Feel like tweaking tradition this Thanksgiving? Here’s an idea: Don’t roast a whole bird. Sure, the turkey is beautiful and the carving is dramatic, but it’s a challenge to get it right since the breast and legs cook at different rates. These turkey recipes—roasted and stuffed breasts and thighs, as well as fancy-looking roulades―are everything you love about a centerpiece turkey with none of the downside.
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RecipeMaple-Brined Turkey Breast with Mushroom Gravy
Brining brings out the best in turkey, making it juicy and adding savory flavor; be sure to allow enough time (at least 4 hours) to brine the breast. The mushroom gravy is rich, thick, and fragrant with fresh tarragon, and it can be made completely ahead.
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RecipeRoasted Turkey Breast, Porchetta Style
This centerpiece dish starts with a boned whole turkey breast or two boneless breast halves. It’s rubbed with a garlic and herb spice paste and topped with pancetta for a clever take on porchetta. -
RecipeTurkey Thighs Stuffed with Porcini & Sausage
If dark meat is what you’re after, a turkey thigh stuffed with earthy porcini mushrooms, sweet Italian sausage, and artichoke hearts makes an ideal roast. -
RecipeTurkey Roulades with Fontina and Sage
This impressive main course has a few steps to it, but you can assemble the roulades ahead; they cook quickly and are a dream to carve. Plus, they pack an exciting flavor punch with their cheesy, herby, garlicky filling. -
RecipeBraised Turkey Legs with Crisp Pancetta & Parsley
Turkey legs cook up deliciously tender when braised. Just before serving, the meat is garnished with crisped pancetta, which gives it the same satisfying crunch as crackly, roasted skin.
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RecipeSoy-Miso Glazed Turkey Breast
With a ginger-laced hoisin paste to flavor the turkey and a miso-honey glaze to baste it, the best of both sweet and savory Asian flavors come through in this fresh take on Thanksgiving turkey. Mayonnaise replaces butter as the chosen fat for deep browning and rich flavor. -
RecipeTurkey Roulade with Apple-Cider Gravy
This golden brown turkey breast has a moist pecan-and-cranberry-studded stuffing rolled inside. Relish in the “oohs” and “aahhs” as you reveal the beautiful spiral intertwining of tender turkey and savory stuffing. -
RecipeDried Apricot & Date Stuffed Turkey Breast
The sweetness of the dried fruit makes a harmonious combo with the turkey, which has a couple of strips of bacon tied to the outside of the breast. The bacon adds some much needed fat and helps keep the meat moist. -
RecipeMexican Turkey Drumstick Mole
You probably won’t see a drumstick mole take center stage on an American Thanksgiving table, but we couldn’t resist including one of the most delicious ways to enjoy turkey legs. This is a must-make while turkey parts are readily available at the market. -
RecipeTurkey Confit with Thick, Rich Gravy
Chef Luke Verhulst has developed a unique way to cook turkey, combining a dry brine and a classic French confit technique. The result is the crispiest and most succulent turkey you’ll likely ever have.
