15 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Earn Endless Compliments
If family members show up with empty containers, it might be because of these 15 Thanksgiving turkey recipes that receive praise. Once the bird is served, conversations stall as forks get to work. Seconds and thirds become mandatory, not optional, as the platters thin out.
Roasted Turkey
Big crowds always gather around juicy Roasted Turkey at every family meal. The golden crisp outside has everyone asking for seconds. Slices come out tender no matter how thick you cut them. Gravy or no gravy, folks line up for the first bite. It’s the showstopper every single time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner
Plates fill up quickly with an easy one-pan Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkey cooks right beside all the sides—less mess, more yum. Busy nights never looked so delicious. Even picky eaters are happy with how simple it is to grab what they like. Every bite brings compliments at the table.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Arms stretch first for a perfectly crisp Air Fryer Turkey Breast when it hits the board. Moist inside and just the right crunch on top. Cleanup is easy, so leftovers are always ready for sandwiches. Guests share photos even before the meal ends. Fast prep makes it a total win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Turkey Soup
Soup bowls go empty in no time with cozy Turkey Soup served hot. Each spoonful feels like comfort after a big meal. That broth always gets comments on flavor. This makes it easy to use up leftovers without complaints. It never hangs around long at any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Turkey Meatballs
Big platters of juicy Turkey Meatballs get grabbed first at group dinners. They’re soft enough for all ages and make any plate look better. Dip them or drop them in sauce; either way, they shine. Everyone sneaks extra onto their plate. Not a single meatball survives past dessert.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs
Turkey Pot Pie
Seconds are a given with flaky-topped Turkey Pot Pie straight from the oven. Thick filling keeps everyone coming back for extra helpings. It’s always creamy and warm all the way through. Perfect dish for making sure every crumb gets scooped up. Folks rave about it for days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Every party tray lights up with Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) on deck. Each cup gives a crunch that keeps people guessing. Turkey flavor mixes in for a surprise twist. Grab-and-go makes mingling simple. Party crowds always buzz over these.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)
Turkey Meatloaf
Loaf pans come back empty after serving juicy Turkey Meatloaf with crispy edges. Even veggie lovers pile on seconds. Every slice holds together without being dry. Drizzle some sauce or eat plain, everyone still asks for more. Families keep this recipe coming back for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Casserole
One big pan of hearty Turkey Casserole feeds a table in seconds. Spoons scrape the last bits from the dish every time. Gooey layer on top locks in the flavor. Sneaky leftovers vanish for lunch the next day. Calls for the recipe come before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Big platters come out fast with a juicy Perfect Spatchcock Turkey carved up. Slices look good every single time. Dark and white cuts stay moist together. Cooking time is quick for a main dish this showy. Cheers go around the table for that crispy skin.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey
Thanksgiving Casserole
Layers show up strong in every scoop of creamy Thanksgiving Casserole. Bits of turkey blend right in with all the classics. It’s a quick way to please all types of eaters. Friends and family grab refills without hesitation. No pan leaves a crumb after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Turkey Chili
Bowls pass around fast when spicy Turkey Chili warms up the crowd. Thick spoonfuls bring big flavor without any extra work. Great for piling on toppings or going plain. Second helpings are just expected with this one. Everyone gets in line for a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili
Turkey Gravy
Turkey Gravy gets poured over just about everything at the table. It pulls together any meal with ease. No clump, just creamy goodness every time. Leftovers become dipping sauce in the blink of an eye. Friends always comment on how rich it is.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Turkey Sliders
Rows of soft Turkey Sliders bring smiles during every big meal. Bite-sized buns mean fewer crumbs and less mess. Easy to build for any picky eater. Guests load up extras for round two. These sliders get talked about all year.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
Hands reach for sticky-sweet Maple Glazed Turkey Breast when it gets sliced. The shiny glaze makes every piece look special. It’s a twist that makes folks stop and notice. Each forkful stays moist even after sitting out. Family asks for this glaze again and again.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
