Turkey

Turkey is a traditional holiday dish in many countries, but it is especially popular in the United States. The history of turkey recipes is a long and varied one, with different cultures and regions putting their own unique spin on the dish.

One of the earliest known turkey recipes comes from the 16th century. This recipe, which was published in a cookbook called The Good Huswife's Jewell, called for the turkey to be stuffed with a mixture of onions, sage, parsley, and bread crumbs. The bird was then roasted in an oven for several hours.

As turkey became more popular in the United States, different regions began to develop their own unique recipes. In the South, for example, it was common to stuff the turkey with a mixture of rice, nuts, and fruits. This dish, known as dirty rice, is still popular today.

Advice

Making a turkey can be a daunting task, but it can be done with a few simple tips! First, make sure to give yourself plenty of time - as the bird needs to thaw in the refrigerator and then cook for several hours. Next, make sure to season the turkey inside and out with a mixture of herbs and spices. Be sure to baste the bird every 30 minutes while it’s cooking to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. Finally, always use a thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey - it should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey.

Jump to: Ingredient Breakdown Insights

Recipes

 

Buttermilk-Brined Roast Turkey

5/5 - 3675 votes

• turkey
• salt
• buttermilk

 

Dry-Brined Turkey

5/5 - 3355 votes

• salt
• black pepper
• turkey
• thyme
• butter
• parsley
• white wine
• apple
• onion

 

Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

4.98/5 - 3848 votes

• butter
• salt
• apple
• lemon
• onion
• turkey
• black pepper
• garlic
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
• herb

 

Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

5/5 - 2666 votes

• egg
• ground turkey
• salt
• parmesan cheese
• panko
• black pepper
• oregano
• chive
• onion
• red pepper flake
• garlic
• pasta sauce
• olive oil

 

Buttermilk-Brined Turkey Breast

4/5 - 3104 votes

• turkey breast
• buttermilk
• salt

 

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy.

4.22/5 - 1418 votes

• white wine
• sage
• turkey
• garlic
• onion
• double lined cheesecloth
• black pepper
• sage
• thyme
• lemon
• butter
• chicken
• parsley
• salt
• butter
• all purpose flour
• chicken
• turkey dripping
• salt
• lemon zest

 

Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

4.7/5 - 411 votes

• salt
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
• cinnamon
• garlic
• onion
• onion
• carrot
• carrot
• apple cider
• chicken stock
• turkey
• rosemary
• sage
• all purpose flour
• sugar
• apple cider
• granny smith apple
• celery
• celery
• butter
• garlic
• bay leaf
• water

 

Expertly Spiced and Glazed Roast Turkey

4.8/5 - 297 votes

• SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
• spice mill
• GLAZE AND ASSEMBLY
• hardy herb
• soy sauce
• light brown sugar
• sherry vinegar
• 2x1 orange zest
• garlic
• oil
• TURKEY
• light brown sugar
• smoked paprika
• turkey
• salt
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• black peppercorn
• black peppercorn

 

Turkey Soup With Lime and Chile

5/5 - 660 votes

• cayenne pepper
• lime
• vegetable oil
• carrot
• celery
• onion
• cinnamon
• cilantro
• black peppercorn
• coriander seed
• cumin seed
• avocado
• vegetable oil
• salt
• jalapeño
• corn tortilla
• turkey meat
• garlic
• green onion
• chicken broth

 

Spatchcocked Turkey with Anise and Orange

4/5 - 432 votes

• rosemary
• thyme
• turkey
• salt
• olive oil
• orange zest
• dark brown sugar
• black pepper
• onion
• garlic
• celery
• carrot
• aniseed

 

Cheddar-Stuffed Turkey Burger With Avocado

5/5 - 582 votes

• mayonnaise
• milk
• parsley
• salt
• egg
• ground turkey
• black pepper
• avocado
• butter
• hawaiian hamburger bun
• cheddar cheese

 

Dry-Brined Turkey

3.9/5 - 441 votes

• citrus
• turkey
• garlic
• onion
• herb
• butter
• chicken broth

 

Brined Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy

4.8/5 - 204 votes

• beurre manie
• turkey neck
• olive oil
• salt
• water
• carrot
• celery
• onion
• onion
• salt
• rosemary
• water
• onion
• thyme
• butter
• turkey
• madeira wine
• port wine
• carrot
• celery
• white wine
• clove
• ginger
• bay leaf
• olive oil
• sage
• garlic
• apple
• rosemary
• parsley
• rosemary
• honey
• maple syrup
• sage
• turkey stock
• black peppercorn
• peppercorn

