CDKitchen, it's what's cooking online!
  • contact the CDKitchen helpdesk

The Thanksgiving Turkey

The Thanksgiving Turkey

The turkey is the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal so it's important to make it a success.



jump to the recipes

turkey tip #1

If buying a frozen turkey, make sure it is completely thawed before baking.

turkey tip #2

The larger the turkey, the drier it can be. If you are cooking for a large group consider making two smaller turkeys instead of one large one.

turkey tip #3

If you worry that the turkey might be dry, brine it ahead of time. You can brine with a simple salt water solution without affecting the flavor of any of the recipes listed here.

turkey tip #4

Use a good (accurate) meat thermometer to test for doneness. Do not rely on the pop-up timers that come with some turkeys.

turkey tip #5

Let the turkey sit with a tent of foil over it before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.



thanksgiving turkey recipe finder

 
Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the thanksgiving turkey section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   thanksgiving turkey
recipe for slow roasted turkey

Slow Roasted Turkey

What's the hurry? Slow-roasting is the way to go for an ultra-juicy bird, and a quick crank of the oven up to 500 gives this turkey a nice outer crust before the rest gets cooked.

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for slow cooker citrus turkey breast

Slow Cooker Citrus Turkey Breast

Let's face it, turkey can sometimes be a bit bland, but not with this recipe. A combination of spices and citrus juices turns a classic into a standout dish that...

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for roast stuffed turkey in a crockpot

Roast Stuffed Turkey In a Crockpot

Roast stuffed turkey is a classic and delicious holiday dish. This recipe uses a crock pot to cook the turkey, which is convenient and frees up your oven for other...

Method:   crock pot, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for cuban thanksgiving turkey

Cuban Thanksgiving Turkey

Try a Cuban twist to your turkey this Thanksgiving. The turkey is marinated with a sour orange and garlic mixture. This could be the best turkey you've ever had. Trust us!

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for apple brined and hickory smoked turkey

Apple Brined And Hickory Smoked Turkey

Turkey is brined in a mixture of apple juice, brown sugar, salt, oranges, ginger, cloves, garlic, and bay leaves. To further enhance the flavor it's cooked in a...

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours

get our recipe newsletters!
Get our daily recipe newsletter!

Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!


recipe for apple brined turkey

Apple Brined Turkey

A spectacular brine of apple cider, orange juice, and warm spices gives your holiday bird sweet and spiced undertones and keeps it super moist.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for 7-up turkey

7-UP Turkey

Just like the pilgrims did it. Well, at least how they would've done it if 7-Up had been around. Just two ingredients for a moist and delicious bird, what more could you really ask for?

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for roast turkey with aromatic herbs

Roast Turkey With Aromatic Herbs

Made with black pepper, whole turkey, onion, lemon, vegetable oil, dried thyme, dried tarragon, dried rosemary, salt

Method:   oven
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for maple bacon roast turkey

Maple Bacon Roast Turkey

Voted the best Thanksgiving turkey ever (by CDKitchen staff). The turkey is covered in slices of bacon and basted with maple syrup while roasting. Heavenly!

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for homestyle turkey

Homestyle Turkey

A simple roast turkey recipe with some tips and tricks for getting super moist meat.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for classic roast turkey and homestyle gravy

Classic Roast Turkey And Homestyle Gravy

Preparing a classic roast turkey doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe emphasizes a no-fuss roasting method accentuated by a gravy that pulls it all...

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for apple glazed turkey

Apple Glazed Turkey

This apple glazed turkey swaps out traditional savory flavors for a sweeter twist with apple cider and maple syrup, making it a standout choice for any festive occasion.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for citrus roast turkey

Citrus Roast Turkey

Two lemons, two limes and an orange with fresh bunches of sage, marjoram, and thyme add the herbal notes for a uniquely flavored bird.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for herb roast turkey

Herb Roast Turkey

The herb roast turkey combines the classic elements of a traditional turkey with the distinct flavors of fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables. This recipe not only promises a moist...

