Thanksgiving dinner deserves a turkey that is juicy, tender, flavorful, and beautifully golden on the outside. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or preparing a smaller holiday meal, the right roast turkey recipe can make the entire table feel special.

From classic herb butter and garlic rosemary to maple glaze, apple cider, lemon herb, and cranberry-orange flavors, these 17 juicy roast turkey recipes for Thanksgiving dinner offer plenty of delicious choices.

Each recipe includes ingredients, step-by-step instructions, serving ideas, and helpful tips to make your Thanksgiving turkey a success.

Food-safety reminder: Turkey should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest appropriate portions. Always use a food thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.

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🦃 1. Classic Juicy Herb Butter Roast Turkey

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This is the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving turkey. A generous coating of herb butter adds flavor while roasting creates golden, crisp skin.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey, about 12–14 pounds
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth

Instructions

1. Thaw the turkey completely in the refrigerator.
2. Remove the giblets and neck.
3. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels.
4. Mix softened butter with thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
5. Gently loosen the skin over the breast.
6. Spread some herb butter underneath the skin.
7. Rub the remaining butter over the turkey.
8. Place onion, lemon, and garlic inside the cavity.
9. Put the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack.
10. Pour broth into the bottom of the pan.
11. Roast according to the turkey’s size and your oven’s instructions.
12. Check the thickest portions with a thermometer.
13. Remove when the appropriate portions reach 165°F.
14. Rest for 20–30 minutes.
15. Carve and serve with gravy.

Juicy Turkey Tip

The combination of dry skin + butter under the skin + proper temperature + resting is more important than constantly basting the turkey.

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🧄 2. Garlic Rosemary Roast Turkey

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Garlic and rosemary give this turkey a fragrant, savory flavor that’s perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving menu.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 cups broth

Instructions

1. Combine softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Carefully loosen the breast skin.
4. Spread garlic butter underneath.
5. Rub remaining butter over the outside.
6. Place onion and rosemary sprigs inside the cavity.
7. Add broth to the roasting pan.
8. Roast until the thickest portions reach 165°F.
9. Cover loosely with foil if the skin becomes too dark.
10. Rest for 20–30 minutes.
11. Carve and serve.

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🍋 3. Lemon Herb Juicy Roast Turkey

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Bright lemon flavor balances the richness of roasted turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion

Instructions

1. Mix butter with lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
2. Pat the turkey dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Rub herb butter under the breast skin.
5. Spread remaining butter over the turkey.
6. Place lemon and onion pieces inside.
7. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let the turkey rest.
9. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestion

Pair it with roasted potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and buttery dinner rolls.

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🍁 4. Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey

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Maple syrup adds subtle sweetness and gorgeous caramelized color.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Combine maple syrup, butter, mustard, and thyme.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast according to size.
5. Brush with maple glaze during the later stage of roasting.
6. Continue roasting until 165°F.
7. Cover loosely if the skin browns too quickly.
8. Rest for 20–30 minutes.
9. Carve and serve.

Why It Works

The sweet maple glaze pairs especially well with savory stuffing and tart cranberry sauce.

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🍎 5. Apple Cider Roast Turkey

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Apple cider brings classic fall flavor to Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• 2 cups apple cider
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 apple
• 1 onion
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry.
2. Mix butter with sage and thyme.
3. Season turkey.
4. Rub butter under the skin.
5. Spread remaining butter over the turkey.
6. Quarter apple and onion.
7. Place them inside the cavity.
8. Pour cider into the bottom of the roasting pan.
9. Roast until the turkey reaches 165°F.
10. Rest before carving.

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🧈 6. Brown Butter Herb Roast Turkey

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Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to this holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.
2. Continue heating gently until the milk solids become golden and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in sage and thyme.
5. Let the butter cool slightly.
6. Pat turkey dry.
7. Brush brown butter underneath the skin.
8. Brush the remaining butter over the exterior.
9. Add lemon halves to the cavity.
10. Roast until 165°F.
11. Rest before carving.

