The carving board is barely clear before turkey starts showing up in all sorts of different meals. A roast can anchor Thanksgiving dinner, while turkey tucked into a casserole, skillet or soup makes an easy change of pace for another night.
I gathered recipes that take turkey in plenty of directions, from a whole herb-butter roast and turkey breast to cranberry-glazed meatballs, hearty casseroles and leftover-friendly soups. There are dishes for the holiday table, smaller gatherings and everyday dinners, with flavors ranging from classic garlic and rosemary to maple Dijon and Southwest-style chili.
For a holiday menu, choose one main turkey dish and build around it with a few contrasting sides; for a weeknight, a one-pan dinner or skillet keeps the meal focused. Mix rich, creamy dishes with options that bring in vegetables, fruit or a bright cranberry note. The leftover recipes are handy to keep in mind once the main meal is done, too.
Save these turkey recipes to your holiday and weeknight meal boards so you can find the right dish when you need it.
1. Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll Pinwheels
Flaky crescent roll dough wraps turkey and cheese into tidy pinwheels that are easy to pick up and share. The familiar savory filling gives a holiday spread a casual, snackable option.
Set them out before the main meal or add them to a relaxed gathering table alongside other finger foods.
2. Turkey and Cranberry Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
Sweet Hawaiian rolls bring a soft, lightly sweet contrast to turkey and tart cranberry. The slider format makes each serving easy to hold, with familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a more casual package.
Serve these for a holiday appetizer spread, a game-day table or a simple meal built around small sandwiches.
3. Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Orange Glaze
Tart cranberry and orange glaze give turkey meatballs a sweet-and-tangy finish. Their small, shareable shape brings a brighter flavor to a table full of rich holiday dishes.
Offer them as an appetizer or pair them with a simple side for a casual turkey dinner.
4. Homemade Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy from Drippings
Pan drippings bring roasted turkey flavor straight into this classic Thanksgiving gravy. It’s the kind of sauce that ties the turkey, potatoes and stuffing together on the plate.
Make it as part of a roast-turkey meal and serve it warm at the table for spooning over the other dishes.
5. Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Rosemary
A whole roasted turkey seasoned with herb butter, garlic and rosemary brings classic savory aromas to the holiday table. The familiar herb-and-garlic combination keeps the centerpiece grounded in traditional roast-turkey flavor.
Choose it for a Thanksgiving meal where a whole bird is the star, with gravy and favorite sides alongside.
6. Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Garlic Butter
A roasted turkey breast carries the same herb-and-garlic butter notes as a traditional roast, in a different cut of turkey. It’s a straightforward centerpiece for anyone who wants turkey on the table without serving a whole bird.
Bring it to a smaller holiday meal or serve it as the main dish for a roast dinner with gravy and vegetables.
7. Herb Roasted Turkey Legs with Crispy Skin
Crispy skin gives these herb-roasted turkey legs an inviting contrast to their tender meat. They’re a rustic change from a whole roast and put the leg portion front and center.
Serve them as individual main-dish portions at a casual dinner or add them to a holiday spread with other roasted dishes.
8. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Onion Gravy
Onion gravy adds a savory, familiar finish to turkey breast cooked in the slow cooker. The pairing gives you both the main dish and a sauce that belongs right beside it.
It suits a holiday meal when you want a turkey-breast centerpiece, or a cozy Sunday dinner served with vegetables and potatoes.
9. Homemade Turkey Pot Pie with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey gets a second life tucked into a homemade pot pie. The pastry-topped format turns the extra turkey into a comforting, complete dish.
Save this one for after the holiday meal, when there’s cooked turkey to use and a warm pie sounds right for dinner.
10. Slow Cooker Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Turkey and stuffing bring two familiar holiday dishes together in one casserole. Its slow-cooker approach offers an alternative to putting another baking dish in the oven.
Serve it as a hearty main for a casual Thanksgiving meal or a comforting dinner when you want those classic flavors together.
11. Thanksgiving Turkey and Stuffing Casserole with Creamy Gravy
Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing are layered into a casserole with creamy gravy to bring the holiday plate together in one dish. Each forkful combines savory turkey, stuffing and sauce.
Put it on the table as a cozy main for a smaller celebration or a post-holiday dinner with a green vegetable on the side.
12. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole with Mushrooms
Wild rice and mushrooms give this creamy turkey casserole an earthy flavor and a hearty texture. It’s a comforting way to serve turkey without repeating the usual roast dinner.
Bring it to a chilly evening meal or serve it as a substantial dish at a casual gathering.
13. Homestyle Turkey Tetrazzini with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Creamy mushroom sauce gives turkey tetrazzini its familiar rich, savory character. The pasta-based casserole makes a filling change from serving turkey with the usual holiday sides.
Serve it for a relaxed family dinner or after Thanksgiving when you want turkey in a different form.
14. Creamy Turkey and Broccoli Casserole with Parmesan
Broccoli breaks up the creamy turkey filling, while Parmesan adds a savory, nutty note. This casserole brings a vegetable into the main dish rather than leaving it only for the side of the plate.
