Every Turkey Recipe You Need to Make a Perfect Thanksgiving Meal

If you’ve been living in America for more than a few weeks, you know that Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey. And while we love all those side dishes, it’s the bird that takes center stage (or center table) every year. Much attention is paid to what kind of bird to buy (fresh if you can), how big it should be (one pound per person, which allows for leftovers), how best to thaw your bird if frozen (always in the refrigerator, never on the counter), and, of course, how to cook it.

For decades, if not centuries, roasting the turkey was the only acceptable way, and, indeed, the vast majority of Americans will roast their turkey this year as well. But in recent years, other methods have become trendy. Deep-frying a turkey may sound daunting, but many say it’s worth the effort. Smoking a turkey has also become popular in recent years. If you’re tight on time and want a guaranteed-to-be juicy turkey, spatchcocking is the way to go. Whether you’re an old pro at taking on turkeys or ready to take the plunge for the first time ever, here are recipes to choose from to make this year’s bird your best.

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