10+ Turkey Recipes to Make Your Family Dinner Extra Special

Turkey works in so many recipes, it’s almost surprising. Whether you want something quick for a Tuesday or you’re planning a big holiday meal, turkey fits right in. You can roast it, grind it, toss it in soup, or even slap it between bread.

Here are turkey recipes that are easy to follow and suit different tastes and occasions. Cooking turkey might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you’ll get flavorful, satisfying meals. These recipes can help you get comfortable with turkey, no matter how much experience you have.

Ingredients

• Whole turkey or ground turkey
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil or butter
• Aromatics (onion, garlic, herbs like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) if roasting a whole turkey.
2. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and olive oil or butter.
3. Add aromatics inside the cavity if roasting a whole turkey.
4. Roast until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
5. For ground turkey, cook it in a pan over medium heat until browned and no longer pink.
6. Let the turkey rest before slicing or serving.

1) Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

You can make a classic turkey using herb butter. Just mix softened butter with rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Rub the herb butter under and over the skin. It helps keep the meat moist and adds a ton of flavor.

Start roasting your turkey at a high temperature to get that crispy skin, then lower the heat to finish. This method makes the bird juicy and golden brown.

Baste the turkey with pan juices now and then. Let it rest before carving so the juices stay put.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix butter with rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub herb butter under and over turkey skin.
4. Place turkey in roasting pan and roast at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Lower oven to 325°F (160°C). Continue roasting for 2-2.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices.
7. Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.

2) Thanksgiving Turkey Brined in Apple Cider

Brining your turkey in apple cider adds a gentle sweetness and keeps it juicy. The cider, herbs, and spices give the turkey a well-rounded flavor.

Mix apple cider with water, salt, brown sugar, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Soak your turkey in this brine for several hours or overnight.

The apple cider adds a subtle aroma, and the brine makes the meat tender.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2. Let the brine cool completely.
3. Submerge your turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
4. Remove turkey, rinse, and pat dry.
5. Roast turkey at 325°F (163°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3) Deep-Fried Crispy Turkey

Deep-frying turkey gives you an unbeatable crispy skin and juicy meat. Use a big pot and heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Make sure your turkey is totally thawed and dry—nobody wants a splatter disaster.

Fry the turkey for about 3 to 4 minutes per pound. Lift it out carefully and check the temperature with a thermometer. You’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Try adding spices or injecting marinades before frying for extra flavor. Always fry outdoors and keep a fire extinguisher handy—better safe than sorry.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
• 3-4 gallons peanut oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: Cajun seasoning or your favorite rub
• Optional: Marinade for injection

Cooking Instructions

1. Thaw and dry the turkey completely.
2. Preheat oil to 350°F (175°C).
3. Season or inject the turkey if desired.
4. Slowly lower turkey into oil.
5. Fry 3-4 minutes per pound.
6. Remove and check temperature (165°F / 74°C).
7. Let rest before carving.

For detailed seasoning tips, see this deep-fried turkey recipe.

4) Orange and Champagne Braised Turkey

Braising turkey with orange and champagne brings out juicy, bright flavors. The oranges add a fresh zing, and the champagne keeps the meat moist.

Rub butter and herbs under the skin. Stuff the cavity with orange slices and pour champagne over the bird.

Cover and cook it slowly in the oven. The turkey turns out tender, with crispy skin and a hint of citrus and wine.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 2-3 oranges, sliced
• 1 cup champagne
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Rub butter, salt, and pepper under the turkey skin.
3. Place orange slices and thyme inside the turkey cavity.
4. Put turkey in a roasting pan and pour champagne over it.
5. Cover with foil and roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours.
6. Remove foil in the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
7. Check turkey is cooked with a thermometer (165°F/74°C internal).
8. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.

5) Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey are a tasty, healthy option. Cook the turkey with onions and garlic first, then mix in rice or quinoa and your favorite veggies.

Fill hollowed-out peppers with the mixture and top with cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese melts.

This meal is perfect for meal prepping. You can switch up the spices to fit your mood.

Check out a simple recipe for ground turkey stuffed peppers here.

