40 Terrific Holiday Turkey Recipes for all your holiday needs. (2024)

Making a turkey can be a labor of love but to have the best recipe is priceless. There are so many ways to cook the bird it is really quite endless. So today I have 40 Terrific Holiday Turkey Recipes to share with you that will help you not only with the roasting of the turkey but also what to do with all those amazing leftovers.

Need sides to go with the bird? Try these very popular 25 Make Ahead Thanksgiving Casseroles.

If you like roasting a big bird or just a turkey breast or cooking up a cutlet we have recipes for you! I have done all of the above depending on what the needs of my family are or if company is coming. Plus, sometimes you just crave turkey but don’t want to mess with the whole bird.

Turkey is a very versatile protein that lends itself to many cuisines not just our traditional seasonings. Step outside the box and try some of these different recipes.

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Table of Contents

Turkey Recipes

Roasting a big bird can be intimidating but with these great recipes you will have success every time! Are you a novice chef or one that has been around for a long time cooking up a turkey? Either way we have a recipe or two for you.

Whole Turkey Recipes

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Roast Turkey 101 by Noshing with the Nolands

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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy by Art in the Kitchen

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Super Juicy Turkey Baked in Cheesecloth by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

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Spanish Spiced Turkey by Noshing With The Nolands

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Paleo Thanksgiving Turkey with Fresh Herb Rub by Noshtastic

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Perfect Roast Turkey by Culinary Ginger

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How to Inject Flavor in a Turkey to Keep it Moist and Flavorfulby Confessions of an Overworked Mom

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Turkey Talk Line Turns to Texting by Noshing With The Nolands

Turkey Cuts Recipes

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Stuffed Roasted Turkey Breast by Noshing With The Nolands

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Turkey Roulade with Apple-Cranberry Stuffing in a Bacon Weave by Boulder Locavore

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Slow Cooker Herbed Turkey Breast by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures

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Lemon Thyme Pan Seared Turkey Breast Cutlets by Flavor Mosaic

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Indian Spiced Turkey Breast by Dessert for Two

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Grilled Brown Sugar and Whole Grain Mustard Turkey Tenderloin by A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Leftover Turkey Recipes

Are you stuck in a rut with leftovers for turkey? Always do the same casserole, same sandwich? I have for you a load of recipes to pull you out of that rut.

Do you make soup from the turkey carcass? Never done it? I have a stock for you that is excellent and you can then freeze for later use or make the most delicious turkey soup too. Soup is so comforting and so much better homemade.

Turkey Soup

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Homemade Turkey Stock Recipe by Noshing With The Nolands

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Easy Light Turkey Noodle Soup by Noshing With The Nolands

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Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup by That Skinny Chick Can Bake

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Turkey Noodle Soup from Scratch by Karen’s Kitchen Stories

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Slow Cooker Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pie Soup by Baked by Rachel

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Creamy White (Leftover) Turkey Chili by The View from Great Island

Turkey Sandwiches

Tired of that same old, same old? Try some of these twists on a classic turkey sandwich. They all look so good, not sure which one to try first!!

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Turkey Grilled Cheese with Cranberry and Brie by Life Tastes Good

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Healthy Cranberry-Avocado Turkey Salad by Savoring Today

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Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich by Home Made Interest

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Roasted Turkey and Avocado Sandwich by Give Recipe

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Turkey Waldorf Wraps by Saving Room for Dessert

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Turkey Tzatziki Wrap {Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free} by Tasting Page

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Leftover Turkey Salad Panini with Cranberries and Pecans by Home Cooking Memories

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Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla by The Cookie Rookie

Turkey Salad

Want something a little lighter, try these salads on for size. Such a great way to use up that leftover turkey.

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Spiralized Apple Turkey Slaw by Noshing With The Nolands

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Turkey Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures

Turkey Pizza

Turkey pizza, who knew? These creative pizzas will be a great change of pace!

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Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pizza by Baked by Rachel

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Turkey Bacon Ranch Pizza by The Blond Cook

Turkey Hash

One of my faves is to make a turkey hash with the leftovers. So easy and so delicious!

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Leftover Turkey Potato Hash by Noshing With The Nolands

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Turkey Holiday Hash by Boulder Locavore

Turkey Casseroles

Mmmm, casseroles! These are always a hit with the leftoevers! Some have you enjoying cheesy turkey, some with pasta, some with all the leftovers together.

One thing in common is that they all look so good. Hard to decide. Maybe make extra turkey so you can make a couple of these!!

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Chicken {Turkey} Cheesy Alfredo Casserole by Noshing With The Nolands

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Turkey Tetrazzini {Thanksgiving Leftovers} by That Skinny Chick Can Bake

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Turkey Shepherd’s Pie by Julie’s Eats and Treats

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Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole by Life Tastes Good

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Easy Leftover Turkey Casserole with Mayonnaise by Wholesome Yum

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Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe by Saving Room for Dessert

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40 Terrific Holiday Turkey Recipes for all your holiday needs. (2024)

FAQs

What can I use instead of turkey for Thanksgiving cheap? ›

For smaller crowds, swap the turkey with chicken, Cornish game hens, or stuff and roast individual quails for each guest, which is very elegant for a plated meal. Our roast chicken with sourdough stuffing, pomegranate roast chicken, and cranberry stuffed cornish game hen bring a festive Thanksgiving vibe to the table.

