12 Perfect Roast Turkey Recipes

Apple Cider-Brined Turkey with Savory Herb Gravy

This turkey is a pleasure to offer on your table. It's incredibly moist and flavorful, and it received our highest Test Kitchens rating. Brining is an overnight process, so if you're using a frozen turkey, be sure to thaw it well in advance. Choose turkey-sized plastic oven bags for brining the turkey. Use two bags to prevent brine from leaking, and place the turkey in a large stockpot as another precaution.

View Recipe: Apple Cider-Brined Turkey with Savory Herb Gravy

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Roast Turkey with Truffle Gravy

High-heat roasting makes this bird browned and beautiful, and truffle-scented homemade gravy makes it an extra-special treat. The holidays are a time for indulgence, and since this recipe calls for only a few ingredients, use the best quality you can.

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Turkey with Sausage, Apricot, and Sage Stuffing

Roasted turkey is an absolute must for any Thanksgiving, so if you're looking to shake things up a bit, the stuffing is a better place to start. Savory sausage (try hot Italian sausage if you like spicy) and sage, an herb that just tastes like Thanksgiving in any application, get a kick in the pants from sweet dried apricot, which provides contrast in both flavor and texture. Cooking the stuffing inside the turkey suffuses the meat with a subtle sage-and-apricot scent, but if you're uncomfortable doing that, just cook it in a separate pan.

View Recipe: Turkey with Sausage, Apricot, and Sage Stuffing

Honey and Thyme-Brined Turkey Breast

Serving a small group this holiday? Try roasting just a whole bone-in breast, like in this recipe. Briefly boiling the thyme and black pepper in water extracts the flavor and helps infuse the brine. If the turkey starts to brown too fast, shield with aluminum foil. Serve with mashed red potatoes and roasted baby carrots.

View Recipe: Honey and Thyme-Brined Turkey Breast

 

Apple-Poblano Whole Roast Turkey

Our Apple-Poblano Whole Roast Turkey provides a fresh, new take on the holiday bird. We suggest pairing this updated roast turkey with Sausage and Sourdough Bread Stuffing and Citrus Green Beans with Pine Nuts.

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Spice-Brined Turkey with Cider Pan Gravy

You can use a double layer of turkey brining bags, then keep the bagged turkey in a stockpot in the refrigerator to guard against punctures. Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and apples, if desired. For more great variations on this roast turkey recipe try: Roast Turkey with Onion and Cranberry Chutney, Shallot and Sage-Roasted Turkey with Shallot Gravy.

View Recipe: Spice-Brined Turkey with Cider Pan Gravy

 

Maple-Brined Turkey Breast with Mushroom Pan Gravy

Because you’re starting with a boneless cut, the brining time is much shorter than if using a whole bird. That makes this meal a great choice for an impromptu holiday gathering that still warrants an impressive dish.

View Recipes: Maple-Brined Turkey Breast with Mushroom Pan Gravy

Classic Roast Turkey and Giblet Gravy

You’ll need to prepare the Homemade Turkey Broth ahead—a day or two in advance is ideal. In a pinch, use purchased fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth.

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Parmesan-Sage Roast Turkey with Sage Gravy

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a side of gravy. Follow the steps listed at the end of the recipe for a tasty low-fat version. For a handsome garnish, roast lemon halves and peeled shallots at 425º for 20 minutes; arrange with sage sprigs on the turkey platter.

View Recipe: Parmesan-Sage Roast Turkey with Sage Gravy

 

Provençal Turkey Breast with Jus

Roasting just a turkey breast saves time, and the carving is super simple. Serve this garlic- and Herbes de Provence-flavored turkey with baby carrots and rice pilaf.

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Classic Roast Turkey with Fresh Herbs and Make-Ahead Gravy

Covering the turkey breast with foil deflects the heat and helps prevent the white meat from cooking faster than the dark. Serve with Make-Ahead Gravy which features a rich, homemade turkey stock base. Enhance the gravy with pan drippings from the turkey.

View Recipe: Classic Roast Turkey with Fresh Herbs

Cooking Light's Ultimate Roasted Turkey

This recipe developed by Cooking Light Contributor Elizabeth Taliaferro in 2001 is nearly perfect, having won the highest rating in our Test Kitchens. It also continues to receive rave reviews from readers for its ease and consistent success.

View Recipe: Cooking Light's Ultimate Roasted Turkey