13 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes That Get Passed Around First

Thanksgiving spreads often come with plenty of side dishes, but the turkey is still the main reason everyone lines up first. That’s why these 13 recipes are the ones that keep getting shared year after year. They’re the dishes that disappear before anyone even thinks about leftovers.

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light, crispy cups filled with bold flavors make this a creative way to mix turkey into Thanksgiving. Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!) combines a fun, bite-sized twist with flavors that work as a great appetizer for guests. It’s a dish that stands out because of its unique presentation.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Turkey Sliders

Close-up of a seasoned bagel sandwich with melted cheese and turkey slider filling, topped with seeds.
Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Small-sized, big-flavor bites make these quick sandwiches hard to resist. Turkey Sliders are a convenient way to share the Thanksgiving warmth with a handheld treat that keeps things simple. They’re great for casual entertaining and easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sliders

Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Close-up of sliced glazed turkey breast with visible seasoning.
Maple Glazed Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A tender option for those who want something lighter but full of flavor. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast highlights a sweet balance that everyone keeps reaching for first. It’s a centerpiece idea without the commitment of a whole bird. Great, especially when you need options that provide flexibility with portions.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Turkey Breast

Turkey Pot Pie

A steaming chicken pot pie with a golden-brown crust, partially cut open to reveal chunks of chicken, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprigs of rosemary garnish the top.
Turkey Pot Pie. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort-packed and rich with Thanksgiving leftovers, this option uses turkey in the best way possible. Turkey Pot Pie is a warm, classic choice that hits the right note when thinking of holiday meals. With its flaky layers and hearty filling, it’s always a memorable addition.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced, seasoned, roasted turkey breast on a blue plate.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Quick in preparation but packed with flavor, this option offers convenience without sacrificing taste. Using an Air Fryer Turkey Breast means still delivering juicy meat without needing the oven and large cooking times. Perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving setup or when the oven space is taken.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top.
Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm, comforting bowls of this dish bring everyone together after a long day of eating. Adding Thanksgiving magic to Turkey Soup makes it more than just leftovers and reminds everyone of home. It’s easy to prepare and lets nothing go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Classics have their place at Thanksgiving tables, and this remains the centerpiece for big gatherings. Roasted Turkey offers a flavor-packed experience where everyone gathers around for the traditional joy. It’s a time-tested favorite that brings the holiday spirit alive.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers of Thanksgiving’s best flavors combine here in one baked dish. Using Thanksgiving Casserole feels like reliving the holiday, but in a very shareable way. It’s a hearty mix that totally blends what makes this holiday special into every bite. Perfect for feeding a crowd without any stress leftover for cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim.
Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A good gravy ties the table together, and this version makes everything taste better. Using Turkey Gravy over your sides ensures nothing gets overlooked on your Thanksgiving plate. Its richness makes every serving stand out more. This versatile addition instantly becomes a non-negotiable once everyone gets their first taste.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Turkey Casserole

Close-up of a plate of creamy turkey casserole topped with bread crumbs and garnished with fresh basil leaves, reminiscent of a comforting turkey casserole.
Turkey Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This baked dish turns leftover turkey into something new yet comforting. Turkey Casserole takes familiar flavors but creates something distinct to enjoy. It’s easy to serve during those post-Thanksgiving moments when you need an effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Turkey Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in gravy, topped with chopped parsley, resting on mashed potatoes.
Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized goodness that works as an appetizer or part of the main meal. Turkey Meatballs are small enough to be passed around but bold enough to get attention early on. These tender bites come together easily while adding variety to the turkey-focused menu.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Close-up of sliced roasted chicken with crispy skin, garnished with herbs.
Perfect Spatchcock Turkey. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This method puts flavor and even cooking front and center at the Thanksgiving table. Perfect Spatchcock Turkey stands out by cooking evenly and leaving all guests surprised by its juiciness. It’s a brilliant option for hosts who want to keep the bird as a mainstay but aim to save cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Spatchcock Turkey

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warming and hearty, this option makes a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving leftover lineup. Turkey Chili is a go-to choice when looking for something a little out of the box yet homey. The flavors come together in a way that feels both comforting and imaginative.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

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