Now more than ever, Thanksgiving is a reason to celebrate. “I’m really looking forward to Thanksgiving, with all that we’ve been going through this year,” mom Nancy Hassan told Mom.com. “It’ll be nice to be around family doing our yearly tradition of turkey and our favorite sides.”
Although you might be doing Thanksgiving differently this year, one thing will stay the same: Someone’s gotta cook the turkey for thanksgiving. If you’re that someone, we’re here to help with a guide to preparing a juicy, delicious bird – even if you’ve never cooked a turkey.
Getting started: How to choose a turkey
This is how to cook a turkey: 8 recipes you'll thank us for
World’s Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey
Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a crazy easy but delicious recipe.
To Make: Food Network
Turkey in a Bag
This easy, old-school method turns out tender birds with crispy skin.
To Make: The Kitchn
Easiest Turkey Brine
Bathing your turkey in brine (a seasoned water and salt solution) will guarantee a moist, juicy bird.
To Make: Simply Recipes
Dry-Brined Turkey
For just as much flavor and a bit less mess, try dry brining.
To Make: Bon Appetit
Crisp-Skinned Spatchcocked (Butterflied) Roast Turkey With Gravy
Removing the turkey’s backbone and flattening it (spatchcocking) creates a juicy, evenly cooked bird.
To Make: Serious Eats
Deep-Fried Turkey Brined in Cayenne and Brown Sugar
If you’re not terrified of messing with a giant vat of boiling oil, this method makes for a mouthwatering result.
To Make: Food & Wine
Porchetta-Style Roast Turkey Breast
Everything’s better with bacon, and this tasty dish proves it.
To Make: Epicurious
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Turkey
Here’s a recipe from Ree Drummond that will help you stress less.
To Make: Food Network
