17 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Kids Surprisingly Enjoy

Thanksgiving might be about gratitude, but parents will be extra thankful for these 17 turkey ideas that even picky eaters can’t resist. Kids enjoy them without complaint, rare magic during the holidays. The secret? Each version feels familiar but tastes special enough to keep everyone curious. Suddenly, turkey isn’t the grown-ups’ food anymore.

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

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

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

Parents who want quick leftovers for picky eaters always look for easy options. Air Fryer Turkey Breast comes out juicy with a crisp outside so it works well on small plates. It can be sliced thin so even little hands handle it easily. The golden color pops on the table and draws attention. One round will vanish fast if it’s cut small and stacked up.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

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.

Having small sandwiches on the tray means there’s less mess and more fun at Thanksgiving. Turkey Sliders are bite-sized so nobody needs a fork or knife for them. They are handy for grabbing between runs to the toy room or TV. You can stack a bunch and have them gone before you refill drinks. These win for simple eating with quick cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Turkey Soup

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

Bowls filled with warm comfort are always welcome at the feast. Turkey Soup makes everyone happy with its mild flavor and soft chunks. Each spoonful feels easy on the palate so even the younger ones handle it. It looks inviting with a splash of color and clear broth. Leftovers are perfect for next-day snacking after the big meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Turkey Tetrazzini

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

Plates fill up quickly when there’s a fun noodle dish near the main bird. Turkey Tetrazzini is great because it mixes classic dinner taste with creamy pasta. The familiar texture keeps people asking for more each time. It’s easy to portion out onto a plate for sharing seconds. Bring extra napkins because this one gets scooped up fast.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey Pinwheels

Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.
Turkey Pinwheels. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Keeping snacks small is smart when appetites are unpredictable. Turkey Pinwheels show off spiral cuts with a festive look and simple flavors. They are a hit at big tables because you can stack them high. Each piece gets picked up before more are sliced for extras. Doubled up on the serving tray works well during the rest period.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

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.

Savory options with smooth texture make for easy eating at any table gathering. Turkey Meatloaf brings a familiar comfort dish with soft slices for easy serving. It fits well in meal boxes or on wide platters for buffet style. The rich color helps draw attention when plates start to empty out. No scraping or fussing with this hearty option.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

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.

All eyes go to the centerpiece when carving up the main event at the table. Roasted Turkey delivered whole or in slices is a go-to for family meals. It’s easy to portion out with no fuss beside a big group. You get both light and dark cuts so everyone finds something they like. Leftovers from this are perfect for next-day sandwiches or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving Casserole

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

Putting together a dish with layers and lots of texture makes big gatherings easier. Thanksgiving Casserole combines fun side tastes plus turkey in one scoop. It’s best when the plate gets filled high in each helping. Each bite has a mix of soft and chewy with a warm finish. This one always draws a crowd without much effort in serving.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

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.

Pies filled with hearty ingredients look fun to eat during celebrations. Turkey Pot Pie gets all the good stuff packed inside a golden crust. A single slice holds together on the plate and keeps spills from happening. The top layer breaks easily into bite-sized pieces for quick bites. Seconds go fast so more pie means more happy guests.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

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.

Tables go quiet when a tray full of colors arrives for big meals. Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner puts turkey beside all the sides in one easy pan. Everyone scoops up what they want for quick seconds and less mess. It’s easy for hosts because there isn’t much cleanup afterward. Guests enjoy picking their favorites right from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Meatballs

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

Round shapes make any meat snack more fun to eat especially during celebrations. Turkey Meatballs are soft with a gentle texture perfect for small bites. They work well paired with dipping sauces or just plain. You can stack a ton without worry of breaking apart. They’re always gone first from the snack plate during the party.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

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.

When dishes need a boost for extra comfort there’s an easy helper found at Thanksgiving feasts. Turkey Gravy covers mashed sides or warm slices for extra flavor. It works for soaking up stray bites left around the plate. Pour it onsides or main cuts for extra richness each time. There’s always a scramble for the last scoop when serving finishes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning.
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet meets savory in a golden brown showstopper fit for big gatherings. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast offers a sticky-sweet finish with a bold serving style. Each slice feels special without making plates heavy. It’s easy to refill once guests ask for more, since it cooks fast. Leftovers always stand out with a unique twist from this option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

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.

When snacks need to be a bit different people reach for fun handheld bites. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) uses small cups as a delivery for turkey plus crisps. Parents like it for easy cleanup and fewer dishes. The layers look colorful and pop beside bigger plates on the spread. These are usually left empty after only a few passes.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

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.

Busy tables mean fewer spoons and forks passing around during the main meal. Turkey Casserole is all about creamy texture plus an easy finish. Simple serving from the dish makes life easier for hosts. Leftovers are perfect for quick meals in the days after the party. It fits any big tray with minimal work for those refilling plates.
Get the Recipe: Turkey 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.

Some holiday guests want a little warmth in their bowl while resting from big plates. Turkey Chili stands out with chunky bites perfect for spoonfuls. It works well for those avoiding heavy foods and more sauce. Quick scoops go far when serving up extras. This bowl is easy to pack up and heat again for another round later on.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

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

Large gatherings get more attention when carving is done fast and easily. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey cooks evenly and breaks down well for sharing across plates. A bit of crisp plus juicy flavor shows up in every cut. It’s a winner for hosts who want quick seconds with less fuss. Big platters fill up fast after the first few servings go out.
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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