How should I prepare a turkey? ›

With your thawed, unwrapped turkey, it's a good idea to set it on a wire rack and air it out at room temperature for no longer than an hour before you proceed with cooking. This tactic, called tempering, takes the chill off and helps dry your bird, allowing the meat to cook more evenly and resulting in a moister bird.

What are turkey tips? ›

Turkey tips are chunks of white-meat turkey (turkey breast meat) that are marinated much in the same way that steak tips are, then grilled, often to the point of charring on the outside. As with steak tips, turkey tips can typically be found in bars, lounges, and pubs.

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