Our 50 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for Your Fall Feast

Updated on September 20, 2019 by Melissa Girimonte

There is more than one way to cook a turkey this holiday season, whether you prefer a classic preparation or a variation on the traditional bird. From roasted to smoked and barbecued to deep fried, these terrific turkey recipes will ensure your Thanksgiving table will never look (or taste!) better.

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Turkey with Stuffing

Tasty and traditional, Alton Brown’s recipe for turkey and stuffing hits all the right holiday high notes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-with-stuffing/17226/">Alton Brown's Turkey With Stuffing</a>
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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast

Don't feel like cooking a whole bird? A turkey breast is a great option if you're looking for a less complicated preparationGet the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/barefoot-contessa-back-to-basics/recipe/herb-roasted-turkey-breast/17193/">Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast</a>
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Perfect Roast Turkey

Stuffing the turkey with a heap of fresh thyme, a halved lemon, Spanish onion and garlic infuses this roast turkey recipe with a jolt of freshness. To finish it off, brush the outside of the turkey with an herb and garlic mixture, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/perfect-roast-turkey/17155/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Turkey</a>
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Turkey Roulade

If you're hosting a smaller group for the holidays, a turkey roulade is a great alternative to a whole roasted bird. Turkey breast is stuffed with a mixture of pork sausage, herbs and vegetables before roasting, and served sliced with homemade gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-roulade/20075/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Turkey Roulade</a>
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Herb Roasted Turkey

A succulent, juicy turkey served with homemade roasted onion turkey gravy that's sure to make jaws drop and stomachs rumble at your festive feast.Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/herb-roasted-turkey-with-roasted-onion-turkey-gravy/13976" target="_blank">Lynn Crawford's Herb Roasted Turkey</a>
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Lemon-Sage Butter Roasted Turkey

Tucking the lemon and sage butter under the skin infuses the bird with a boost of herb flavour, while helping to keep it moist and juicy in this recipe from Barry C. Parsons of The Rock Recipes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lemon-sage-butter-roasted-turkey/17136/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lemon-Sage Butter Roasted Turkey</a>
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Roasted Turkey with Turkey Meatballs

This year, try skipping bread-based dressing for these turkey <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-meatball-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">meatballs</a> that are cooked stuffing-style inside of the roasting bird. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-turkey-with-turkey-meatballs/12143/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chuck Hughes' Roasted Turkey with Turkey Meatballs</a>
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Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey

 Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones with this turkey hack from Ree Drummond. Have your butcher cut the turkey into six large sections, which speeds up the roasting time. Prepare it the day before your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/photos/make-ahead-thanksgiving-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thanksgiving dinner</a> or any social gathering, and roast for an additional hour before serving. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/make-ahead-thanksgiving-turkey/22001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
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Pioneer-Style Herb Roasted Turkey

Whiz a pad of butter with fresh sage, rosemary, thyme and parsley in the food processor, and then rub it all over the bird for a mouth-watering step that will take your turkey to the next level. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/thanksgiving-pioneer-style-herb-roasted-turkey/17147/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay’s Pioneer-Style Herb Roasted Turkey</a>
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Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

This gorgeously-golden bird stays moist with a pre-roast citrus brine and a serious rub-down of rosemary-citrus butter. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-thanksgiving-turkey/15014/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey</a>
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Honey Brined Smoked Turkey

Sure, there’s some serious prep time involved, but you won’t believe the mouth-watering results from soaking a turkey in honey-tinged brine for 12 hours before barbecuing the bird with Alton Brown’s hickory “smoke bomb.” Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/honey-brined-smoked-turkey/17220/">Alton Brown's Honey Brined Smoked Turkey</a>
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Smoked Whole Turkey

Prepping the right wood chips (such as hickory, apple or pecan wood) as a base for slow smoking a turkey is key in this recipe, and you'll definitely taste the difference. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-whole-turkey/17584/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay's Smoked Whole Turkey</a>
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Prosciutto-Wrapped Turkey

Crispy skin is the best, but Giada takes it one step further by covering her bird with a thin layer of salty cured prosciutto. But there’s more delicious flavour once you cut inside. Giada dry-brines her bird with salt, thyme, pepper flakes and lemon zest. The result is mouthwatering bird that has absorbed all that fresh flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/prosciutto-wrapped-turkey/20946/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Prosciutto-Wrapped Turkey</a>
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Giada's Stuffed Turkey Breast