What pairs well with turkey? ›

Turkey Day trimmings in the U.S. typically include mashed potatoes and stuffing with gravy, biscuits, candied yams, green bean casserole with fried onions, roasted vegetables and the requisite cranberry sauce.

How to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving Martha Stewart? ›

Roast 1 hour, then baste every 30 minutes with pan liquids, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) registers 125°F, about 3 hours. Remove foil; raise oven heat to 400°F. Continue roasting, basting occasionally, until thigh reaches 180°F, 45 to 60 minutes more.

What vegetables go well with turkey breast? ›

Simple turkey sides
  • 1) Bay roasted smashed potatoes. ...
  • 2) Green bean and goats cheese salad. ...
  • 3) Brussels sprouts and speck gratin. ...
  • 4) Couscous salad. ...
  • 5) Rocket coleslaw. ...
  • 6) Sweet potato and chive damper. ...
  • 7) Honey macadamia stuffing. ...
  • 8) Pork stuffing.

What can I make for Christmas dinner instead of turkey? ›

Unique holiday dinner ideas
  • Beef Wellington: The Showstopper.
  • Christmas Roast Duck: The Twist on a Classic.
  • Vegetarian Enchiladas: The Surprise Favorite.
  • Roast Lamb: The Savory Star.
  • Stuffed Acorn Squash: The Festive & Flavorful.
  • Prime Rib Roast: The Hearty Hero.
Dec 12, 2022

What are the top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes? ›

Thanksgiving side dishes: Here's the 10 most popular for your...
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Gravy.
  • Bread.
  • Stuffing/dressing.
  • Cranberry sauce.
  • Squash.
  • Corn.

What are 3 popular foods in turkey? ›

7 Most Popular Turkish Dishes
  • Baklava. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, baklava is one of the most iconic Turkish dishes and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. ...
  • Şiş kebap. ...
  • Döner. ...
  • Köfte. ...
  • Pide. ...
  • Kumpir. ...
  • Meze. ...
  • The taste of Turkey in Gungahlin.
Jan 15, 2016

Is it better to put butter or oil on a turkey? ›

Some chefs suggest rubbing the turkey skin with vegetable or olive oil rather than using butter for turkey. This debate has very little to do with the meat itself but more to do with getting brown, crispy skin.

Are Kelly Bronze turkeys worth the money? ›

In my opinion, it is without doubt the best turkey available in the United States. It is in a league of its own. Once converted, customers keep coming back year after year. We're thrilled to offer Kelly Bronze turkeys, a bird that that is phenomenally flavourful and exemplifies our standards for Meat Raised Right.

How to add flavor to Thanksgiving turkey? ›

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage along with a half lemon go a long way to add flavor, and stuffing it into the bird takes almost no time at all. (While you're at it, season the cavity with a good amount of salt and pepper.) Brining is an essential step to ensure a juicy bird.

What is traditionally served with turkey? ›

Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, gravy… Just add these soft, fluffy dinner rolls to the menu, and you'll have checked every box for a classic Thanksgiving feast.

What condiment goes well with turkey? ›

Mayo is a simple and apt pairing when the sandwich consists of richly flavored dark meat. Pat Eby takes it up a notch, though, mixing equal parts of Duke's with a country Dijon. “Grey Poupon is nice but not mandatory—but Duke's is sacred,” she says.

What pairs best with turkey? ›

White Wines

Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling are excellent choices to accompany your turkey dinner. Sauvignon Blanc is a light and citrusy wine that compliments turkey well, as it doesn't overpower the dish's flavor. Chardonnay is a more robust white wine featuring notes of vanilla and butter.

What can replace turkey for a meat? ›

20 turkey alternatives for Thanksgiving, including duck and pork
  • Pork.
  • Ham.
  • Duck.
  • Chicken.
  • Beef.
  • Squash.
  • Mushroom.
  • Cauliflower.
Oct 30, 2022

What is an alternative bird to turkey for Thanksgiving? ›

As for cooking methods, duck, pheasant and goose can roast in the oven just like you would a turkey. The fattier duck and geese should be slow-roasted so the fat renders and you get a crispy skin. A quick reminder: Just like all poultry, make sure your bird reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

What can I buy instead of a whole turkey? ›

Here are our best budget alternatives so you can still enjoy Thanksgiving, without the hefty price tag!
  • Swap your turkey for a rotisserie chicken. ...
  • The free turkey program. ...
  • Get fancy with Cornish game hens. ...
  • Opt for turkey cuts. ...
  • Butterball roast. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Whole roasted cauliflower.
Oct 11, 2023

What is a smaller alternative to turkey? ›

Birds like chicken, duck, quail, and Cornish hens are smaller, worthy alternatives to the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.

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