15+ Best Christmas Turkey Recipes Guaranteed to Be Gobbled Up
It isn't just for Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving usually gets all the attention as being a Turkey Day feast, but that doesn't mean you can't serve a big holiday bird at Christmas, too. In fact, turkey is the perfect centerpiece for just about any special occasion dinner! You can go big with a whole roasted turkey or keep it simple with a turkey breast dish—either way, these Christmas turkey recipes will be a hit at your holiday party or Christmas Eve dinner. Serve it up with your favorite stuffing recipe and vegetable side dishes and you'll have a complete Christmas meal that the whole family will love.
If a whole bird is what you're after, there are tons of crowd-pleasing recipes: Look for holiday flavors like maple-rosemary roast turkey or a wintry citrus-brined turkey made with oranges, lemons, and limes. Of course, if you're looking to keep your Christmas menu easy this year, we've got you covered, too! There are turkey recipes that make use of your favorite kitchen appliances, like the slow cooker or air-fryer, so you don't have to worry about taking up space in the oven. Plus, you'll find recipes for turkey legs, stuffed turkey breast, and even ground turkey in Ree Drummond's turkey Swedish meatballs. And if you're serving crowd of people this year, why not make turkey alongside your other Christmas roasts—now that's what we call a holiday feast!
Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey
Wintry flavors like rosemary, orange, and maple syrup make this the ultimate Christmas roast. Serve it on a platter with fresh herbs to showcase the bird before or after carving.
Dry-Brined Turkey
With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform you turkey from the outside in. That's the beauty of dry-brining a turkey—all it takes is some salt, herbs, and a little bit of time to get the most flavorful turkey that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Citrus-Brined Roast Turkey
The bright flavors of orange, lemon, and lime make this roast turkey anything but boring! Be sure to save the drippings for a citrusy gravy.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
These turkey meatballs work just as well for a casual main course as they do for a fun Christmas appetizer. They're light, creamy, and so easy to make!
Roasted Turkey
Ree's turkey recipe comes out perfect every time—but it does require a bit of planning. Be prepared to brine the turkey the day before, then get up early to roast it before your feast.
Caveman Pops
This state fair-inspired dish is bursting with flavor thanks to a wet brine first followed by a chili powder and paprika dry rub.
Turkey Pot Pie
This alternative Christmas dinner makes use of two holiday classics: turkey and pie crust! It's flaky, creamy, and so comforting.
Smoked Turkey
You'll need a smoker or grill to get the distinct smoky flavor in this turkey recipe. You can even use different types of wood chips for more unique flavor—apple wood would be great with turkey!
Get the recipe at Immaculate Bites.
Spicy Cornbread and Sausage Stuffed Turkey Roulade
This rolled and stuffed turkey breast looks just as impressive as a whole bird, but it's so much faster to make. We especially love the cornbread and sausage stuffing made with spicy jalapeño peppers.
Get the recipe at The Suburban Soapbox.
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
This turkey breast recipe is perfect for serving smaller crowds or if you're making another main course too. It's made in a slow cooker with sage-garlic butter to produce juicy, tender results every time!
Get the recipe at The Flavor Bender.
Cranberry-Glazed Turkey Breast
Roasting your turkey with the cranberry sauce makes it so much more tender than if the sauce is just served on the side. It's sweet, tart, and ready in just under an hour!
Get the recipe at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Cajun Maple-Glazed Spatchcock Turkey
Once you know how to spatchcock a turkey, it's easy to make this spiced version using bold Cajun seasoning, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweet maple syrup.
Get the recipe at Simply Lakita.
Crispy Pan-Fried Parmesan Turkey Cutlets
You can still have a holiday turkey without the fuss of a roasting a whole bird. Instead, try these crispy breaded turkey cutlets—they’re ready in less than 30 minutes!
Get the recipe at I Wash, You Dry.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Turkey Breast
Instead of gravy, this stuffed turkey breast recipe has a deliciously creamy garlic-herb sauce. It's perfect when paired with the spinach and ricotta filling.
Get the recipe at From a Chef's Kitchen.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast
Who doesn't love anything wrapped in bacon? It's a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.
Air-Fryer Turkey Legs
If you don't have an air fryer yet, you might want to add it to your holiday Christmas list. It's the reason for these crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned turkey legs.
Get the recipe at My Forking Life.
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