 

30-Minute Turkey Chili

4.4/5 - 197 votes

• tortilla chip
• ground turkey
• salt
• tomato paste
• oregano
• chipotle chile en adobo
• onion
• mexican lager beer
• tomato
• kidney bean
• chili powder
• olive oil
• garlic

 

Slow-Roasted Turkey With Apple Gravy

4/5 - 1085 votes

• TURKEY
• salt
• olive oil
• lemon
• onion
• onion
• orange
• thyme
• ginger
• black peppercorn
• garlic
• fennel bulb
• granny smith apple
• bay leaf
• honeycrisp apple
• GRAVY
• salt
• butter
• all purpose flour
• brandy
• BRINE
• black peppercorn
• turkey
• cayenne pepper
• salt
• sugar
• buttermilk
• bay leaf

 

BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

4.5/5 - 189 votes

• salt
• onion
• water
• lemon juice
• neelys' bbq seasoning
• olive oil
• worcestershire sauce
• crab seasoning
• egg
• bell pepper
• bread crumb
• neelys bbq sauce
• paprika
• apple cider vinegar
• black pepper
• mustard
• onion powder
• ketchup
• ground turkey
• garlic
• soy sauce
• light brown sugar
• sugar

 

Torrisi Turkey

4/5 - 880 votes

• FOR BRINING THE TURKEY
• salt
• sugar
• turkey breast
• GLAZE
• salt
• pepper
• thyme
• honey
• olive oil
• garlic

 

Turkey Meatloaf

5/5 - 385 votes

• onion
• egg
• ground turkey
• bread crumb
• black pepper
• butter
• worcestershire sauce
• garlic
• catsup
• salt

 

Dry-Brined Turkey With Sheet-Pan Gravy

4/5 - 875 votes

• GRAVY
• salt
• all purpose flour
• apple cider vinegar
• soy sauce
• cheater turkey stock
• butter
• TURKEY
• turkey
• thyme
• salt
• light brown sugar
• olive oil
• black pepper
• garlic
• lemon
• onion
• butter

 

Basic Turkey Brine

4/5 - 255 votes

• sugar
• allspice berry
• black pepper
• ​salt
• water
• garlic
• rosemary
• sage
• thyme
• turkey

 

Roast Turkey Breast

4/5 - 245 votes

• turkey breast
• chicken stock
• butter
• black pepper
• salt

 

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

4.94/5 - 243 votes

• paprika
• garlic
• onion
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• olive oil
• all purpose flour
• salt
• turkey breast
• butter
• black pepper
• thyme
• chicken stock broth
• salt

 

Basic Braised Turkey

5/5 - 282 votes

• branches sage
• parsley
• salt
• shiitake
• celery
• bacon
• carrot
• olive oil
• onion
• turkey stock
• turkey thigh

 

Mojo Turkey

5/5 - 279 votes

• turkey
• lime
• orange
• onion
• olive oil
• oregano
• sour orange juice
• black pepper
• cumin
• salt
• garlic

 

Roasted Turkey Legs

4/5 - 226 votes

• thyme
• poultry seasoning
• salt
• chicken broth
• butter
• pepper
• turkey leg

 

Chicken and Turkey Pot Pie with Pepper Biscuit Topping

4.2/5 - 139 votes

• onion
• turkey breast
• butter
• salt chicken seasoning
• veggy
• biscuit dough
• chicken
• red potato
• chicken soup cream
• black pepper

 

Apple Maple Turkey Burgers with Maple-Dijon Sauce

4.5/5 - 127 votes

• hamburger bun
• hamburger condiment
• dijon mustard
• poultry seasoning
• ground turkey breast
• applesauce
• salt
• mayonnaise
• bacon
• black pepper
• maple syrup

 

Turkey Hash With Brussels Sprouts and Parsnips

5/5 - 238 votes

• butter
• cilantro
• salt
• turkey
• turkey
• jalapeño
• onion
• brussels sprout
• parsnip
• sage
• bacon
• egg
• green onion

 