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook onion and garlic in a skillet until soft.
3. Add turkey, cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa.
5. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
6. Fill each pepper with the turkey mixture.
7. Top with cheese.
8. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are soft and cheese is melted.

6) Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

Chipotle and citrus together? It’s a sweet and smoky combo that just works on turkey tenderloins. The glaze uses orange juice, lime juice, and chipotle peppers for a zesty punch.

The tenderloins cook fast and stay juicy thanks to the marinade. Serve with rice or a salad if you want to keep things simple.

Brush extra glaze on after cooking for a bigger flavor hit. It’s an easy way to make turkey feel new again.

Ingredients

• 4 turkey breast tenderloins (about 5 ounces each)
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix orange juice, lime juice, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pat turkey tenderloins dry and season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear tenderloins for 2 minutes on each side until browned.
6. Brush glaze on turkey, then transfer skillet to oven.
7. Roast for 12-15 minutes, basting with glaze halfway through.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Find this recipe and more details at Taste of Home.

7) Turkey and White Bean Chili

Turkey and white bean chili is a cozy, healthy meal. It uses ground turkey and canned white beans, and skips the tomatoes for a creamy twist.

Add garlic, cumin, and oregano for a rich flavor. The chili cooks up quick, which is perfect for busy nights.

You can toss in extra veggies for more nutrition and texture. It’s a simple way to get lean protein and fiber in one bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup diced green chilies
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook onion and garlic in a large pot until soft.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add white beans, green chilies, and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

More details are available at Turkey and White Bean Chili – The Defined Dish.

8) Turkey Meatball Pasta

Turkey meatball pasta is one of those dinners that feels hearty but doesn’t take all night. You make juicy turkey meatballs, toss them with your favorite pasta, and spoon on some marinara or pesto.

It’s honestly pretty easy, and you can throw in extra veggies like broccoli or broccolini if you want. Fresh herbs, a bit of cheese, even a squeeze of lemon—those little touches brighten everything up.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 2/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
• 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle, orecchiette, or your choice)
• 2 cups marinara or pesto sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: broccoli or broccolini

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Shape into small meatballs.

3. Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes, until they’re cooked through.

4. Boil pasta following the package directions. If you’re using broccoli, toss it in for the last 3-4 minutes.

5. Warm your sauce in a pan. Drop in the baked meatballs.

6. Drain the pasta and toss everything together. Serve it up warm, maybe with more cheese on top.

9) Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich

A turkey and cranberry sandwich is my go-to when I’ve got leftover turkey in the fridge. The cranberry sauce brings a sweet pop that just works with the savory meat.

Melted cheese is optional, but honestly, it’s hard to resist. Grilling the sandwich with buttery bread makes it warm and crisp—hard to beat.

Add spinach or lettuce if you want a bit of crunch. This one’s simple, but it really hits the spot for lunch or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• Sliced cooked turkey
• Cranberry sauce
• Bread (your choice)
• Cheddar or brie cheese (optional)
• Butter
• Fresh greens (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.

2. On the unbuttered side, layer on turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.

3. Add greens if you’re feeling it.

4. Top with the second slice, buttered side facing out.

5. Heat a skillet over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).

6. Grill the sandwich 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and the cheese melts.

7. Slice it up and dig in.

Check this turkey cranberry sandwich recipe for ideas.

10) Slow Cooker Turkey Stew

Slow cooker turkey stew is one of those meals where you barely have to think. Start by browning turkey thighs for some extra flavor.

Then toss them in the slow cooker with root veggies like carrots and parsnips. The slow cooker takes over, and you get tender meat and a really cozy stew.

If you want a little zing, stir in some mustard sauce near the end. It’s a nice twist, trust me.

Ingredients

• Turkey thighs
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Chicken broth
• Mustard
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a pan and brown the turkey thighs.

2. Move the browned turkey into your slow cooker.

3. Toss in the chopped carrots, parsnips, onion, and garlic.

4. Pour chicken broth over everything, then stir in the mustard.

5. Set the slow cooker to high for 5 hours, or low if you’ve got 8 hours to spare.

6. Right before serving, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste.

For more details, check out this Slow Cooker Turkey Stew with Mustard and Root Vegetables.