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Your Complete Thanksgiving Turkey Guide

Scroll down to find Ohio poultry farmer-favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Planning the perfect Thanksgiving meal? Whether you're hosting your first holiday gathering or continuing a family tradition, OhioTurkey.com has everything you need to prepare a memorable Thanksgiving feast. From turkey thawing and cooking tips to crowd-pleasing recipes and creative leftover ideas, consider this your one-stop guide to Thanksgiving dinner.

How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving starts with a great plan. Build your menu around a delicious turkey and complement it with appetizers, sides, desserts, and leftovers that keep the celebration going long after the meal ends.

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How to Thaw and Prep a Turkey

If you're using a frozen turkey, plan ahead. The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator.

• Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey

• Keep turkey in its original packaging

• Place on a rimmed tray to catch juices

• Need to thaw more quickly? Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and submerge in a sink or container with cold water. Be sure to replace the water with fresh, cold water every 30 minutes

Once thawed:

• Remove packaging

• Pat dry with paper towels

• Season or brine as desired

• Prepare stuffing separately or stuff immediately before cooking

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How Long Does It Take to Cook a Turkey?

• Roast the turkey in a 325°F oven

• Lightly brush or spray the turkey with vegetable or cooking oil for best appearance. As a rule of thumb, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F to cook an unstuffed turkey. Extra cook time is needed if you plan to cook the stuffing in the turkey. Click here for more information about cook times

• When the turkey is about 2/3 done, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking

• Your turkey is done when a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in at least three places: the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing and the thickest part of the thigh

• Once the temperature has been reached, the turkey should be removed from the oven

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How to Carve a Turkey

Carving a turkey is easier than many people think.

• Remove drumsticks

• Separate thighs and breast meat

• Slice breast meat against the grain

• Serve and enjoy

Thanksgiving Recipes

Whether you're feeding a large crowd or hosting a small gathering, your guests will love these Thanksgiving recipes.

Bourbon Brined Turkey Breast
Bourbon-Brined Turkey

A Bourbon-Brined Turkey Breast and Legs is perfect for feeding any small crowd. This recipe can also be adapted to feed a larger crowd! Simply double or triple the brine recipe and adjust the cook time based on the size of the turkey.

Foolproof Turkey
Foolproof Turkey

Everyone wants their Thanksgiving turkey to be perfect! Ohio food blogger Happy Healthy Mama's Foolproof Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is simple and easy to follow.

Turkey Sausage Stuffing
Turkey Sausage Stuffing

Add a flavorful twist to your holiday table with this Turkey Sausage Stuffing recipe by Lemons and Zest. Made with savory turkey sausage, herbs, and classic stuffing ingredients, this Thanksgiving side dish is packed with comforting flavors and perfect for family gatherings.

Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have Thanksgiving side dish. Featuring creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory for your holiday meal.

Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini Pumpkin Pies

These Mini Pumpkin Pies deliver all the classic flavors of pumpkin pie in a perfectly portioned dessert. Easy to make and ideal for holiday entertaining, they're a festive addition to any Thanksgiving dessert table.

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Butter Cake
Deviled Eggs

These bite-sized delights are the perfect appetizer to kick off your Thanksgiving feast! Find dozens of Deviled Egg recipes here.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is finding new ways to enjoy leftover turkey.

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Monte Cristo Sandwich

Transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a sweet and savory Monte Cristo Sandwich with turkey, ham, cheese, and jam for an easy meal. Recipe by Lemons for Lulu.

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Turkey Carbonara

Put leftover turkey to delicious use with this Turkey Carbonara recipe by Foodtastic Mom. Featuring tender turkey, pasta, bacon, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this comforting meal is an easy way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a family favorite.

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Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Pho

Give Thanksgiving leftovers a flavorful upgrade with this Leftover Turkey Pho recipe by Neighborfood. Made with tender turkey, aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and rice noodles, this comforting soup is an easy and delicious way to transform leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Thanksgiving Turkey Questions

How long does it take to thaw a turkey?

Allow approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds when thawing in the refrigerator. If you’re pressed for time, turkey can also be thawed in cold water. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and submerge in a sink or container with cold water. Be sure to replace the water with fresh, cold water every 30 minutes. Using this method, it takes about 30 minutes per pound to thaw. Once the turkey has thawed, plan to cook it immediately.

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

As a rule of thumb, it takes approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F to cook an unstuffed turkey. Extra cook time is needed if you plan to cook the stuffing in the turkey. Click here for more information about cook times.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in at least three places: the innermost part of the thigh, the innermost part of the wing, and the thickest part of the thigh.

What size turkey should I buy?

Plan for about 1 pound of turkey per dinner guest.

How long can leftover turkey stay in the refrigerator?

Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers and refrigerated or frozen within two hours of cooking. Leftover turkey stored in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Can leftover turkey be frozen?

Yes. Turkey stored in the freezer should be consumed within 3-4 months.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OHIO’S EGG, CHICKEN AND TURKEY FARMERS!

Ohio poultry farmers work year-round to provide families with a nutritious, delicious centerpiece for holiday meals. From our farms to your table, we wish you a safe, memorable, and delicious Thanksgiving season.