Holiday Cooking: 20 Christmas Turkey Recipes

Nothing says ‘holiday feast’ quite like a succulent, golden-brown turkey, lovingly prepared and presented to family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a first-time cook, our collection of Christmas turkey recipes will guide you through the merry minefield of cooking this iconic dish. From the classic herb-infused and butter-basted to unique twists and allergy-friendly options, we have every recipe to ensure your holiday bird is the talk of the table. Join us as we unlock the secrets to achieving that ideal blend of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that makes for an unforgettable Christmas meal.

Looking for more savory festive recipes? Check out our Epic Roast Recipes which will also highlight your holiday menu.

Herb Roasted Turkey

Source: Dinner At The Zoo

Imagine your taste buds doing the tango with each savory bite of this herb-roasted turkey. Want to dress it up? Weave a garland of cranberries and fresh herbs around the platter—it’ll look so festive, you’ll almost hate to carve it. Pair this beauty with a buttery chardonnay, and you’ve got a holiday match made in heaven. Trust me, your Aunties, who’s all about that herb life, will sing your praises year-round.

Garlic-Butter Basted Turkey

Source: Seasoned Sprinkles

Every slice is a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience, with a garlic punch that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here). To make it extra merry, tuck in some pomegranate seeds and lemon slices for a pop of color that screams Christmas cheer. If you’re aiming to impress, serve it up with a creamy garlic mashed potato; it’s like they were meant to be.

Maple Glazed Turkey

Source: Dash Of Sanity

Jazz it up with red grapes and orange slices on the side, giving it that ‘just stepped out of a Christmas postcard’ vibe. Toss a splash of bourbon into the mix, and your glaze went from whoa to WOW. Serve this with roasted sweet potatoes, and watch your friends claim their new favorite holiday treat.

Turkey Roulade

Source: The Kitchn

This Turkey Roulade is rolling up to your holiday table with more style than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. It’s stuffed with all the good stuff, making each slice a juicy, herby delight bursting with flavor. For an Instagram-worthy feast, adorn your platter with a few holly sprigs or rosemary branches—it’ll look as festive as your tree.

Happy Orange Turkey

Source: Taste Of Home

It’s like sunshine on a plate, with citrus zing giving your turkey a zesty, joyful kick. For an actual winter wonderland effect, stud that bird with clove-spiked oranges and fresh bay leaves, making it the belle of the ball on your dinner table. Splash in a bit of Grand Marnier to your orange glaze, and suddenly, it’s not just happy, it’s ecstatic.

Deep Fried Turkey

Source: A Spicy Perspective

Y’all, this Deep Fried Turkey is about to rock your holiday socks off—it’s crispy on the outside, and juicier than a gossip column on the inside. To give it that festive flair, toss some fried sage leaves and lemon wedges for a plate that looks as merry as it tastes. If you wanna elevate that crunch factor to new heights, introduce a tangy cranberry dipping sauce to the mix.

Slow Cooker Turkey

Source: Cafe Delites

As it slow-cooks to perfection, it soaks up all those herbs and spices, making every mouthful a tender, fall-off-the-bone treat. Throw in a colorful array of roasted veggies around it for some extra Christmas pizzazz. Throw this bad boy on a platter with fluffy dinner rolls, and watch everyone give you ultimate approval.

Instant Pot Whole Turkey

Source: Life Made Sweeter

Who knew a turkey could go from zero to hero in a jiffy with an Instant Pot? This bird’s not only juicy to the max but infused with rich flavors you’d think it’s been cooking all day! To add a sprinkle of holiday magic, garnish with orange zest and cranberries for a dish dressed to impress. A spiced apple compote on the side could lift your feast to next-level deliciousness.

Air Fryer Turkey

Source: The Recipe Critic

Picture this: a bird with skin so crispy it’s like a symphony of crackles with every slice, and a juicy inside that’s got more flavor than a Christmas carol has notes. Dress it up with a string of mini fairy lights (edible, of course!) and some star anise for that ‘starry night’ look. Slide this next to a pile of garlic green beans; your guests will be all about that air-fried goodness.

