5-Star Roast Turkeys

Updated October 18, 2007
Credit: Susie Cushner

This season, carve into a juicy main dish worthy of a celebration, and our online reviewers' top rating.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Roasted Turkey with Rosemary-Garlic Butter Rub and Pan Gravy

Credit: Charles Masters

Roasted Turkey with Rosemary-Garlic Butter Rub and Pan Gravy Recipe

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Moroccan-Spiced Turkey with Aromatic Orange Pan Jus

Credit: Chris Court; Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Moroccan-Spiced Turkey with Aromatic Orange Pan Jus Recipe

A fragrant spice rub infuses the turkey with subtle Middle Eastern flavor.

3 of 18

Apple-Bourbon Turkey and Gravy

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Apple-Bourbon Turkey and Gravy Recipe

Apple slices and aromatic vegetables line the roasting pan, creating a colorful rack that adds terrific flavor to both the turkey and pan juices.

Advertisement

4 of 18

Marmalade-Glazed Turkey and Giblet Gravy

Credit: Oxmoor House

Marmalade-Glazed Turkey and Giblet Gravy Recipe

Juicy meat and darkly glazed skin set this holiday bird apart. A wonderful orange marmalade and honey glaze gives this a sweet twist from grandma's traditional turkey. If your turkey is frozen, place turkey in its original wrapper in a pan, and refrigerate two to three days or until thawed.

5 of 18

Apple-Poblano Whole Roast Turkey

Credit: Oxmoor House

Apple-Poblano Whole Roast Turkey Tout

This recipe received rave reviews from user tonikitchen: "You hit this one out of the park, CL! My guests and I agreed this was the best turkey we've ever had - moist, flavorful, just a hint of spice blended beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and cider."

6 of 18

Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey

Credit: Monica Buck

Dry-Cured Rosemary Turkey Tout

First-time Thanksgiving hosts might relate to Lori P, who shares this success story:
"This was rated by the most critical of my family to be the best turkey of all time. It was great that it was my first large-scale hosting of Thanksgiving for the family.... it made me proud."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Fresh-Herb Turkey

Credit: BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Fresh-Herb Turkey Tout

Looking for a new style for your traditional bird? Stacey N may have found your new favorite:
"My family and I have enjoyed this turkey recipe for the last 5 years. We are constantly amazed at how easy it is an how beautifully it turns out with such little effort. My MOTHER even wanted the recipe!"

8 of 18

Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey

Hickory-Smoked Bourbon Turkey Toutshelleyj1970 was pleasantly surprised with the kid-friendly taste of her smoked turkey, exclaiming, "Wow...I mean Wow...this was the most tender, juicy, flavorful turkey I have ever prepared...I made it for Thanksgiving and then ended up making it for a Christmas party at our home...everyone loved it...the kids even loved it and, if you are a parent, that should tell you something."

9 of 18

Mahogany Turkey Breast with Vegetable Gravy

Credit: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Mahogany Turkey Breast with Vegetable Gravy Tout

When entertaining a smaller crowd, forgo the extra pounds of a whole bird and serve a turkey breast instead. Reviewer teresa used this recipe and comments, "The turkey was moist and the veggies for the gravy were awesome. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner and good enough for company. We will make this one again."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Sugar-and-Spice Cured Turkey

Sugar-and-Spice Cured Turkey Toutjudyslastsay is a reformed baster after trying this cured turkey:
"I am a traditionalist and have always done the buttering and basting. Never again! This turkey recipe deserves more stars than I can give. My family complained of not having enough leftovers because it was just so good. So moist, it actually drips. The best ... the best!"

11 of 18

Apple-Cider Brined Turkey with Savory Herb Gravy

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Melanie J. Clarke

Apple-Cider Brined Turkey with Savory Herb Gravy Tout

Reviewer Melinda favors free-range birds and notes about this recipe, "It's easy to do and a guaranteed success. I've used both free-range, organic turkeys and a miminally processed commercial bird with equal success. In fact, the free-range birds can be challenging in preparation, and I have found this recipe to be superior."

12 of 18

Roast Turkey with Sage Garlic Butter

Credit: Leigh Beisch; Styling: Dan Becker

Roast Turkey with Sage Garlic Butter ToutJoyceknowlton raves, "Moist and full of flavor. Best turkey recipe I have used for Thanksgiving (so far). Going to use it again this Thanksgiving!"

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Parmesan-Sage Roast Turkey with Sage Gravy

Parmesan-Sage Roast Turkey with Sage Gravy Tout

User lovetocoooook writes, "'The best turkey and gravy I've ever had.' Quote from every person sitting at our Thanksgiving table this year! Although it cooked much longer than stated recipe, I did not find it to be anymore labor intensive than cooking a plain ol' turkey. Outstanding flavor and I couldn't have been happier. Will make every Thanksgiving from now on. I also blended the veggies in the broth before adding to the gravy for extra flavor."

14 of 18

Spice-Brined Turkey with Cider Pan Gravy

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Jan Gautro, Leigh Ann Ross

Spice-Brined Turkey with Cider Pan Gravy Recipe

You can use a double layer of turkey brining bags, then keep the bagged turkey in a stockpot in the refrigerator to guard against punctures. Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and apples, if desired.

15 of 18

Roast Turkey with Truffle Gravy

Roast Turkey with Truffle Gravy Recipe

The turkey is simple, but truffle oil in the gravy makes the dish holiday-special. Start making the stock for the gravy while the turkey cooks. Garnish the platter with kumquats, roasted garlic, and fresh thyme, sage, and parsley.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Ojai Roast Turkey with Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic

Credit: James Carrier

Ojai Roast Turkey with Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic Recipe

This top-rated turkey recipe drew raves from our users, who proclaimed it "the best turkey ever". Fresh ingredients, including lemon, rosemary, and garlic, contribute to the mouthwatering flavor.

17 of 18

Chile and Spice Grilled Turkey

Credit: Shelly Strazis; Styling: Valerie Aikman-Smith

Chile and Spice Grilled Turkey Recipe

18 of 18

Roast Turkey with Sage Stuffing and Gravy

Credit: Susie Cushner

Roast Turkey with Sage Stuffing and Gravy Recipe

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next