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Looking for inspiration to make your turkey dinner extraordinary?
Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a weeknight dinner, turkey is a versatile and delicious choice.
From classic roasted turkey to creative dishes like turkey tacos and turkey meatballs, there are endless ways to cook and enjoy this lean protein.
If you’re in need of fresh ideas, we’ve compiled over 20 mouthwatering turkey dinner recipes that are sure to impress.
Get ready to explore a variety of flavors, textures, and styles that will make your turkey dinner the highlight of your meal plan.
20+ Traditional Turkey Dinner Recipes to Try This Holiday Season

With over 20 turkey dinner recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect dish to suit your taste and occasion.
Whether you’re craving a traditional turkey roast, something lighter like turkey salads or tacos, or an easy casserole to feed a crowd, these recipes offer endless options.
Get creative with your turkey dinner this year and explore new flavors and cooking techniques to elevate your meals.
With a little inspiration and the right recipe, your turkey dinner will be the star of the table!
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
This classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is a delicious, mouthwatering main dish perfect for any special occasion.
The turkey is seasoned with a rich mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with a generous amount of butter that keeps the bird moist and flavorful throughout the roasting process.
The butter not only enhances the turkey’s natural flavors but also creates a beautifully golden, crispy skin.
Pair it with savory stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday feast.
The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is ensuring that the bird stays juicy while achieving that ideal crispy skin.
Basting periodically with the herb-infused butter will help lock in moisture.
Additionally, resting the turkey for at least 20 minutes after roasting is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and full of flavor.
This recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
[Full Recipe]
Smoked Turkey Breast
If you’re looking to break away from the traditional oven-roasted turkey, a Smoked Turkey Breast offers a smoky, rich flavor that will leave everyone at the table raving.
This recipe involves marinating the turkey breast in a flavorful brine overnight, which helps it retain moisture while infusing it with herbs, garlic, and a touch of sweetness.
Once brined, the turkey breast is smoked for several hours, creating a beautifully tender and juicy meat with a deliciously smoky aroma.
The brine and smoke combination gives the turkey a perfect balance of flavor, while the meat stays moist and succulent throughout the cooking process.
Serve it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
It’s an excellent alternative to whole roasted turkey and offers a modern twist to your dinner spread.
The simplicity of the recipe makes it a great choice for beginners looking to experiment with smoking meat.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce
These Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce offer a delightful twist on the traditional turkey dinner.
Ground turkey is seasoned with a medley of spices like garlic, onion, and a hint of sage, then rolled into tender meatballs.
They’re pan-fried until golden and served with a homemade cranberry sauce that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet.
This recipe is ideal for a lighter, more casual meal or as an appetizer for a larger gathering.
The cranberry sauce is the star of this dish, and it’s made from scratch, simmered with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest.
The sweet and tangy sauce complements the savory turkey meatballs beautifully.
This is a great dish to serve for a Thanksgiving appetizer or a fun weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a family meal, these turkey meatballs are sure to be a hit!
[Full Recipe]
Crispy Turkey Cutlets
For a quick and delicious turkey dinner, Crispy Turkey Cutlets are a perfect option.
This dish features thin slices of turkey breast, breaded and pan-fried to a golden brown perfection.
The turkey cutlets are tender inside with a crispy exterior, making them an irresistible option for both adults and kids alike.
The secret to achieving the crispy crunch is a double-dipping technique—first in flour, then in a beaten egg mixture, and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs.
To elevate the flavor, serve the cutlets with a tangy lemon sauce or your favorite gravy.
Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for guests, these crispy turkey cutlets are easy to make and full of flavor.
Plus, they are much lighter than traditional fried chicken!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Tetrazzini
A comforting and creamy dish, Turkey Tetrazzini is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey while creating a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Tender turkey pieces are combined with mushrooms, peas, and spaghetti in a rich, velvety sauce made from cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
The dish is baked in the oven until bubbly and golden, creating a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
This recipe is ideal for using up Thanksgiving turkey leftovers or for prepping ahead of time.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be served alongside a light salad or garlic bread for the ultimate meal.