It fits an everyday dinner or a comforting meal after the holiday cooking is over.
15. Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole
Leftover turkey and mashed potatoes come together in a casserole that makes use of two holiday-table staples. The combination is hearty and familiar, with no need to build a new meal around a roast.
Keep it in mind for the days after Thanksgiving, when leftover turkey and mashed potatoes are ready to be put to work.
16. Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Bake with Melted Swiss Cheese
Melted Swiss cheese joins turkey, cranberry and stuffing for a bake with savory, tart and creamy notes. The cranberry adds a bright counterpoint to the cozy stuffing-and-cheese combination.
Serve it as a relaxed holiday-season dinner or a warming way to use turkey beyond the traditional plate.
17. Homemade Turkey Noodle Casserole with Egg Noodles
Egg noodles make this turkey casserole especially comforting, with a familiar, tender bite in every serving. It’s a homey alternative to a roast when a cozy baked dinner is what you want.
Bring it to the table for an everyday meal or put leftover turkey to use in a warm noodle dish.
18. Turkey and Cheddar Biscuit Casserole
Cheddar and biscuits give this turkey casserole a savory, bakery-style comfort-food feel. The biscuit element makes it a satisfying choice when you want a topping and main dish in one pan.
Serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual meal with a crisp, fresh side to balance the richness.
19. Turkey and Spinach Lasagna with Ricotta
Ricotta lends a creamy layer to this lasagna, while turkey and spinach make it a hearty, savory main. It’s a satisfying way to move turkey well beyond gravy and traditional holiday sides.
Bring it to a potluck or serve it as the centerpiece of a family-style dinner with a crisp salad.
20. Turkey and Mushroom Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Puff pastry makes a flaky top for the savory turkey and mushroom filling in this pot pie. The mushrooms add an earthy note that sits naturally beside the rich pastry.
Serve it as a cozy main on a cool evening or as another option for using cooked turkey after a holiday meal.
21. Creamy Turkey and Spinach Pasta Bake
Spinach adds color to a creamy turkey pasta bake, turning the ingredients into a comforting one-dish meal. It offers a familiar pasta-night feel with turkey taking the place of a more typical meat.
Serve it for a low-key dinner when you want something filling and warm from the oven.
22. Cheesy Turkey and Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower and turkey make a hearty pairing, and the cheesy finish brings the ingredients together in a familiar casserole. It’s a useful choice when you want the vegetable folded into the main dish.
Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or alongside a lighter salad to bring freshness to the plate.
23. Turkey and Cheddar Cornbread Pot Pie
Cornbread and cheddar offer a savory, slightly sweet topping for turkey pot pie. That combination gives the familiar pie a different character from a pastry-crusted version.
It’s a cozy choice for a casual dinner, especially when you want the turkey and topping to arrive together in one dish.
24. One Pan Herb Butter Turkey Breast with Potatoes and Carrots
Potatoes and carrots make this herb-butter turkey breast a complete-looking roast dinner in one pan. The vegetables bring color and earthy sweetness to the savory turkey.
Choose it for a smaller holiday table or an everyday roast meal when you want the main dish and vegetables together.
25. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Garlic Herb Butter
Garlic herb butter gives this slow-cooker turkey breast a classic savory flavor. It’s another way to make turkey the centerpiece without choosing a whole roasted bird.
Serve it for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or a Sunday dinner with gravy, potatoes or vegetables.
26. One Pot Turkey and Mushroom Orzo with Parmesan
Orzo gives this turkey-and-mushroom dish a tender, pasta-like bite, while Parmesan adds a savory finish. Cooking it in one pot makes the format feel especially suited to an uncomplicated dinner.
Serve it as a standalone weeknight meal, with a simple green salad or another fresh side.
27. Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Gravy
Herb gravy gives turkey tenderloin a holiday-ready finish without making a whole bird the centerpiece. The tenderloin format is a welcome alternative when you want turkey and gravy in a more compact main dish.
Serve it for Thanksgiving or a smaller celebratory meal with classic sides on the table.
28. Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Turkey Tenderloin
Garlic butter brings rich, familiar flavor to turkey tenderloin, while the slow-cooker method makes this a distinct option from an oven-roasted centerpiece. The result fits neatly into a dinner spread built around simple sides.
Serve it for a weeknight meal or a smaller holiday dinner when a whole turkey would be more than you need.
29. One Pot Creamy Turkey and Rice with Peas
Rice and peas make this creamy turkey dish feel like a complete, comforting meal from one pot. The peas add a pop of green against the soft, creamy rice.
Put it on the menu for a straightforward weeknight dinner, with a fresh salad if you want a lighter contrast.
30. Easy Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Barbecue Sauce
Cranberry barbecue sauce brings a sweet-tart twist to savory turkey meatballs. They make a flavorful change from the usual roast and give the meal a fun, easy-to-share shape.
Serve them as an appetizer or make them the main with a simple vegetable or grain alongside.
