Turkey is the star of the show for almost every Thanksgiving dinner. But if you’re attending a lot of these during the season, you might crave for some variety.

The best way to start is with your own! The question is, how else can you prepare it beyond the usual methods?

Here’s a look at different ways to cook turkey to make the dinner extra special for everyone.

Traditional Roast

Most people go for a traditional roast when cooking turkey. Not only is it a simple way to prepare it, but it also completes the classic look at the table.

Although it’s the usual method, you can make it special by adding different flavor enhancers. Consider lathering it in a butter mix cooked with herbs, citrus, or garlic. You can also stuff these aromatic ingredients in the turkey for an extra kick.

Brining is one way to boost the flavor from the meat and can be done in two ways: wet and dry. Keep in mind that your decision can affect the results. So, take your time to look into how they differ and what works best with the next steps.

Spatchcocked

This method of cooking a turkey is one of the best ways to save preparation time. Instead of cooking it whole, you have to remove the neck and backbone first. This way, you can cook the bird flat.

Many recommend collecting the drippings while you prepare it and use it to create a sauce or gravy. At the same time, you can add it to different side dishes for extra flavor.

The downside of this method is that it’s not the most beginner-friendly. If you aren’t sure how to prepare it correctly, you can buy it spatchcocked when you buy the meat.

Braised

Braising is one of the best methods to use on touch meat cuts. A quick tip is to start by separating the parts, particularly the breasts and legs.

With this method, you can keep the meatiest parts of the turkey moist while allowing the skin to crisp from the heat. But to get the best results, most recommend breaking down the turkey first or buying the meat pre-cut.

Grilled

If you have a big enough lid, you can grill an entire turkey, which is known to be one of the healthiest ways to prepare it. It’s because you only need to coat it with enough oil and proper seasoning.

You can always add other options, but it’s a great method to consider if you want to avoid using too much butter. Moreover, it gives you a slight smoky taste, adding up to the vibe and overall flavor!

Smoked

You can always try smoking a turkey if you prefer something stronger than the grilled taste. It can be tricky for some people to achieve, so proper preparation and tools can help.

Your choice of wood can also affect the results since it can strengthen or lighten the smokiness of the meat. At the same time, it determines how much it permeates into it.

Deep-Fried

Like regular chicken, you can also deep-fry your turkey. It’s one of the best ways to keep the meat rich enough to eat without any sauces.

Since turkey tends to be bigger, you want to be sure you have a proper setup. You should also thaw and dry it well before cooking. This way, the excess moisture won’t cause oil to splatter.

Find Out Different Ways to Cook Turkey

When deciding among different ways to cook turkey, you want to choose a method that complements your recipe the best. At the same time, it helps to consider an option that’s unique to most and allows you to create a dish that feels new to everyone!