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🧄 7. Juicy Garlic Butter Turkey Breast

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A turkey breast is a fantastic option for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in turkey breast
• ½ cup butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 cup broth

Instructions

1. Mix butter with minced garlic and herbs.
2. Pat turkey breast dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread garlic butter under the skin.
5. Rub remaining butter over the top.
6. Place turkey breast in a roasting pan.
7. Add broth.
8. Roast according to weight-based instructions.
9. Check the thickest portion.
10. Remove at 165°F.
11. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
12. Slice and serve.

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🍊 8. Cranberry Orange Roast Turkey

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Cranberry and orange create a festive sweet-tart glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast or whole turkey
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and orange zest.
2. Season the turkey.
3. Roast normally.
4. Brush cranberry glaze over the turkey during the final stage.
5. Continue roasting until 165°F.
6. Rest.
7. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.

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🌿 9. Sage and Onion Roast Turkey

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Sage and onion are two classic Thanksgiving flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 cups broth

Instructions

1. Mix butter with chopped sage and thyme.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Season thoroughly.
4. Rub herb butter under the breast skin.
5. Rub remaining butter over the outside.
6. Quarter onion and place it inside the cavity.
7. Pour broth into the roasting pan.
8. Roast until 165°F.
9. Rest for 20–30 minutes.
10. Carve.

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🥓 10. Bacon-Wrapped Juicy Roast Turkey Breast

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Bacon adds savory flavor and creates a beautiful holiday presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 8–10 bacon slices
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Pat turkey breast dry.
2. Mix butter with thyme and garlic powder.
3. Spread butter over the turkey.
4. Arrange bacon strips across the breast.
5. Place in a roasting pan.
6. Roast according to the turkey breast’s weight.
7. Check the thickest part with a thermometer.
8. Remove at 165°F.
9. Rest for 15–20 minutes.
10. Slice.

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🍯 11. Honey Herb Roast Turkey

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Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter.
2. Mix butter with honey, herbs, and garlic powder.
3. Pat turkey dry.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast according to size.
6. Brush with honey glaze during the later portion of cooking.
7. Continue until the turkey reaches 165°F.
8. Tent loosely if needed.
9. Rest before carving.

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🌶️ 12. Cajun Roast Turkey

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For a Thanksgiving table that likes bold flavor, Cajun seasoning is an excellent option.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt, as needed depending on seasoning blend

Instructions

1. Combine butter and Cajun seasoning.
2. Add garlic and onion powder.
3. Pat turkey dry.
4. Spread seasoned butter beneath the skin.
5. Rub remaining butter over the outside.
6. Roast according to weight.
7. Check temperature.
8. Remove at 165°F.
9. Rest.
10. Carve.

Best Side Dishes

Serve with cornbread dressing, roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or creamy macaroni and cheese.

21 Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for Beginners

25 Classic Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes Everyone Will Love

17 Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes to Save Time

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🍐 13. Pear and Herb Roast Turkey

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Pears add a subtle fall sweetness that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 2 pears
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon sage
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry.
2. Mix butter with thyme and sage.
3. Spread herb butter under the skin.
4. Rub remaining butter over the outside.
5. Cut pears and onion into large pieces.
6. Place them inside the cavity.
7. Roast until the turkey reaches 165°F.
8. Rest.
9. Carve.
10. Garnish with fresh pear slices.

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🧅 14. French Onion Roast Turkey Breast

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This turkey breast combines the familiar holiday roast with the rich flavor of caramelized onions.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 3 large onions
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup broth
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Thinly slice onions.
2. Slowly cook onions in butter until deeply golden.
3. Add thyme.
4. Season turkey breast.
5. Roast turkey until nearly done.
6. Spread caramelized onions over the top.
7. Sprinkle with cheese.
8. Return to the oven until cheese melts and turkey reaches 165°F.
9. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
10. Slice and serve.