Oven Bag Turkey Recipe

4/5 - 214 votes

• turkey
• onion
• apple
• all purpose flour
• poultry seasoning
• apple cider
• butter
• celery
• maple syrup
• black pepper
• salt

 

Turkey Gravy

4.99/5 - 185 votes

• all purpose flour
• chicken broth
• turkey dripping
• giblet
• salt

 

Dry-Rubbed Roast Turkey

4.7/5 - 123 votes

• light brown sugar
• turkey
• butter
• salt
• sherry vinegar
• honey
• 2x1 orange zest
• garlic
• rosemary
• worcestershire sauce

 

Perfect Turkey in an Electric Roaster Oven

5/5 - 259 votes

• poultry seasoning
• seasoning salt
• turkey
• pepper
• olive oil

 

Greek-Style Turkey Burgers

5/5 - 252 votes

• black pepper
• feta
• ground turkey
• basil
• oregano
• parsley
• italian seasoning
• onion powder
• olive
• garlic powder

 

Festival Turkey Legs

4/5 - 180 votes

• onion
• black pepper
• red pepper flake
• steak seasoning
• lemon lime carbonated soda
• sugar
• honey
• hot sauce
• turkey leg

 

Butterflied, Dry Brined Roasted Turkey with Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

4.6/5 - 101 votes

• black pepper
• salt
• vegetable oil
• parsnip
• thyme
• sage
• turkey
• black peppercorn
• onion
• allspice berry
• apple cider vinegar
• thyme
• garlic
• multigrain bread
• brussels sprout

 

Turkey Thighs With Pickled Cranberries and Onions for Two

4/5 - 478 votes

• salt
• lime juice
• thyme
• lemon
• onion
• turkey thigh
• cranberry
• cilantro
• butter
• sugar
• garlic

 

Roast Heritage Turkey and Gravy

5/5 - 166 votes

• salt
• red wine
• pepper
• salt
• breed turkey
• thyme
• hard-boiled egg
• apple
• onion
• apple cider
• lemon
• chicken stock
• cornstarch
• bay leaf
• garlic
• rosemary
• butter

 

Roasted Turkey Thighs

4/5 - 168 votes

• thyme
• salt
• turkey broth
• butter
• pepper
• garlic
• turkey thigh

 

Mushroom and Turkey Burgers

5/5 - 149 votes

• baharat
• hamburger bun
• paprika
• salt
• ground turkey
• mushroom base
• baharat
• cinnamon
• egg
• cumin seed
• nutmeg
• onion
• parsley
• cayenne pepper
• grapeseed oil
• allspice berry
• black peppercorn
• cilantro
• mint
• garlic

 

Chile-Rubbed Turkey

4.4/5 - 121 votes

• lime
• salt
• turkey
• garlic
• garlic
• onion
• onion
• guajillo chile
• butter
• light brown sugar
• lime juice
• chicken broth
• cumin seed
• oregano
• pale lager
• ancho chile
• chiles de árbol

 

Kittencal's Easy No-Fail Make Anytime Turkey Gravy

5/5 - 217 votes

• butter
• black pepper
• all purpose flour
• dripping

 

Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Red Curry Sauce

5/5 - 48 votes

• Curry Sauce
• chili flake
• fish sauce
• sugar
• cilantro
• basil
• salt
• coconut milk
• thai red curry paste
• lime juice
• onion
• garlic
• Meatballs
• cornstarch
• red curry paste
• basil
• green onion
• ground turkey
• fish sauce
• sugar
• vegetable oil
• salt
• garlic

 

Bubby's Turkey Meatloaf with Red Pepper Sauce

4.6/5 - 87 votes

• water
• garlic
• onion
• onion
• red pepper
• bread crumb
• salt
• black pepper
• cayenne pepper
• ground turkey
• garlic
• egg
• tomato paste
• tomato paste

 

Rosemary and Citrus Turkey for a Crowd

4/5 - 397 votes

• white wine
• lemons zest
• oranges zest
• turkey
• thyme
• allspice
• black pepper
• apple
• rosemary
• celery
• onion
• olive oil
• carrot
• salt
• garlic
• turkey

 

Sun-Dried Tomato and Ricotta Turkey Meatballs

4.21/5 - 208 votes

• basil
• ground turkey
• oregano
• white wine
• red pepper flake
• parsley
• parmesan cheese
• marinated oil tomato
• san marzano tomato
• garlic
• ricotta cheese
• salt
• spaghetti