This juicy turkey breast is stuffed with a mixture of sweet <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/creative-sausage-recipes-for-dinner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sausage</a>, prosciutto, chestnuts, olives and sage for a truly Italian spin on a special-occasion classic. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-stuffed-turkey-breast/17069/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada's Stuffed Turkey Breast</a>
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Deep-Fried Turkey

Deep-fried turkey has long been a holiday staple with our neighbours to the south, and Alton Brown walks us through the process step by step with the goal of placing a crispy-skinned, juicy turkey on the table for your holiday feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/deep-fried-turkey/17221/">Alton Brown's Deep-Fried Turkey</a>
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Citrus-Marinated Grilled Turkey

For a less-traditional take on your holiday turkey, try this citrus-marinated bird that's grilled on the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/how-to-use-leftover-barbecue-grilled-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">barbecue</a>, not roasted in the oven. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/citrus-marinated-grilled-turkey/17108/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyler Florence's Citrus-Marinated Grilled Turkey</a>
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Smoked Whole Turkey

Turkey is slow-smoked over cherry wood chips to infuse a rich flavour into this special main. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/damaris-smoked-whole-turkey/17796/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Damaris Phillips' Smoked Whole Turkey</a>
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Maple-Whiskey Turkey

Make your holiday main anything but ordinary with this maple and whiskey glazed turkey recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-whiskey-turkey/17575/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Maple-Whiskey Turkey</a>
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Maple Roasted Turkey with Sage Smoked Bacon and Cornbread Stuffing

If you're looking for a recipe that will kick your holiday dinner into overdrive, this inventive recipe for roast turkey with succulent strips of maple <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/best-maple-bacon-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">bacon</a> laid over top is the answer. Accompanied by a down-home stuffing, this is a flavourful festive combo loaded with Southern charm. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-roasted-turkey-with-sage-smoked-bacon-and-cornbread-stuffing/17109/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyler Florence's Maple Roasted Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing</a>
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Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy

This Rachael Ray recipe gets a burst of earthy flavour by first basting it with bay-infused butter and then again by roasting it on a bed of more bay leaves. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/herb-roasted-turkey-breast-with-pan-gravy/17159/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray’s Herb Roasted Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy</a>
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Sheet-Pan Turkey with Sage and Brown Butter

No roasting pan? No problem. This easy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/simple-sheet-pan-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sheet pan</a> method will help deliver a fast bird with perfectly crispy skin. The key is to ask your butcher to butterfly the bird so it lies flat on your pan and cooks up quickly. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sheet-pan-turkey-with-sage-and-brown-butter/21043/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sheet-Pan Turkey</a>
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Brined Rosemary Crusted Turkey with Pan Gravy

They key to a good brine is the perfect proportions of sugar and salt. Too little and it won’t tenderize your meat. Too much and your meat will be too salty. Thank goodness for this beautiful rosemary brine recipe, which will help you create a perfectly moist and seasoned bird. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brined-rosemary-crusted-turkey-with-pan-gravy/21004/" target="_blank">Brined Rosemary Crusted Turkey with Pan Gravy</a>
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Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

The secret to this turkey is a 48-hour herb and vegetable brine before going in for a perfectly-timed crispy-skinned roast. Serve with a uniquely flavoured <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/fall-apple-cider-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apple cider</a> gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brined-herb-crusted-turkey-with-apple-cider-gravy/17218/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anne Burrell's Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy</a>
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Turkey Roulade with Cranberry-Citrus Stuffing and Cream Gravy

If you'd rather spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones over the holidays, try Valerie's roulade. Butterflied turkey breasts are wrapped around a sweet and savoury stuffing filled with cranberry, citrus and herbs. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-roulade-with-cranberry-citrus-stuffing-and-cream-gravy/21328/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Turkey Roulade with Cranberry-Citrus Stuffing and Cream Gravy</a>
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Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus

Orange, lemon and Herbes de Provence (a classic French spice blend of savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and oregano) transform an ordinary roast turkey into an elegant centrepiece. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-with-herbes-de-provence-and-citrus/17059/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis's Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus</a>
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Foolproof Turkey Breast

There's no need to be intimidated by cooking a whole turkey for your holiday feast; Guy keeps things simple with this flavour-packed turkey breast recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/foolproof-turkey-breast/17229/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Guy Fieri's Foolproof Turkey Breast</a>
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Roast Turkey with Truffle Butter

