Talking Turkey – Shake Up Thanksgiving 2020
Looking for new ways to enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey dinner? Whether you love tradition or you’re ready to try something different, these creative Thanksgiving turkey recipes can help you shake up the holiday menu and surprise your guests.
Of course, if a delicious roasted turkey is your family’s dream, go for it and honor those classic recipes. But if you’re craving something a little different, you can always roast a smaller bird and supplement the usual with the unusual. The team at Ernest Homes rounded up a few fun ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving main dish.
Creative Thanksgiving Turkey Ideas
Deep-Fried Turkey
It’s not that unusual to run across a deep-fried turkey in the South, but there are still plenty of people who haven’t tried it yet. You might think a fried turkey would be greasy, but it’s actually the opposite. The hot oil crisps the skin quickly, sealing the juices inside. While the deep frying needs to be done outdoors for safety, the upside is that your oven is now free for other dishes (including the roasted bird!).
Try a Turducken
You may think this is just a culinary punch line, but this fancy dish is actually a “thing.” It’s a complex process, but it’s guaranteed to be a show-stopper. Start with a chicken, tuck it into a duck, and then place the duck in the turkey. It will take longer to roast, but the payoff will be worth it for adventurous Thanksgiving guests.
Roll with a Turkey Roulade
Roulade is just a fancy word for a dish that’s served in a rolled style, and you can impress your white-meat crowd with a delicious log of boneless turkey breast stuffed with goodies such as sausage, figs, cranberries, herbs, and a touch of brandy. Try this turkey roulade recipe to start a new tradition.
It’s Always Better with Bacon
A turkey breast is delicious on its own… but a turkey breast wrapped in bacon is next-level. The bacon adds smoky flavor to the meat while helping keep it moist and tender.
Slow but Sure in the Crock Pot
If you have a large slow cooker, tuck a smaller bird into it and create one of the juiciest, fall-off-the-bone dishes of all time. To crisp the skin a bit, place the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes right before serving to give a perfect finish to this easy Thanksgiving variation.
Smoking—It’s Not Just for Pork
Still looking for a reason to invest in that smoker you’ve had your eye on? This may be the perfect idea to tip the scales. Smoked turkey is rich and flavorful, with a unique, deep taste that will have barbecue fans begging for more.
Make It Meatloaf
Ground turkey bursts onto the scene this Thanksgiving with a comfort-food classic—meatloaf. An ideal pairing with a small roasted bird, this Thanksgiving turkey meatloaf recipe puts a fun twist on an American favorite. It may even become a staple around your table the rest of the year.
Great Grills, Batman!
If you’re the grill king (or queen) of the neighborhood, why should you take a break on Thanksgiving? This grilled basil lemon turkey breast recipe lets you do what you do best while satisfying your family’s turkey cravings.
Take It South of the Border
For a touch of Mexican flair at your Thanksgiving dinner, accent your turkey with the delicious combination of chocolate and warm spices found in mole sauce. Paired with a masa-style stuffing, this turkey with mole sauce recipe is far from ordinary and perfect for special occasions.
Drunken Turkey
Give your roasted turkey a playful spin by injecting your favorite spirit into the bird. You can try the famous vodka version with a 100-Proof Turkey, or experiment with whiskey, rum, tequila, or beer.
Is It Dinner, or Is It Dessert?
Not for the faint of heart, the Turdunkin is a truly unique take on both turkey and doughnuts. Yes… it’s a turkey stuffed with doughnuts. If you decide to give this a try, be sure to read the chef recap at the end of the post before you begin—they share ideas for making the original recipe even more of a spectacle.
Bring These Ideas Home
However you decide to prepare your turkey, Thanksgiving is all about gathering the people you love around the table. If you’re dreaming about celebrating future holidays in a new home in Savannah, Richmond Hill, or Coastal Georgia, the Ernest Homes team would love to help. Explore our latest quick-move-in homes, browse our new home floor plans, or contact us to get started.
