What is it?

The iconic centerpiece of the American Thanksgiving dinner, turkeys are larger than chickens, generally weighing in between 12 to 24 pounds (though some breeders are raising turkeys as small as 5 to 8 pounds). Though similar to chicken in flavor, turkey, especially the dark meat, can have a deeper, fuller flavor. The majority of turkeys are purchased whole for roasting, but you can also buy turkey packaged in pieces, such as a whole breast or legs, and even cutlets. Ground turkey is also a popular alternative for ground beef because it tends to cook up more moist than ground chicken.

Don’t have it?

Chicken is generally the best substitute for turkey. In place of one whole roast turkey, try roasting two large chickens.

How to choose:

When choosing a whole turkey, fresh usually costs more but can have better texture than frozen; you’ll find fresh turkeys most widely available during the holiday season. Turkeys may also be labeled askosher, natural, free-range, and self-basting. Whichever bird you choose, look for smooth, intact skin, which is a sign that it was handled well.

Read more about choosing a turkey, including what all those labels mean.

How to prep:

If roasting a whole turkey, be sure to remove and giblets stored in the cavity (check the neck cavity, too).

Recipes

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  Louisiana-Style Deep-Fried Turkey

  厨师大卫配伍使他的家人这个土耳其every Thanksgiving. “A great reason to deep-fry your turkey is that it takes only 35 to 40 minutes to achieve a…

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  Champagne-Basted Turkey

  Chef Emily Brekke has used this foolproof method since she first roasted a turkey as a teenager. Once you try it this holiday, you’ll want to make it all the…

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  Turkey and Spinach Hand Pies

  These turnover-like pastries make a nice lunch paired with a green salad. Or enjoy them for a casual weeknight dinner.

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  Turkey, Escarole, and White Bean Soup with Cheesy Croutons

  A cross between white bean soup and French onion soup, a bowl makes a hearty meal.

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  Turkey Sausage and Mushroom Baguette Pizza

  An homage to frozen French-bread pizza, but so much tastier. You can substitute pork sausage for the turkey, if you like.

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  Citrus-Herb Turkey & Gravy

  Dry-brining the turkey allows the spices to penetrate the meat. A compound butter of garlic, citrus zests, and fresh herbs goes under the skin just before cooking so that those…

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  Jucy Lucy Turkey Burgers

  This burger—two patties surrounding molten cheese core—was inspired by the specialty at Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The creamy, tangy avocado spread is terrific on all kinds of burgers and…

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  Honey-Mustard Turkey Cutlets with Arugula, Carrot, and Celery Salad

  Tarragon is the secret ingredient in the honey-mustard coating for these quick-cooking turkey cutlets. It adds lovely licorice notes that elevate without overwhelming.

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  Southern Roast Turkey and Gravy

  Buttering and salting the turkey 1 to 2 days before roasting seasons the bird inside and out without the fuss of wet brining. Be sure to let the bird warm…

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  Pacific Northwestern Roast Turkey and Gravy

  Piny juniper berries in a savory butter rub lend some West Coast flavor to this roast turkey, while they gravy gets its flavor and slightly chunky texture from a generous…