Fresh thyme and white truffle butter artfully placed beneath the skin of the bird is the secret to Ina Garten’s elegant roast turkey. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roast-turkey-with-truffle-butter/17172/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ina Garten’s Roast Turkey with Truffle Butter</a>
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Cider Brined Turkey with Maple Cider Glaze

The key to a tender, moist and flavourful bird is making time for brining. The night before your feast, make this sweet and salty mixture of apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, oranges, shallots, parsley, sage and thyme. Let your bird bathe in this concoction overnight for maximum flavour infusion. Then roast as normal and get ready for compliments! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cider-brined-turkey-with-maple-cider-glaze/21055/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray’s Cider Brined Turkey with Maple Cider Glaze</a>
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Roasted Turkey with Spiced Butter

Dry mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg and coriander lend this holiday turkey recipe an unexpected punch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-turkey-with-spiced-butter/17235/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ricardo Larrivée's Roasted Turkey with Spiced Butter</a>
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Roast Turkey

Brining and roasting a turkey is much simpler than you may think, and it makes for a tasty and juicy bird. Get the recipe for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/how-to-brine-and-roast-a-turkey/3540/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Smith's Roast Turkey</a>
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Fennel and Citrus Roasted Turkey with Gravy

With its pop of flavours, colours, and textures, this turkey will brighten up any Thanksgiving dinner table. Get the recipe for <a href=”https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/valeries-home-cooking/recipe/fennel-and-citrus-roasted-turkey-with-gravy/20077/ /" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli’s Fennel and Citrus Roasted Turkey with Gravy</a>
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Fried Turkey Legs

Deep fried turkey is a southern holiday classic, but if you don’t have the set-up for a whole bird, you can make this delicious version inside, with a table-top deep fryer. Soak your turkey legs in buttermilk before for maximum flavour and tenderness. Then dredge in a flavourful flour mixture and fry away! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fried-turkey-legs/19796/" target="_blank">Ayesha Curry’s Fried Turkey Legs</a>
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Tuscan Turkey Roulade

Forgo the whole bird this year and opt for a rolled turkey breast you can slice and serve without worrying about bones. This delectable dish is stuffed with fennel, juniper berries and rosemary, reminiscent of porchetta, another classic Italian roast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tuscan-turkey-roulade/21044/" target="_blank">Tuscan Turkey Roulade</a>
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Valerie's Deep-Fried Turkey

You'll need a countertop indoor turkey fryer for this recipe (a simply skillet won't do), but trust us: this mouthwateringly juicy turkey is worth the extra effort. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/valeries-deep-fried-turkey/17738/" target="_blank">Valerie's Deep-Fried Turkey</a>
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Crispy Truffled Turkey

Amped up with the addition of truffle salt and black truffle butter, this crispy-on-the-outside turkey main will standout from the rest and makes an eye-catching centrepiece. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crispy-truffled-turkey/17591/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis' Crispy Truffled Turkey</a>
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Cajun Brined Turkey Two Ways

This Southern-style turkey is simply unforgettable. The process starts two days ahead of time with a salty, spiced brine guaranteed to give you a tender, flavourful bird. Break out the barbecue and give your bird even more depth by smoking it on a charcoal grill. Applewood or hickory chips are ideal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cajun-brined-turkey-two-ways/17151/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Cajun Brined Turkey Two Ways</a>
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Spicy Turkey Breast

The weather outside is chilly, so bring some heat to your holiday table with a spicy Italian turkey. Each turkey breast is filled with spicy cornbread and sausage stuffing that gets a hint of heat from Calabrian chili paste. Tie it all together with butcher’s twine before roasting. Slice into rounds for a beautiful presentation that delivers a little stuffing and turkey with each serving. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-turkey-breast/20121/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Spicy Turkey Breast</a>
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Apricot Rosemary-Stuffed Turkey Breast

This stuffing combines chopped apricots, rosemary, chopped vegetables and courtons and roasted to perfection. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/recipe/apricot-rosemary-stuffed-turkey-breast/14062/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Apricot Rosemary-Stuffed Turkey Breast</a>
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The Legendary Turducken

Why settle for one bird when you can eat one that's stuffed into another, then stuffed into another. Introducing: the turducken; a chicken inside a duck, inside a turkey — yes, please! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-legendary-turducken/11320" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chuck Hughes' Legendary Turducken</a>
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Roast Turkey with Wine Gravy

