Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of love, tradition, and a chance to gather. Ready to create your perfect Thanksgiving turkey recipe and unforgettable memories? Let’s dive into the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipe!
There’s something magical about the aroma of roasting turkey wafting through the house on Thanksgiving morning. It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the memories we create and the traditions we carry forward. Today, I’m sharing my guide to creating the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, along with a special bonus recipes (Homemade Bone Broth and my Dad’s Cranberry Sauce) that transforms yesterday’s feast into tomorrow’s gold: homemade turkey broth.
As you prepare your Thanksgiving turkey recipe, remember that it’s more than just cooking; it’s about creating lasting memories.
Creating Dad’s Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
With this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends while maintaining the spirit of the holiday.
There’s something magical about Thanksgiving that goes far beyond the meal itself. In our house, it was always an all-day celebration, carefully orchestrated by my dad, who channeled his inner Emeril Lagasse while creating masterpieces in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing not just a Thanksgiving turkey recipe, but a legacy of love, learning, and the art of taking your time to make something truly special.
The All-Day Thanksgiving Schedule
Before we dive into the turkey preparation, let me paint you a picture of a perfect Thanksgiving day:
- Early Morning: Wake up to the sounds of dad already busy in the kitchen
- Morning: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV
- Afternoon: The National Dog Show (which always reminded us of our beloved chocolate Lab, Sadie, who was dad’s faithful kitchen assistant)
- Throughout the day: Sampling dad’s creations (or as he’d say, putting his fingers in my face saying, “Here, try this, Alowishish!”)
- 5:00 PM: The main event (because as dad insisted, you can’t have Thanksgiving dinner without wine, and wine wasn’t served before 5!)
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe is simple yet effective, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: Simpler Than You Think
Let’s bust a myth right away: you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated techniques to make a show-stopping turkey. What you need is patience, attention to detail, and love—the same ingredients that make any family recipe special.
Follow my Thanksgiving turkey recipe for guaranteed success!
Check out my Post on Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes for more family recipes!
How To Prepare the Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Brining?
Dad’s Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: The Perfect Brine
How to Make the Brine:
Start by boiling 1 quart of water and dissolving kosher salt into it. Add sage, citrus, and your preferred seasonings to infuse the flavor. Let this mixture cool slightly, then stir in the remaining water to bring it to room temperature or lukewarm. If you need more brine to fully submerge your turkey, simply mix more using a ratio of 1 quart of water to 1/4 cup of kosher salt. Always let additional brine cool before adding it.
Need a reliable brining bag? Here’s my favorite on Amazon.
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe is perfect for any gathering.
Brining Time:
For the best results, brine your turkey for 12 to 24 hours—longer is better! If you’re short on time, even a few hours can make a noticeable difference. Keep the turkey covered and refrigerated throughout the brining process.
With this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, you will ensure everyone leaves satisfied!
Cooking a Brined Turkey:
Once the brining is done, pat the turkey dry and cook as your recipe directs. Two important tips:
- Brined turkeys cook faster: Start checking the internal temperature of the breast and thigh meat earlier than usual to avoid overcooking.
- Stuffing a brined turkey: If you plan to stuff the bird, it will extend the cooking time. Make sure the stuffing’s internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing the turkey from the oven.
This simple brining process results in a flavorful, juicy turkey that’s perfect for any feast!
Ingredients for Turkey Brine:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 lemons, halved
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Whole garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 gallons cold water Large brining bag or container
- Brine the turkey for 24 hours before cooking day, keeping it refrigerated
For more details on why brining is essential, this article by Serious Eats explains the science.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs for 8-10 people)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 2 whole lemons
- 3 medium onions
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: celery and carrots for the roasting pan
Now, you can make a turkey in a roasting pan BUT I inherited this amazing roaster which makes the whole thanksgiving timing of which can fit in the oven with a huge turkey a lot less stressful. Additionally, you can make practically anything in it.
The All-Day Thanksgiving Schedule: Perfect Day Planning
Want to keep dad’s Thanksgiving legacy alive??
Download my free Thanksgiving Planner Checklist for all-day prep perfection!
The Crucial Prep Work
Don’t forget to save leftovers from your Thanksgiving turkey recipe for delicious meals later!
If you feel a bit squeamish touching a raw turkey, trust me, you’re not alone. Try this Tony Chachere Injectable Marinade Variety Pack, Butter and Roasted Garlic. It removes the need to touch the raw turkey and makes for a delicious and super moist turkey, and believe me, no one will know the difference.
- Prep Work (Day Before)
- Thaw your turkey properly (allow 24 hours per 5 pounds in the refrigerator)
- Remove giblets and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Let butter come to room temperature
- The Big Day
- Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour before cooking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Create your herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper
- The Secret to Success
- Gently separate skin from meat without tearing
- Massage herb butter under the skin and all over the outside
- Fill cavity with quartered lemons, onions, and herb sprigs
- Place remaining vegetables in the roasting pan to create a natural rack
- The Cook
- Calculate roughly 15 minutes per pound
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 158°F at the thickest part
- Let rest for 30-45 minutes before carving
Enhance your meal planning with my Thanksgiving turkey recipe and enjoy each bite.