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🍄 15. Mushroom Herb Roast Turkey

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Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast
• 2 cups mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Clean and slice mushrooms.
2. Sauté mushrooms with butter and garlic.
3. Season turkey breast.
4. Place turkey in a roasting pan.
5. Arrange mushrooms around it.
6. Add broth.
7. Roast until turkey reaches 165°F.
8. Rest.
9. Slice turkey.
10. Spoon mushrooms and pan juices over the top.

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🍎 16. Apple Garlic Herb Roast Turkey

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Ingredients

• 1 turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 apple
• 1 onion
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Mix softened butter with minced garlic and herbs.
2. Pat turkey dry.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Rub herb butter underneath the breast skin.
5. Spread remaining butter over the turkey.
6. Cut apple and onion into quarters.
7. Place them in the cavity.
8. Roast until 165°F.
9. Rest before carving.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs and apple slices.

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🧈 17. Classic Roast Turkey With Homemade Gravy

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When you want the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving plate, serve a juicy roast turkey with rich homemade gravy.

Turkey Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ½ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 cups broth
• 1 onion

Gravy Ingredients

• Turkey pan drippings
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups turkey or chicken stock
• Salt
• Pepper

Turkey Instructions

1. Pat the turkey dry.
2. Combine butter with thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread herb butter under the skin.
4. Rub remaining butter over the turkey.
5. Put onion inside the cavity.
6. Place turkey on a roasting rack.
7. Add broth to the pan.
8. Roast until the turkey reaches 165°F.
9. Remove from oven.
10. Rest for 20–30 minutes.

Gravy Instructions

1. Pour the pan drippings into a heatproof measuring container.
2. Allow the fat to rise to the top.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan.
4. Whisk in flour.
5. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk in stock.
7. Add some turkey drippings.
8. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot over sliced turkey.

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🦃 How to Keep Roast Turkey Juicy

Getting juicy turkey isn’t about one secret ingredient. Several small techniques work together.

1. Thaw Completely

A partially frozen turkey will cook unevenly. Plan enough refrigerator thawing time before Thanksgiving.

2. Pat the Turkey Dry

Dry the exterior thoroughly before applying butter or oil. This helps the skin brown more effectively.

3. Season Under the Skin

For maximum flavor, gently separate the breast skin from the meat and spread seasoned butter underneath.

4. Don’t Overcook

The most important factor in avoiding dry turkey is preventing overcooking. Use a reliable thermometer and remove the turkey when the appropriate thickest portions reach 165°F.

5. Rest Before Carving

Resting allows the juices to redistribute and makes carving cleaner.

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🧂 Should You Brine Your Thanksgiving Turkey?

Brining is an optional technique that many cooks use to add seasoning and help the turkey retain moisture.

There are two common methods:

Wet Brining

The turkey is submerged in a seasoned saltwater solution.

Dry Brining

Salt and seasonings are rubbed directly onto the turkey and allowed to work into the meat while refrigerated.

If you’re a beginner, a simple dry brine can be easier because you don’t have to manage a large container of liquid.

Important: If your turkey is already labeled as enhanced, self-basting, injected, or containing added solution, check the package before adding significant additional salt.

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🍽️ Best Side Dishes for Roast Turkey

A juicy turkey deserves equally delicious sides.

🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The classic combination of turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy is hard to beat.

🍒 Cranberry Sauce

Tart cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of turkey and gravy.

🥖 Stuffing

Sage, onion, celery, and toasted bread make an ideal Thanksgiving companion.

🫛 Green Bean Casserole

Creamy green beans add color and texture to the plate.

🍠 Sweet Potatoes

Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness to the meal.

🥐 Dinner Rolls

Warm rolls are perfect for soaking up leftover gravy.

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🔪 How to Carve a Roast Turkey

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Step 1: Rest the Turkey

Don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Remove the Legs

Pull a leg away from the body and cut through the joint.

Step 3: Separate the Thigh

Cut through the joint between the thigh and drumstick.

Step 4: Remove the Breast

Make a long cut alongside the breastbone and follow the bone downward.