Any liquid will work in this gravy. Try white wine, grape juice, apple juice, orange juice or chicken stock – they’re all fair game! For even more oomph, spoon in cranberry jelly, mustard, salsa, horseradish or your favourite herb. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roast-turkey-with-wine-gravy/12065/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Roast Turkey with Wine Gravy</a>
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Mesquite Smoked Turkey with a Peach Glaze

Get out of your roasted turkey rut and try this Southwestern smoked turkey recipe for Thanksgiving this year. Serve it with a sweet and spicy peach glaze instead of gravy, and an assortment of sides. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mesquite-smoked-turkey-with-a-peach-glaze/9389/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mesquite Smoked Turkey with a Peach Glaze</a>
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Brined Turkey Breast with Spanish Spice Rub and Sour Orange Sauce

Brining is having a moment as a trendy way to tenderize, add moisture and extra flavour to meat. Make room in your fridge because your turkey breast will need 45 minutes in a cool bath of water, salt and sugar. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/brined-turkey-breast-with-spanish-spice-rub-and-sour-orange-sauce/17152/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Brined Turkey Breast with Spanish Spice Rub and Sour Orange Sauce</a>
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Accidental Make-Ahead Turkey

Get a head start on your Thanksgiving meal prep with this simple turkey recipe from Ina Garten. You won't have to make extra trips to the supermarket since you'll find most of the ingredients in your pantry, and there will be plenty of <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/photos/ways-to-use-thanksgiving-leftovers-recipes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">leftovers</a> for sandwiches, soups and more. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/accidental-make-ahead-turkey/22426/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Barefoot Contessa's Accidental Make-Ahead Turkey</a>
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BBQ Turkey Drumsticks with Chipotle Glaze

If the temperature rises over Thanksgiving weekend, get outdoors, fire up the grill and barbecue some turkey drumsticks! Butter basted and brushed with a chipotle pepper glaze, this may become your new holiday tradition. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bbq-turkey-drumsticks-with-chipotle-glaze/11911/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chuck Hughes' BBQ Turkey Drumsticks with Chipotle Glaze</a>
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Make-Ahead Roasted Turkey Breast

Expecting a smaller crowd for Thanksgiving this year? Instead of making an entire bird and spending hours in the kitchen, try this make-ahead turkey breast recipe so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones. Brining makes it extra juicy and flavourful, and it goes from oven to table in under an hour. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/make-ahead-roasted-turkey-breast/22906/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Make-Ahead Roasted Turkey Breast</a>
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Martina's Roast Turkey and Gravy

The secret to Martina's tender, juicy turkey is dry-brining it overnight with salt and baking powder. Roast it until golden, and serve with homemade gravy and your favourite sides. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/martinas-roast-turkey-and-gravy/22344/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Martina McBride's Roast Turkey and Gravy</a>
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Turkey and Stuffing

This traditional turkey recipe is enough to feed a crowd and still have leftovers for another day. It's stuffed with pork sausage and sourdough bread, and served with a simple homemade gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/turkey-and-stuffing/17215/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alex Guarnaschelli's Turkey and Stuffing</a>
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Rolled Turkey Breast with Nutty Fruit Stuffing

The flavours of fall really shine in this rolled turkey breast which is brined overnight in hard cider and salt. Add dried fruit and nuts to your stuffing, and finish it with a drool-worthy pan gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rolled-turkey-breast-with-nutty-fruit-stuffing/19113/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nancy Fuller's Rolled Turkey Breast with Nutty Fruit Stuffing</a>
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Roast Turkey with Mozzarella and Pepperoni Stuffing

Give your Thanksgiving meal a hint of Italian flavours with this tantalizing recipe. Butterflied turkey is roasted and served with pepperoni and mozzarella stuffing and a Marsala-spiked gravy. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roast-turkey-with-mozzarella-and-pepperoni-stuffing/22359/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Roast Turkey with Mozzarella and Pepperoni Stuffing</a>
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Spice Roast Turkey Breast

It only takes a few spices to pack a simple turkey breast with a whole lot of flavour. Using Michael's spice rub on a plain breast is an easy way to get Thanksgiving dinner on the table in a fraction of the time that a traditional bird takes. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spice-roast-turkey-breast/5766/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spice Roast Turkey Breast</a>
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