 

Roast Turkey Breast With Fig-Olive Tapenade

5/5 - 123 votes

• mayonnaise
• lemon juice
• turkey breast
• fig
• kalamata olife
• salt
• black pepper
• olive oil
• anchovy
• garlic

 

Butter-Blanketed Turkey

4.7/5 - 76 votes

• salt
• onion
• lemon
• chicken
• paprika
• turkey
• rosemary
• carrot
• thyme
• celery
• butter

 

Cantonese-Style Turkey

4/5 - 344 votes

• salt
• light brown sugar
• turkey
• orange
• ginger
• rice wine
• white pepper
• soybean sauce
• oyster sauce
• leek
• soy sauce
• yukon gold potato
• oil
• celery
• garlic
• green onion

 

Turkey Meatballs

5/5 - 178 votes

• ground turkey
• egg
• bread crumb
• oregano
• pepper
• salt
• onion
• parsley
• garlic

 

Salt-and-Pepper Roast Turkey Breast

4/5 - 325 votes

• salt
• turkey breast
• butter
• lemon

 

Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili

4.8/5 - 67 votes

• black pepper
• salt
• ground turkey
• cumin
• onion
• butternut squash
• apple cider vinegar
• chia seed
• chili powder
• cilantro
• sour cream
• black bean
• coriander
• tomato paste
• olive oil
• garlic
• plum tomato

 

Smoked Turkey Legs (Drumsticks)

5/5 - 79 votes

• salt
• chili powder
• onion powder
• olive oil
• water
• black peppercorn
• garlic powder
• brown sugar
• smoked paprika
• turkey leg

 

Deep-Fried Turkey Breast

4/5 - 122 votes

• turkey breast
• cajun turkey injection
• oil
• cajun turkey seasoning

 

Thai Turkey Meatballs In Coconut Curry Sauce

4.85/5 - 80 votes

• panko
• ground chicken
• canola oil
• fish sauce
• ginger
• red curry paste
• soy sauce
• black pepper
• salt
• egg
• ginger paste
• coconut milk
• green onion
• bell pepper
• onion
• brown sugar
• garlic
• cilantro

 

Crisp-Skinned Spatchcocked (Butterflied) Roast Turkey With Gravy Recipe

4.5/5 - 36 votes

• salt
• turkey
• chicken
• thyme
• vegetable oil
• bay leaf
• butter
• carrot
• onion
• all purpose flour
• celery

 

Ground Turkey Chili For People Who Hate Ground Turkey

5/5 - 161 votes

• kidney bean
• tomato
• tomato paste
• bell pepper
• onion
• water
• ground turkey
• black pepper
• cumin
• garlic powder
• oregano
• paprika
• salt
• chili powder

 

New England Roast Turkey

4/5 - 287 votes

• sugar
• black peppercorn
• turkey
• onion
• carrot
• celery
• salt
• bay leaf
• rosemary

 

Good Eats Roast Turkey

5/5 - 158 votes

• canola oil
• salt
• water
• black peppercorn
• turkey
• cinnamon
• ice water
• vegetable stock
• red apple
• light brown sugar
• allspice berry
• candied ginger
• onion
• rosemary
• sage

 

Turkey Burgers

4.92/5 - 116 votes

• ground turkey
• canola oil
• dijon mustard
• worcestershire sauce
• egg
• ketchup
• garlic powder
• pepper
• onion powder
• bread crumb
• salt
• bun
• condiments ketchup
• lettuce

 

Cheater’s Turkey Stock

4/5 - 264 votes

• herb
• salt
• neck
• olive oil
• onion
• celery
• garlic
• chicken broth

 

Accidental Turkey

4.7/5 - 59 votes

• black pepper
• lemon zest
• salt
• rosemary
• onion
• lemon
• turkey
• butter
• thyme

 

Juicy Roast Turkey

4.95/5 - 102 votes

• sage
• garlic powder
• paprika
• onion
• turkey
• black pepper
• white wine
• butter
• thyme
• garlic
• herb
• salt
• garlic
• chicken broth
• all purpose flour
• salt
• salt

 

