Creating a holiday feast for a crowd doesn’t have to be complicated with simple whole turkey recipes for Thanksgiving. So take a deep breath and concentrate on the more important things in life: your loved ones. And maybe a couple of elemental sides.
If you’re stressing about Thanksgiving dinner and seriously considering going out, please relax. Most of the time that it takes to roast a whole turkey is hands-off. You can make it as simple or as complicated as you have time for.
While brining (wet or dry), injecting, and marinating improve an already good thing, it’s totally optional. The year I didn’t have time to do more than season it and stick it in the oven, I still got all sorts of compliments.
Six Ways to Make a Whole Turkey
1. Smoked Spatchcocked Turkey
For more hands-off cooking time, break out the smoker. Spatchcocking only takes a few minutes and cuts the cooking time by at least half. It also lets that mouthwatering smokiness penetrate deeper into the meat.
Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
Enjoy fall-off-the-bone goodness with flavorful juiciness in every bite. Simple smoking delivers flavor penetrating deep into your holiday bird without drying it out. This is your go-to guide for a deliciously tender and juicy turkey that's perfect any time of year!
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2. Deep-Fried Turkey
For a slightly more complicated, but also more impressive, holiday turkey, deep fry it. Please don’t go out and buy a deep-fryer for just once a year, but if you already have one, you won’t regret involving the whole family in the production. And you’ll never try a juicier turkey.
Deep Fried Turkey
Crispy, brown skin and the juiciest, most flavorful turkey meat you've ever tasted are what you can expect from this spectacularly delicious recipe. Call the family and tell them to come over for a cookout this weekend because this tasty bird is for sharing!
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3. Cajun Roast Turkey
Spice up your holiday bird with Cajun spices. Adjust the process to the time you have. If you prefer brining, add the spices to the brine. But if you prefer injector marinade, I’ve got you covered. And if you need to spice and roast, rub it down with butter, slather it with the spices, and roast away; no marinade or brining necessary.
Cajun Roast Turkey
A classic with a twist that will make your Thanksgiving table centerpiece even more exciting. This ultimate holiday staple is so spicy and juicy it should be illegal! Buttery Cajun spices and tender turkey are simply perfect together.
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5. Baked Spatchcocked Turkey
Speed up the time it takes to bake a turkey by spatchcocking it. Not only is it ready in less than no time, it’s gorgeous and easy to slice. Brining is optional, but delicious.
Baked Spatchcock Turkey
This quick and easy way to roast your Thanksgiving bird takes a fraction of the time. The resulting juicy, tender meat and exquisitely crispy skin will make you a believer. Butterflying the turkey allows it to cook more evenly, creating a mouthwatering feast.
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5. Smoked Turkey
There’s one sure way to enjoy juicy, tender turkey, from the breast to the thighs. Slow cooking doesn’t get any better than smoking it. Besides, setting it and forgetting it lets you concentrate on other things, like dessert.
Smoked Turkey
Make the best holiday main course without heating up the kitchen. A wet brine and dry rub add a flavorful mixture of spices and seasonings. Then, slow-cooking to juicy perfection in a pellet grill adds another layer you won't get from the oven.
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6. Spiced Roast Turkey
The traditional holiday turkey, taken over the top with drool-worthy spices, is as easy as it gets. Honestly, you could use your favorite blends and swap them out every year for a new experience every time.
Spiced Roast Turkey
Serving up this well-seasoned bird on Thanksgiving definitely solves the bland turkey syndrome. This easy, dry-brined, tender, and juicy bird is perfectly seasoned for a gorgeous centerpiece on your holiday table.
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Spicing, Brining, and Making the Gravy
1. How to Brine a Turkey
For those with extra time, brine your turkey for more juiciness and flavor. Adding citrus and other flavors also ramps up the experience.
How to Brine a Turkey
It's time to learn how to properly brine a turkey for a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey. Let the zingy, herby, and fresh flavors infuse your turkey to the bone while making it super juicy!
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2. Injector Marinade
There’s nothing like injecting that flavorful marinade all the way to the bone. You don’t even have to baste if you don’t want to.
Turkey Injector Marinade
Try this unconventional turkey seasoning method for the juiciest, tastiest turkey. Quick and easy, it makes a huge difference in the final results.Makes about 1½ cups
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3. Turkey Seasoning
Classic poultry seasonings pair well with the taste of turkey. If you want traditional flavors, this seasoning mix is for you.
Turkey Seasoning
A mouthwatering mix of aromatic herbs and spices that transforms plain turkey into a flavor-packed feast! The perfect balance of earthy sage, fragrant rosemary, and smoky paprika will make your taste buds dance with every bite. This versatile spice mix also kicks up other recipes for a great flavor party.Makes about ½ cup
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4. Giblet Gravy
What’s Thanksgiving without dressing, or mashed potatoes, and gravy? Giblets make the best sauce for both.
Giblet Gravy
Gravy made entirely from scratch with pan drippings and giblets is a game-changer. Enhance Thanksgiving dinner with creamy, flavorful, and aromatic giblet gravy. It's super easy and makes mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, and holiday stuffing so much better.Makes about 3 cups
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5. Gravy Without Drippings
Don’t feel like waiting for the drippings while the turkey is roasting? Make it with a roux and chicken broth for an easy fix.
Turkey Gravy Without Drippings
Homemade velvety smooth gravy ready in less than 30 minutes! The bold flavors of chicken broth infused with a dynamic mix of herbs and spices instantly elevate any meal. The rich taste and silky texture make everything from biscuits to mashed potatoes to meatloaf extra appetizing!Makes about 3 cups
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