Picking a Thanksgiving turkey recipe is not very different from dating. Hear us out: There are plenty of great options, but you have to find the one that fits your life. How big is your gathering? How big is your oven? Should you even use the oven? Or is the grill calling your name? Maybe you're ready to venture away from your usual type. Or maybe you’re looking for something dependable, just this once.

If you want us to make the decision for you, start with our go-to Thanksgiving turkey: a whole bird dry-brined for juicy meat, slathered with butter, and finished with a tangy honey glaze for crispy, deeply browned skin. It’s the turkey we return to year after year.

But there's more than one way to put turkey on the Thanksgiving table. Spatchcocking means faster, more even cooking and plenty of crispy skin; turkey breast makes sense for a smaller gathering; braised legs put dark meat front and center; and a grilled or smoked turkey frees up precious oven space. Below, you’ll find 23 Thanksgiving turkey recipes for whatever kind of holiday you're hosting.

Everything you need to know about turkey

A golden-brown roast turkey on a carving board surrounded by a bottle of wine, brussels spout leaves, a towel, and a carving knife.

Dry-brined for juicy meat and glazed for crispy skin, this Thanksgiving turkey delivers.

Art for How Long to Cook a Turkey showing a raw, trussed bird in a roasting pan being rubbed with butter.

Everything you need to know about turkey roasting times, plus tips to optimize the outcome.

Two sliced turkey breasts on a platter being served with a slicing fork and knife.

Ensure everyone gets their fill with these tips for securing the right size bird for your holiday gathering.

A carved turkey on a platter with neat slices of breast meat, whole drumsticks, and bundles of herbs tucked all around.

Watch two professional butchers as they share their best tips on turkey carving, from post-oven rest to festive presentation.

  • A glistening drybrined turkey resting on a cutting board surrounded by various Thanksgiving side dishes.

    Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Kalen Kaminski

    Dry-Brined Turkey With Tangy Honey Glaze

    If you want one classic Thanksgiving turkey recipe, make it this one. A dry brine seasons the meat and helps it stay juicy, while roasting the bird on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet promotes deep browning all over. A tangy honey glaze takes care of the crispy, burnished finish.

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    Christopher Testani

    Glazed and Lacquered Roast Turkey

    Got Norman Rockwell aspirations for your Thanksgiving table? Soy sauce in the glaze helps create a glossy mahogany skin while adding plenty of savory flavor beneath the shine.