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe will create a centerpiece that everyone will rave about.
Looking for the perfect tablescape to complement your turkey? Check out Martha’s guide to 1 3 Christmas Table Setting Ideas That Will Enchant Your Guests.
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Gobble-Gobble Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Fool Proof
Discover a foolproof brined turkey recipe passed down through generations, complete with homemade cranberry-orange sauce. Perfect for creating your own family traditions!
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs for 8–10 people)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 2 whole lemons
- 3 medium onions
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 stick (1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: celery and carrots for the roasting pan
Instructions
- Thaw your turkey properly (allow 24 hours per 5 pounds in the refrigerator)
- Remove giblets and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Let butter come to room temperatureRemove turkey from fridge 1 hour before cooking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Create your herb butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepperGently separate skin from meat without tearing
- Massage herb butter under the skin and all over the outside
- Fill cavity with quartered lemons, onions, and herb sprigs
- Place remaining vegetables in the roasting pan to create a natural rackCalculate roughly 15 minutes per pound
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 158°F at the thickest part
- Let rest for 30-45 minutes before carving
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Christmas Food, Christmas Holiday Food, dinner, Thanksgiving meal
- Cuisine: American, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Tradition
Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out! Share your turkey pictures on Instagram with #DadsThanksgivingTurkey, and I’ll feature my favorites!
Bonus: Making Liquid Gold (Turkey Broth)
Don’t let that precious turkey carcass go to waste! Here’s how to transform it into rich, homemade broth:
Ingredients:
- Turkey carcass and leftover bones
- 2 onions, quartered
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- Fresh herbs (any leftover from turkey prep)
- Cold water
Method:
- Break down the carcass into manageable pieces
- Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot
- Cover with cold water by 2 inches
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 3-4 hours, skimming occasionally
- Strain and cool before storing
This broth becomes the foundation for countless future meals, carrying the essence of your Thanksgiving celebration forward.
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Making Liquid Gold (Turkey Broth)
Home-made Broth made from Turkey Carcuss
Ingredients
- Turkey carcass and leftover bones
- 2 onions (quartered)
- 3 carrots (roughly chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (roughly chopped)
- 1 head of garlic (halved crosswise)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- Fresh herbs (any leftover from turkey prep)
- Cold water
Instructions
- Break down the carcass into manageable pieces
- Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot
- Cover with cold water by 2 inches
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 3-4 hours, skimming occasionally
- Strain and cool before storing
Notes
This broth becomes the foundation for countless future meals, carrying the essence of your Thanksgiving celebration forward.
Tips!
- Don’t baste! Opening the oven door frequently only extends cooking time
- Skip trussing the legs for more even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer—it’s your best friend
- Save the pan drippings for gravy
- Let the turkey rest properly before carving
- Category: Holiday Meal
- Cuisine: Christmas, Soup, Southern, Thanksgiving
Remember, the best turkey isn’t just about technique—it’s about the love and intention you put into it. Every time we prepare these traditional dishes, we’re not just making a meal; we’re keeping memories alive and creating new ones.
Bonus 2: Dad’s “Secret” Cranberry Sauce
One of the most treasured parts of our Thanksgiving feast was dad’s cranberry sauce. He kept the exact recipe close to his chest – a fact that always made me laugh. While he took his precise measurements to the great kitchen in the sky, here’s my best recreation of his signature sauce that was so good, I’d often choose it over dessert!
Fresh Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Dad’s first rule: Never use canned cranberries, and always use fresh (not frozen) berries!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and sorted
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1 additional orange, thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (in addition to the juice from whole orange)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange slices
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until cranberries burst and begin to break down
- Add orange zest and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors
- Continue cooking on low for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency
- Let cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in airtight containers (and make extra for sending home with loved ones!)
Dad’s Tip: Make this at least a day ahead – the flavors develop beautifully overnight
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Dad’s “Secret” Cranberry Sauce
Dad’s Tip: Make this at least a day ahead – the flavors develop beautifully overnight
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (rinsed and sorted)
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 additional orange (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (in addition to the juice from whole orange)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange slices
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until cranberries burst and begin to break down
- Add orange zest and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors
- Continue cooking on low for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency
- Let cool completely before refrigerating
- Store in airtight containers (and make extra for sending home with loved ones!)
Notes
Try adding a little bit of brown sugar & vanilla
- Category: Christmas Holiday Food, dinner, Holiday, Thanksgiving meal
- Cuisine: American
Tips for Success
- Skip trussing the legs for more even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer—it’s your best friend
- Save the pan drippings for gravy
- Don’t baste! Opening the oven door frequently only extends cooking time
- Let the turkey rest properly before carving