Step 5: Slice

Cut the breast meat into even slices.

Step 6: Arrange

Place breast slices on a platter and arrange dark meat alongside them.

Add fresh rosemary, thyme, cranberries, lemon, or orange slices for a festive presentation.

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🎄 Thanksgiving Turkey Timeline for Beginners

Two Weeks Before

• Choose your turkey size.
• Check whether you need a whole turkey or turkey breast.
• Purchase frozen turkey if desired.
• Make a Thanksgiving menu.

Several Days Before

• Start thawing the turkey in the refrigerator if needed.
• Buy herbs, butter, broth, vegetables, and other ingredients.
• Prepare any make-ahead side dishes.

One Day Before

• Prepare herb butter.
• Chop vegetables.
• Make cranberry sauce or other make-ahead dishes.
• Prepare serving platters and utensils.

Thanksgiving Day

Morning

• Check that turkey is fully thawed.
• Pat dry.
• Season according to your recipe.
• Start roasting based on your planned meal time.

During Roasting

• Monitor browning.
• Use foil if needed.
• Check internal temperature near the expected finish time.

Before Dinner

• Remove turkey at 165°F.
• Rest for 20–30 minutes.
• Make gravy from the drippings.
• Carve.
• Arrange on a platter.

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🦃 Thanksgiving Roast Turkey FAQs

What is the secret to juicy roast turkey?

The biggest factors are proper thawing, avoiding overcooking, using a thermometer, and allowing the turkey to rest before carving.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

Turkey should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest appropriate portions.

How long should a turkey rest?

A large turkey can rest for approximately 20–30 minutes before carving.

Should I put butter under the turkey skin?

Yes. Seasoned butter under the skin is an easy way to add flavor directly to the breast meat.

Should I baste my turkey?

Basting is optional. You don’t need to constantly open the oven to produce a good turkey. Opening the oven frequently can release heat and extend cooking time.

How do I make turkey skin crispy?

Pat the turkey dry before roasting and avoid adding unnecessary moisture to the skin. Proper roasting temperature also helps with browning.

Can I roast turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?

Yes. Turkey breast is ideal for smaller gatherings and can be easier to handle.

What herbs go best with turkey?

Classic Thanksgiving herbs include sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

Can I use dried herbs?

Yes. Dried thyme, rosemary, sage, and poultry seasoning are convenient alternatives to fresh herbs.

Should I cover the turkey with foil?

Not necessarily. If the skin becomes too dark before the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature, loosely tent the affected areas with foil.

Can I make gravy from turkey drippings?

Absolutely. The flavorful drippings left in the roasting pan are excellent for homemade gravy.

How much turkey do I need per person?

A commonly used estimate is around 1–1½ pounds of whole turkey per person, depending on appetite, side dishes, and how many leftovers you want.

Is turkey breast better for a small family?

Usually, yes. A turkey breast provides a practical amount of meat without requiring a large whole bird.

Can I stuff the turkey?

You can, but stuffing cooked inside the turkey must reach 165°F. For easier temperature control, especially for beginners, cooking stuffing separately is generally simpler.

How do I prevent turkey from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and check the temperature with a thermometer. Also allow the turkey to rest before carving.

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🍂 Final Thoughts

A juicy Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t require complicated culinary techniques. Start with a flavorful butter mixture, season the turkey well, roast it carefully, and—most importantly—use a thermometer to prevent overcooking.

Whether you choose the Classic Herb Butter Turkey, Garlic Rosemary Turkey, Maple-Glazed Turkey, Apple Cider Turkey, Cranberry Orange Turkey, Cajun Turkey, or Classic Turkey With Gravy, each recipe can become a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

Serve your roast turkey alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, gravy, and warm dinner rolls, then finish with pumpkin or pecan pie.

With these 17 juicy roast turkey recipes, you can choose a traditional favorite or try something new while keeping the Thanksgiving meal warm, comforting, and memorable. 🦃🍂🍁