Jamaican-Spiced Turkey

5/5 - 77 votes

• FOR ROASTING
• salt
• garlic
• fennel bulb
• vegetable
• celery
• carrot
• onion
• green onion
• BRINE
• allspice berry
• turkey
• onion
• cinnamon
• salt
• sugar
• bay leaf
• thyme
• juniper berry
• garlic
• green onion
• sage
• clove
• SPICE RUB
• peppercorn
• thyme
• fennel seed
• cinnamon
• hot chile pepper
• allspice berry
• HERB-INFUSED BROWN BUTTER
• butter
• green onion
• thyme

 

Turkey Tetrazzini

4/5 - 239 votes

• black pepper
• salt
• white wine
• pea
• panko bread crumb
• fontina cheese
• mushroom
• spaghetti
• curry powder
• parmesan cheese
• almond
• all purpose flour
• turkey
• turkey stock
• butter
• cream cheese
• garlic

 

Moist and Tender Turkey (Or Turkey Breast)

5/5 - 136 votes

• turkey
• mayonnaise
• chicken broth
• butter

 

Roast Turkey

5/5 - 131 votes

• chicken broth
• basil
• parsley flake
• tarragon
• thyme
• onion powder
• sage
• turkey
• garlic powder
• black pepper
• paprika
• salt
• butter

 

Crispy Smoked Turkey Wings

5/5 - 68 votes

• chili powder
• onion powder
• salt
• olive oil
• baking powder
• garlic powder
• brown sugar
• smoked paprika
• turkey wing

 

Sous-Vide Turkey Breast With Maple and Rosemary

4/5 - 210 votes

• turkey skin
• salt
• maple syrup
• butter
• turkey breast
• rosemary

 

Citrus Turkey Brine

4/5 - 92 votes

• water
• lemon
• lime
• orange
• onion
• thyme
• salt
• sugar
• garlic
• bay leaf

 

Hawaiian-Style Turkey Brine

4.5/5 - 56 votes

• maple syrup
• salt
• soy sauce
• brown sugar
• red pepper
• pineapple juice
• bay leaf
• garlic

 

Savory Turkey Brine

4/5 - 90 votes

• rosemary
• thyme
• water
• vegetable stock

 

Turkey Meatballs With Romesco Sauce

4.3/5 - 69 votes

• red wine vinegar
• cumin
• onion powder
• paprika
• pepper
• egg
• ground turkey
• almond
• lemon
• panko
• parsley
• cayenne pepper
• olive oil
• garlic
• salt

 

Baked Parmesan Turkey Cutlets

3.9/5 - 99 votes

• bread crumb
• turkey breast cutlet
• creole mustard
• leaf basil
• parsley
• all purpose flour
• egg
• parmesan cheese
• parsley
• black pepper
• salt

 

Brined and Roasted Turkey Breast

4/5 - 84 votes

• turkey breast
• water
• allspice berry
• black peppercorn
• salt
• light brown sugar
• rosemary
• bay leaf
• apple
• herb
• black pepper
• salt
• lemon
• onion
• orange
• vegetable oil

 

Bay and Lemon Brined Turkey

4.9/5 - 41 votes

• clove
• salt
• sugar
• turkey
• water
• lemon
• cinnamon
• bay leaf

 

Stuffed Boneless Turkey Breast With White Wine Gravy

4/5 - 167 votes

• TURKEY AND STUFFING
• salt
• carrot
• onion
• bread stuffing
• turkey breast
• butter
• GRAVY
• turkey stock
• white wine
• all purpose flour

 

Slow-Cooked Red Chile Turkey

4/5 - 162 votes

• cilantro
• salt
• bay leaf
• onion
• coriander seed
• cumin seed
• vegetable oil
• new mexico chile
• turkey thigh
• garlic

 

Rich Turkey Gravy

3.2/5 - 158 votes

• salt
• roasting
• herb
• soy sauce
• apple cider vinegar
• all purpose flour
• white wine
• poultry stock

 

Pan-Seared Turkey Breast With Lemon and Herbs

4/5 - 76 votes

• chicken broth
• herb
• oil
• lemon
• spinach
• turkey breast
• pepper
• salt

 

Extra-Juicy Turkey Burgers

4.2/5 - 61 votes

• garlic powder
• cumin
• ground turkey
• salt
• onion
• lime juice
• worcestershire sauce
• avocado
• red cabbage
• mayonnaise
• olive oil
• sriracha
• hamburger bun

Ingredient Breakdown