15 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes I Brag About Every Year

Every year, the turkey becomes a competition no one admits they’re in. These 15 recipes have taken home the unofficial trophy more than once. There’s usually some silence after the first bite, and that’s how you know it’s working. Expect leftovers to disappear before anyone even asks for foil.

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs.
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sheet pans can save your sanity during holiday cooking. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner lets you cook turkey, sides, and even veggies all at once without a hassle. It’s the perfect way to streamline your preparations while still putting together a proper feast. Cleanup is super quick, and everything comes out ready and delicious, making it hard to go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leftovers are way more exciting when you switch things up. Turkey Casserole turns leftover turkey into a mouthwatering dish everyone can enjoy. It’s comforting, fulfilling, and perfect for second-round Thanksgiving meals or even a weekday dinner. You’ll love how it transforms everyday turkey into something hearty and fresh, ideal for a relaxed but filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Turkey Meatloaf

Close-up view of sliced turkey meatloaf with a browned crust on top, revealing a moist and textured interior. The meatloaf appears to contain pieces of onions and possibly sun-dried tomatoes.
Turkey Meatloaf. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you need something comforting and easy, this recipe checks all the boxes. Turkey Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser that’ll make your dinner table feel homey and inviting. Packed with rich flavors and always a hit, it’s perfect for using turkey in a timeless way. Plus, it pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, making dinner complete without a headache.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in gravy, topped with chopped parsley, resting on mashed potatoes.
Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Little bites make a big impact. Turkey Meatballs are awesome for a party platter or dinner that needs a quick protein. They’re versatile, easy to whip up, and perfect for dipping or topping over pasta, salads, or anything you like. Whether for appetizers or the main entrée, they bring just the right amount of heartiness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Quick dishes can still pack a punch. Turkey Sliders are the smaller, snack-sized burgers that vanish quickly once served. Perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, they’re easy to prep and fun to customize with your favorite flavors. Pop them on a plate, and just like that, your meal feels special without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why toss those leftovers when you can make something memorable? Thanksgiving Casserole brings all the seasonal classics together into one dish that feels extra special. It layers turkey and holiday sides into a hearty blend, making leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a win-win solution for turning excess food into something you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls always feel like comfort food at its best. Turkey Chili offers a hearty option that’s full of richness and can warm you right up during the holiday hustle. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, it’s a great twist on classic chili, showing off turkey’s tender side. It pairs effortlessly with cornbread or chips for something filling yet low-stress to make.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced, seasoned, roasted turkey breast on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small appliances really help when prepping for busy days. Air Fryer Turkey Breast gives you juicy, tender turkey in less time and with easier cleanup. Crisp and golden every time, it works perfectly for intimate gatherings or smaller portions. You’ll love how convenient it is without sacrificing the classic holiday taste we all know so well.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Turkey Pot Pie

A steaming chicken pot pie with a golden-brown crust, partially cut open to reveal chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprigs of rosemary garnish the top.
Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Got leftover turkey and need a cozy upgrade to dinner? Turkey Pot Pie turns extra turkey into a hearty dish that’s always a winner. It’s comforting, and the filling is rich and satisfying in every bite. Perfect for feeding the family when you don’t want to waste a thing.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making fun finger food doesn’t get better than Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Packed with layers of crunch and a mix of ingredients that hit all the right notes, these are a hit at any gathering. They’re quick to whip up and offer a playful twist on traditional tacos. Perfect when you’re looking for something both easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top.
Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Got a few turkey leftovers still hanging around? Turkey Soup is a simple solution and turns bits and pieces into something warm and hearty. It’s great for keeping things easy while making a meal that feels fresh. Everyone loves a bowl of it after a big food-filled holiday.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Tetrazzini . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.
Turkey Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving comfort food without overcomplicating things? Turkey Tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake perfect for using up extra turkey. It’s easy to throw together and has that just-right mix of hearty and delicious. You’ll probably want seconds, it’s just that satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re planning the main event, you can’t go wrong with Roasted Turkey. It’s a classic for a reason and always takes the spotlight on the table. The crispy outside and juicy inside are just what everyone hopes for in this show-stopper. Whether it’s your first time or fifteenth, it’s always worth it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim.
Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Don’t stress over what to drizzle across your turkey and mashed potatoes. Turkey Gravy is the simple touch that ties the whole plate together. It’s smooth, rich, and makes everything better. Honestly, what’s a holiday meal without it?
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Want to try something a little different this year? Perfect Spatchcock Turkey is all about even cooking and full flavor with less hassle. It cooks faster and gets crispy in all the right places. It’s a solid choice when you want a turkey that’s perfectly cooked every time.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

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