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for basic roast turkey

Basic Roast Turkey

Basic recipe, sophisticated result. A honey citrus glaze spiked with orange zest elevates the flavor of the turkey in a major way while keeping the steps simple and the ingredients...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for broth injected turkey

Broth Injected Turkey

If you're looking for an extra flavorful turkey this holiday season, try injecting it with broth! This simple technique can really boost the taste of your bird.

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for mini-thanksgiving turkey

Mini-Thanksgiving Turkey

Want a turkey dinner without all the work? Try this small-scale version made with turkey tenderloins and homemade bread stuffing.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for marinated thanksgiving turkey

Marinated Thanksgiving Turkey

Ready to spice up your Thanksgiving feast? This marinated turkey recipe uses an intriguing mixture of savory and citrus, which makes it a great option for those seeking...

Method:   oven, outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for slow cooker turkey breast with cranberry stuffing

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast With Cranberry Stuffing

Made with black pepper, salt, dried basil, boneless turkey breast, stuffing cubes, water, butter or margarine, onion, mushrooms, dried cranberries

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for slow cooker thanksgiving bone-in turkey breast with bacon gravy

Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Bone-In Turkey Breast With Bacon Gravy

Made with dried sage, Worcestershire sauce, bacon, bone-in turkey breast, garlic pepper, turkey gravy, all-purpose flour

Method:   crock pot, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for holiday roasted turkey with vegetable gravy

Holiday Roasted Turkey With Vegetable Gravy

Made with fresh thyme, fresh tarragon, black pepper, salt, turkey, vegetable oil, fresh herb, butter, onions, carrots

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for turducken

Turducken

Made with turkey, duckling, chicken, sausage stuffing, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for orange bourbon turkey

Orange Bourbon Turkey

Made with orange juice, bourbon, water, salt, molasses, oranges, non-stick cooking spray, all-purpose flour, orange, flat-leaf parsley sprigs

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for easy beginner's turkey with stuffing

Easy Beginner's Turkey With Stuffing

Made with salt and pepper, whole turkey, dry bread stuffing mix, water, butter, celery, onion, white bread

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for brined turkey

Brined Turkey

Made with water, garlic powder, thyme, turkey, chicken broth, coarse salt or sea salt, sage, rosemary

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for orange and herb roasted turkey

Orange And Herb Roasted Turkey

Made with fresh thyme, frozen orange juice concentrate, oil, fresh rosemary, margarine or butter, chicken broth, cornstarch, Candied fruit

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for roast turkey breast with chipotle glaze and southwest stuffing

Roast Turkey Breast With Chipotle Glaze And Southwest Stuffing

Made with breakfast sausage, olive oil, poblano chili pepper, onion, celery, unsalted butter, fresh parsley, fresh sage, eggs, Kosher salt

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for apricot glazed turkey

Apricot Glazed Turkey

Made with butter, onions, shallots, turkey, chicken broth, fresh thyme, sage, salt and pepper

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for tofu turkey with stuffing

Tofu Turkey with Stuffing

Made with garlic, sage, marjoram, thyme, savory, salt and pepper, rosemary, soy sauce or tamari, celery seed, packaged herb stuffing

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for roast turkey with grand marnier apricot stuffing

Roast Turkey With Grand Marnier Apricot Stuffing

Made with oranges, dried thyme, salt and pepper, dried apricots, grand marnier, butter, celery, yellow onion

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for cured turkey

Cured Turkey

Made with turkey, kosher salt, juniper berries, sugar, bay leaves, thyme, whole cloves, allspice berries

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for deep fat fried turkey

Deep Fat Fried Turkey

Made with seasoning, turkey, onion juice, garlic juice, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, liquid smoke, white wine

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for cranberry orange stuffed turkey

Cranberry Orange Stuffed Turkey

Made with celery, onions, salt, black pepper, allspice, whole turkey, orange juice, frozen cranberry-orange sauce

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for honey and spice glazed turkey

Honey And Spice Glazed Turkey

Made with vegetable oil, chili powder, garlic powder, ground allspice, cumin, salt, ground red pepper, honey, water, turkey

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for maple-glazed turkey breast

Maple-Glazed Turkey Breast

Made with lemon juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, corn bread stuffing mix, celery, pecans, pimientos, turkey breast cutlets, maple syrup

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


About CDKitchen

Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.