Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. Between the side dishes, desserts and trying to get everything on the table at the same time, the last thing you need is a turkey that makes things complicated.
Whether you want something super simple, or you’re looking to switch up your usual Thanksgiving turkey, here are a few recipes worth trying this year.
1. Gartner’s Smoked Turkey: Simple & Delicious
Let’s start with the obvious choice.
Gartner’s smoked turkey is about as easy as Thanksgiving turkey gets. Our turkeys are fully cooked and smoked, so all you have to do is reheat and serve.
No brining, complicated rubs, or wondering if the turkey is actually done.
How to Reheat Gartner’s Smoked Turkey
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil
- Bake at 325 for approximately 10 minutes per pound (or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees)
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then carve and serve
The best part? You get a delicious smoked turkey without spending your entire Thanksgiving morning preparing one.
2. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Turkey
For a turkey with a little something extra, try a maple-bourbon glaze.
Combine ½ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, fresh thyme and black pepper. Warm everything together until slightly thickened.
Brush the glaze over your turkey during the final 20–30 minutes of reheating, adding another layer once or twice.
The result is a sweet, savory and slightly smoky turkey with a beautifully caramelized finish.
3. Garlic Herb Butter Turkey
Sometimes classic is the way to go.
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt and black pepper. If you’re cooking a raw turkey, rub the mixture underneath the skin and over the outside before roasting.
The butter melts into the turkey while the herbs and garlic add lots of flavor.
Bonus: Save the leftover herbs and garlic to add to your gravy.
4. Apple Cider Turkey with Sage
For a turkey that tastes like fall, bring apple cider into the mix.
Simmer apple cider with sliced apples, fresh sage, cinnamon sticks, black pepper and a little brown sugar. Use the mixture as a flavorful basting liquid while your turkey cooks.
The combination of apple, sage and turkey is basically fall in one bite.
5. Cajun-Style Turkey
Want to add a little spice to your Thanksgiving turkey? Give it a Cajun-inspired twist.
Season your turkey with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and a little cayenne for heat. Roast or reheat as usual, brushing it with melted butter along the way to help the seasoning stick and add some richness.
Serve it with a creamy Cajun gravy or sauce for a Thanksgiving turkey that’s smoky, savory and a little spicy.
6. Turkey with Cranberry-Pepper Relish
Skip the traditional cranberry sauce and give your turkey a little kick instead.
Combine fresh cranberries with orange zest, orange juice, honey, finely diced jalapeño and a pinch of salt until finely chopped but still slightly chunky.
The cranberries and citrus add some flavor to the turkey, while the jalapeño adds just a hint of heat.
7. Smoked Turkey Sandwiches for Thanksgiving Weekend
You work hard on your Thanksgiving meal, let your leftovers make life easy for the weekend ahead.
Use leftover smoked turkey to make delicious sandwiches with toasted sourdough, cheddar, cranberry sauce, arugula and Dijon mustard. Add some of our thick-cut bacon if you really want to add some more flavor to the mix.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving with a turkey that does the heavy lifting
There are plenty of ways to make a Thanksgiving turkey, but we’re partial to anything that lets you spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time around the table with the ones you love.
Stop by Gartner’s Country Meat Market to pick up your Thanksgiving turkey and make one less thing on your holiday to-do list.