Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and with it comes the star of the show — the turkey. Whether you're a seasoned chef or trying your hand at turkey for the first time, these five popular cooking methods can help you serve a delicious bird to your guests.
Let’s break down the top ways to prepare a Thanksgiving turkey, so you can find the one that best fits your style.
1. Oven-Roasted Turkey (The Classic)
Tried and true, roasting your turkey in the oven is the most traditional approach, and for good reason. This method gives you that golden, crispy skin and juicy meat that guests expect.
Tips for success:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F.
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Cook your turkey for about 15 minutes per pound if it’s unstuffed, or 16-17 minutes per pound if stuffed. A 15-pound unstuffed turkey, for example, will take roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.
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Baste every 30 to 45 minutes to keep the bird moist.
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Use a meat thermometer. Turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
2. Fried Turkey (For the Crisp Lovers)
Want incredibly crispy skin and tender meat in under an hour? Deep-frying might be your move — just make sure you do it outside and follow safety precautions closely.
Quick guidelines:
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Use a deep-fryer designed for turkeys.
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Thaw your turkey completely to avoid flare-ups.
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Heat oil (usually peanut oil) to 350°F, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per pound.
3. Smoked Turkey (Flavor-Packed Favorite)
Smoking your turkey gives it a rich, smoky flavor and tender texture that’s hard to beat. This method takes time, but it's worth every second.
What you'll need:
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A smoker or grill set up for indirect heat.
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Wood chips (apple, cherry, or hickory are great choices).
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A long afternoon — it takes about 30 minutes per pound at 225°F.
4. Spatchcocked Turkey (Quick & Even Cooking)
Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly and much faster. Youtube has a ton of videos showing how to cut your turkey for this technique. Roast at 425°F for about 6 to 7 minutes per pound — so a 12-pound turkey cooks in just about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Why people love it:
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It roasts in about half the time of a traditional whole turkey.
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You get more crispy skin because the entire bird is exposed to heat.
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It’s great for those who want a modern twist on a classic dish.
5. Slow Cooker Turkey (Set It and Forget It)
For smaller gatherings or if you only want to cook the breast, the slow cooker is a low-stress option that produces incredibly moist meat.
Things to note:
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Best for turkey breasts, not the whole bird. Smaller turkeys can work for some slow cookers.
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Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Add herbs, broth, and butter for extra flavor.
No matter which method you choose, always follow proper food prep and fire safety guidelines — especially when working with high heat or open flames.
However You Cook It…
Thanksgiving is about more than the method, it’s about the moments. Whether you’re basting every hour or letting your slow cooker do the work, the real success is serving up something warm and meaningful for the people you care about.
And while you’re focusing on what matters most this season, don’t forget that your OneShare Health Membership includes helpful extras to support your well-being year-round — like 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care, Prescription Savings, and more.
Enjoy your turkey, your time together, and the peace that comes from keeping things simple.