The combination of creamy sauce, tender turkey, and pasta will have everyone coming back for more.
It’s also easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy a stress-free dinner!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a fresh twist on the classic shepherd’s pie.
Instead of the traditional beef filling, this version uses leftover turkey mixed with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions in a savory gravy.
The filling is then topped with a creamy layer of mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, adding a naturally sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner, especially during the colder months.
The sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory turkey filling, making this dish both hearty and wholesome.
It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers while making a family-friendly meal that’s nutritious and full of flavor.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Chili
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Turkey Chili! This healthy and flavorful chili uses lean ground turkey instead of beef, creating a lighter but equally delicious version of the classic dish.
Packed with kidney beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika, this turkey chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or for feeding a crowd.
The turkey adds a mild, tender texture while still absorbing all the rich, spicy flavors of the chili.
Top it off with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions for added flavor.
It’s a versatile dish that can be served on its own or with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This turkey chili is also freezer-friendly, so you can make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy it for days to come.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall or winter dinners.
Made with leftover turkey, hearty wild rice, and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is comforting and satisfying.
The turkey adds protein while the wild rice offers a chewy texture, and the creamy broth ties everything together with rich, comforting flavors.
This soup is easy to prepare and can be made in one pot, making it a low-maintenance meal that’s perfect for busy days.
It’s a great way to use up any leftover turkey, while offering a new way to enjoy the holiday flavors.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, and you’ll have a filling and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey Pot Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that transforms leftover turkey into a warm, savory meal.
The filling is a creamy mixture of turkey, vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, and a rich gravy, all encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust.
Baked until golden brown, this pot pie is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey while creating a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use a store-bought pie crust to save time.
The creamy filling combined with the crisp crust is a crowd-pleaser, making this dish perfect for a family dinner or casual entertaining.
Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal everyone will love!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas
For a fun and unique twist on Thanksgiving leftovers, try Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas.
These quesadillas combine the flavors of roasted turkey and sweet cranberry sauce with gooey melted cheese, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla.
The combination of savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and cheesy goodness makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
Simply layer sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese on a tortilla, then cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
For extra flavor, you can add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry sauce.
Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for an added layer of flavor.
These quesadillas are easy to make and a creative way to enjoy turkey in a new, fun form.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Parmesan
If you’re craving a twist on classic Italian fare, try Turkey Parmesan.
Instead of the traditional chicken, this recipe uses turkey cutlets that are breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
The turkey cutlets are tender and flavorful, while the rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese create a comforting dish that’s sure to impress.
Serve Turkey Parmesan with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
This recipe is a great way to turn your leftover turkey into a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes just as good as the classic chicken version!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Sliders
Turkey Sliders are a fantastic, fun, and easy way to enjoy turkey in a small bite-sized form.
These sliders are made with tender turkey patties seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices, then topped with melted cheese, lettuce, and a dollop of tangy mayo or cranberry sauce.
All of this is sandwiched between soft mini buns, making them perfect for a casual meal or party appetizer.
For added flavor, you can toast the buns in butter or drizzle with a bit of honey mustard sauce.
These turkey sliders are great for a quick lunch or served as appetizers for game day or holiday gatherings.
You can even prep the patties ahead of time and freeze them for later.
These sliders are both tasty and versatile, ensuring that they’ll be a hit at any occasion!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers offer a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional turkey dinner recipes.
Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of ground turkey, spinach, onions, garlic, and spices, then baked until tender.
The turkey and spinach filling is seasoned with herbs like basil and oregano, adding depth and flavor to the dish.
Topped with a sprinkle of cheese, these stuffed peppers are both nutritious and satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for a light dinner that still feels hearty and filling.
You can use any color of bell pepper, and you can also add a side of quinoa, rice, or a salad for added texture.
These stuffed peppers are ideal for meal prep as they can be stored in the fridge for a few days and are easily reheated for a quick meal.