BBQ Turkey

Source: Taste Of Home

Slap on your Santa hat and fire up the grill, because this BBQ Turkey is about to turn your Christmas into a smoky, savory wonderland that even Santa can’t resist sliding down the chimney for. This bird comes out looking like it’s been kissed by the fire itself, all while keeping the inside juicier than a ripe peach. Deck it out with some grilled pineapple rings and fresh herbs for a tropical twist that’ll have your taste buds singing carols.

Vegan Turkey Roast

Source: School Night Vegan

Hold onto your mistletoe, because this Vegan Turkey Roast is about to sleigh your plant-based holiday dreams! Crafted from hearty, wholesome ingredients, each bite is a winter wonderland of flavors that’ll have you questioning, “Is this not meat?” Deck your faux turkey with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley to spread that festive cheer all over the table.

Allergy-Friendly Roast Turkey Breast

Source: Allergic Living

Gather ’round, folks, for an Allergy-Friendly Roast Turkey Breast that’s as inclusive as the big man’s “nice” list. This turkey’s seasoned to perfection without no-nos, making it juicier than a snowball in July. Toss a handful of allergy-friendly cranberry sauce on the side, and you’ve just turned this dish into the heart of the holiday feast.

Roast Turkey Breast

Source: Great British Chefs

This is pure, unadulterated turkey goodness, with meat so tender and juicy, that it’s like biting into a cloud of pure joy. To get that festive look, drape it with a cranberry and orange slice garland—talk about jolly! Now, imagine a dollop of tangy cranberry mustard on top, and you’ve just catapulted your turkey into the stratosphere of awesome.

Pomegranate Maple Glazed Turkey

Source: Honey Suckle White

Get your festive pants on because this Pomegranate Maple Glazed Turkey is a game-changer! It’s got that sticky sweet goodness with a tangy pomegranate pop that’ll have your mouth singing hallelujah. Bedazzle this bird with roasted chestnuts and a sprinkle of pomegranate arils for a dish as pretty as a Christmas wreath.

Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey

Source: Martha Stewart

Oh, huddle up for the scoop on this Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey, because it’s about to bring the sweet heat to your holiday table. We’re talking a caramelized hug on a plate, with a delectable glaze that’ll make your sweet tooth do backflips. Park this next to some creamy, dreamy scalloped potatoes, and watch your fun-loving grandma spoon up seconds before you can say “Pass the gravy.”

Turkey Wellington

Source: The Salted Pepper

This Turkey Wellington is about to take your taste buds on a sleigh ride of epic proportions. Pair it with a velvety merlot that complements it like marshmallows do hot cocoa. Your gourmet-loving friend, who’s always on the hunt for the next showstopper, will give you a standing ovation from their seat at the table.

Porchetta Style Turkey

Source: Saubury’s Magazine

Think herby, garlicky, and rolled up tighter than Santa’s present sack. Every slice is a trip to flavor town where the meat is as succulent as a dew-kissed poinsettia. Kick up those festive vibes by laying on some zesty lemon zest curls and a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley—it’ll be the belle of the ball! Now, sneak some crushed fennel seeds into the herb mix, and bam, you’ve elevated it to legend status.

Soy Sauce & Honey Glazed Turkey

Source: Food And Wine

Get ready for a sweet and savory rollercoaster with this soy sauce and honey-glazed turkey. This bird’s glaze is a sticky masterpiece, mixing umami with a honeyed kiss that’ll have your guests humming with delight. Slide this next to a side of ginger-infused jasmine rice, and watch your cool, foodie uncle – the one who’s been around the culinary block – nod in respect at your kitchen prowess.

Asian-Style Turkey

Source: Oh My Food Recipes

It’s a fusion feast as bold as beautiful, with ingredients that’ll have your palate dancing the Nutcracker ballet. Imagine a drizzle of tangy Sriracha mayo alongside, taking that bird from fab to absolutely divine. Tuck this next to a pillowy mound of coconut rice, and behold as your adventurous aunt—the globe-trotter of the family—gives you a thumbs up from across the table.

Southern Turkey

Source: The Soul Food Pot

With a rub that’s a secret blend of smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of sass, it’s like a warm, buttery biscuit for the soul. Dress that bird in its holiday best with a string of popcorn and cranberries for a down-home, country Christmas vibe. And if you’re feeling bold, a drizzle of bourbon-infused gravy will kick this turkey up a notch to downright heavenly.

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