31. Sheet Pan Turkey Sausage with Apples and Onions
Apples and onions bring sweet and savory notes to turkey sausage in this sheet-pan dinner. The combination feels right at home in fall, without being limited to a holiday meal.
Serve it as an easy dinner with bread or another simple side, or add it to a casual autumn menu.
32. Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Turkey Breast
Maple and Dijon bring a sweet, tangy balance to turkey breast, a welcome departure from garlic-and-herb seasoning. Slow cooking gives this version its own place among turkey dinner options.
Serve it for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner with vegetables that complement the sweet-savory glaze.
33. One Pot Turkey Sausage and White Bean Skillet
White beans make a hearty partner for turkey sausage in this one-pot skillet. The combination brings a rustic, savory feel to the table without relying on a traditional roast.
Serve it as a filling weeknight meal, with a fresh salad or crusty bread alongside.
34. Easy Oven Baked Turkey Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Brown sugar glaze gives turkey meatloaf a sweet finish that contrasts with its savory center. It’s a familiar, sliceable main for anyone who wants turkey in classic comfort-food form.
Serve it for a family-style dinner with mashed potatoes or vegetables, or save it for a simple meal on a busy evening.
35. Easy Creamy Turkey and Vegetable Skillet
A creamy sauce brings turkey and vegetables together in this skillet dinner. The mix of savory turkey and vegetables makes a balanced-feeling option for a weeknight meal.
Serve it straight from the skillet with bread or a simple grain to round out dinner.
36. Easy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Sage
Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness to turkey, while sage lends the skillet a familiar autumn aroma. It’s a cozy combination that feels seasonal without requiring a special occasion.
Serve it as a weeknight main, especially when you want a skillet meal with savory and sweet notes together.
37. One Pan Turkey Cutlets with Creamy Herb Sauce
Creamy herb sauce gives turkey cutlets a rich finish, while the cutlets make a different main from a roast or casserole. The one-pan format keeps this option suited to a straightforward dinner.
Serve them with roasted vegetables, potatoes or a crisp green salad to balance the sauce.
38. Easy Skillet Ground Turkey with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach
Ground turkey, sweet potatoes and spinach bring a mix of savory, sweet and fresh flavors to one skillet. The different textures keep this dinner interesting without adding a separate casserole or roast to the menu.
Make it the center of a weeknight meal, with a simple side if you want to stretch the spread.
39. One Pan Apple Cider Turkey Cutlets with Caramelized Onions
Apple cider and caramelized onions bring gentle sweetness to savory turkey cutlets. It’s a one-pan dinner with autumn flavors that still feels distinct from the usual Thanksgiving roast.
Serve it for a weeknight meal with a green vegetable or potatoes to complement the sweet-savory sauce.
40. Turkey Pumpkin Chili with Black Beans
Pumpkin and black beans give turkey chili a hearty texture and a seasonal twist. The beans add substance, while pumpkin brings a distinctive flavor to the familiar bowl of chili.
Serve it for a casual autumn dinner with toppings and bread on the side, or set out a pot for a relaxed gathering.
41. Southwest Turkey Chili with Corn and Pinto Beans
Corn and pinto beans add color and substance to this Southwest-inspired turkey chili. It brings a different flavor profile to the collection of turkey dinners, with the warmth and comfort of a bowl of chili.
Serve it at a casual gathering with toppings nearby or ladle it into bowls for a cozy weeknight supper.
42. Crockpot Turkey and Rice Soup with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Turkey and rice turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a warm, comforting soup. The crockpot style makes this a relaxed way to use cooked turkey once the holiday meal has passed.
Keep it in mind for a post-Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, with bread alongside for dipping.
43. Easy Turkey Noodle Soup with Thanksgiving Leftovers
Noodles and leftover Thanksgiving turkey make a familiar, comforting soup with the flavors of the holiday carried into another meal. It’s a simple change from casseroles and sandwiches when there’s turkey still to use.
Serve it after the celebration for a cozy lunch or dinner, with a piece of bread to round out the bowl.
How to Plan a Thanksgiving Menu From These Turkey Recipes
Start any day-ahead work with general prep: clear refrigerator space, set out serving dishes and chop ingredients that your chosen recipes call for. Don’t assume every casserole or turkey dish can be assembled ahead; check its individual recipe directions before planning that step.
On the day, choose one main dish, such as #5 Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Rosemary or #27 Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Tenderloin with Herb Gravy. The gravy in #4 Homemade Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy from Drippings depends on roast drippings, so plan to make it alongside a roast.
For a balanced table, a main turkey dish plus two or three contrasting sides is a sensible starting point; add more only if your gathering and serving dishes call for it. Pair creamy or cheesy recipes with something fresh or crisp, and keep #9 Homemade Turkey Pot Pie with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey and the soups at #42 and #43 for after the holiday meal.
Questions About Planning Turkey Meals
From a rosemary-scented roast to cranberry-glazed meatballs and a bowl of leftover turkey soup, there’s a turkey dish for the way you want to eat. Build the meal around a savory centerpiece, or let a cozy casserole or skillet take the place of the roast.