A delicious way to enjoy turkey while keeping things fresh and healthy!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich
The Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich is a flavorful and satisfying option for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
This sandwich combines lean turkey breast with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh lettuce, and tomato, all nestled between toasted whole-grain bread.
The combination of turkey and bacon provides a savory, smoky flavor, while the avocado adds richness and a slight buttery texture to each bite.
This sandwich is perfect for those who want a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
The crunch of the bacon and freshness of the veggies balance out the turkey perfectly, making it an irresistible choice.
For a twist, you can add a tangy mustard or a drizzle of ranch dressing to amp up the flavor.
It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that works great for a light lunch or dinner.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Bolognese
Turkey Bolognese is a lighter version of the traditional Italian Bolognese sauce, made with ground turkey instead of beef or pork.
The sauce is rich and hearty, simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and enhanced with red wine and herbs like basil and oregano.
The turkey offers a lean protein alternative, while still maintaining a depth of flavor that’s perfect for pairing with pasta.
Serve this flavorful turkey Bolognese over spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner.
This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a few days, making it a great meal prep option.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving for that authentic Italian touch.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, savory pasta sauce but wants a healthier alternative.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Tacos
Turkey Tacos are a quick and easy way to enjoy a taco night with a healthier twist.
Ground turkey is seasoned with taco spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and paprika, then cooked until browned and flavorful.
The turkey serves as the perfect base for building delicious tacos, and you can top them with a variety of ingredients like fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and even a squeeze of lime.
This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your tastes, whether you prefer soft tortillas or crunchy taco shells.
For an added boost of flavor, top the tacos with a bit of guacamole or avocado slices.
These turkey tacos are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or Taco Tuesday!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Meatloaf is a healthier twist on the classic beef version, offering a moist and flavorful alternative that’s just as comforting.
The ground turkey is mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme and parsley.
The key to a perfect turkey meatloaf is keeping it tender and juicy, and the addition of a tangy glaze on top adds a burst of flavor.
This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a great weeknight dinner.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of green beans for a complete meal.
The leftovers also make fantastic sandwiches the next day!
This turkey meatloaf recipe is a great way to enjoy the familiar flavors of comfort food in a lighter, healthier way.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey & Avocado Salad
For a refreshing and light meal, try Turkey & Avocado Salad.
This dish features tender slices of turkey breast paired with creamy avocado, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, all tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.
The turkey provides a lean protein source, while the avocado adds a rich, creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crisp vegetables.
This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and you can add your favorite toppings like nuts, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
It’s also a great way to use up leftover turkey from a holiday meal.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it satisfying without being heavy, making it a great option for a healthy, fresh meal.
[Full Recipe]
Turkey Fried Rice
Turkey Fried Rice is an easy, one-pan dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey while creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The turkey is chopped into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried with vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, then tossed with day-old rice and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil.
The result is a savory, slightly crispy fried rice that’s full of flavor and texture.
This dish is customizable and can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
You can even add a scrambled egg for an added protein boost.
Turkey fried rice is a quick and simple meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
It’s a great way to turn leftovers into something new and exciting!
[Full Recipe]
Turkey and Cornbread Casserole
Turkey and Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and filling dish that combines savory turkey with the sweetness of cornbread in a delicious casserole.
The turkey is mixed with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, then layered with crumbled cornbread and baked in a casserole dish.
The flavors meld together to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for serving a crowd.
This casserole is ideal for using up leftover turkey, and the cornbread provides a great contrast to the savory turkey and vegetables.
For an added twist, you can mix in a bit of cheese or top it with a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking.
Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
It’s a dish that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.
[Full Recipe]
Conclusion
From savory main dishes to unique turkey-inspired sides, the possibilities are endless when it comes to preparing a turkey dinner. With these 20+ turkey dinner recipes, you can explore a wide variety of flavors that go beyond the traditional roast turkey. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, something quick and easy, or a fresh take on holiday classics, there’s a recipe here to fit every occasion. So why wait? Start planning your next turkey dinner today and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.