Sure, turkey might be the star of your Thanksgiving menu, but it shouldn’t stop there! Think beyond the holiday season with this list of easy and best turkey recipes for any time of the year. It's a lean, healthy protein that's readily available with a ton of potential to soak in flavor. Here, you'll find some turkey recipes that require a whole roasted bird, while others are made with turkey breast, leftover turkey, or even ground turkey—so they're perfect for weeknights!
Looking for a healthy dinner recipe that your family will actually approve? Give the easy turkey meatballs a try. How about game day snack that's packed with flavor? You'll love the pull-apart pesto turkey sliders. There are also tons of variations on turkey burgers, casserole recipes, and even a chicken fried turkey to satisfy all your comfort food cravings. Your family will also love digging into the turkey pot pie, the turkey tetrazzini, or the turkey taco lettuce wraps all year long.
There's also a juicy turkey breast cooked completely in an air fryer! This hands-off recipe is perfect for when you only have a few folks to feed, and the leftovers make great sandwiches or add-ins to your favorite casserole. Of course, no turkey round-up would be complete without a few variations on holiday roasts—ahead, you'll find Ree Drummond's citrus-brined turkey and her maple-rosemary turkey that's perfect for a seasonal feast.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Antonis Anchilleos
Whether you want the taste of Thanksgiving without the work or are cooking for less people, make a bone-in breast. It's infused with garlicky, lemony herb butter for flavorful meat and beautifully browned, crisp skin.
Transform turkey into a dinner that will have everyone saying "ooh la la!" The creamy filling is similar to a chicken pot pie that's spooned inside of flaky puff pastry shells or served over noodles.
Looking for a savory snack or a quick lunch to pile in between two slices of your favorite bread? Try this easy salad, full of turkey, apples, celery, red onions, and dried cranberries tossed in a tangy dressing.
Skip fussing with a whole bird and make turkey legs for dinner! The secrets to irresistible flavor are a dry brine that soaks in overnight and a tangy-sweet mustard glaze for when it cooks.
Make a creamy, cheesy casserole from scratch―no canned soup in sight. The best part is the topping of crunchy potato chips and more cheese to really bring out the retro vibes.
Epic sandwich, comin' right up! Take two slices of sourdough bread and layer everything Thanksgiving has to offer: turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and lots of cheese and then toast until golden. Dip in leftover gravy just because you can.
Lean ground turkey combined with milk-soaked bread crumbs makes for a lighter and very moist meatloaf. Top it off with a classic ketchup glaze and your family will definitely ask for seconds.
These lightened-up meatballs are incredibly versatile and easy to make. You can serve them as an appetizer with a flavorful dipping sauce, pile them on subs, or toss them with marinara for spaghetti and meatballs!
Spice things up with a roast turkey that's seasoned with chipotle chiles, honey, cumin, and garlic. The shiny glaze is made with spicy adobo sauce, more honey, and orange juice for a pop of brightness.
Turkey burgers are often seen as the healthy but boring take on burgers, yet this variation is anything but! In fact, there are bits of crispy bacon, chives, and creamy mayo packed right into the patties.
Take your turkey sandwich up a notch with this over-the-top creation stacked with maple-candied bacon, cheddar cheese, fresh turkey slices, and cranberry mayo. It's unlike anything you've had before!
Great for both leftover turkey or precooked turkey of any sort, this cozy classic will warm you right up. It's covered in mashed potatoes! Could there be anything more comforting?
Turkey and gravy are meant to be together, so why not try try this twist on a down-home classic? Turkey cutlets are breaded and fried to perfection in a skillet before being smothered in all that gravy goodness.
Ground turkey gets an upgrade thanks to pesto, mozzarella, and the tastiest garlic herb butter slathered on top. These would make an impressive weeknight meal or served to a crowd if you've got a party planned.
If you want to cook a whole turkey, try butterflying it! It's easier than it looks and it cuts down on cook time, makes sure everything cooks evenly, and produces crispy skin all around.
Not only is a roulade pretty to look at, but it's so very tasty! Stuffed inside is a mixture of bacon, apples, and cornbread, making it a main course and a side dish all in one!
Oh, the possibilities! Stock is one of the most versatile recipes you can make. It's the start of the best soups, stews, gravies, and more. Stash it in your freezer as a go-to all year round.
Turkey in the air fryer? Oh yes, you can! This juicy, crispy breast is perfect for those times a turkey craving strikes, but you don't want to cook a whole bird.
This comfort food casserole is the perfect way to transform leftovers from your Thanksgiving feast. Think turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and green beans all combined into one delicious dish.
For a fresh spin on burger night, give these turkey burgers a whirl. This recipe swaps buns for pita and tops each burger with salty feta, crunchy cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.