Introduction

Searching for the best Christmas turkey dinner ideas to wow your family this year? You’re in the right place. This collection brings together juicy roasts, flavorful herb rubs, festive glazes, and mouthwatering sides that help your holiday table shine. Whether you love classic flavors or bold twists, these recipes give you everything you need for a cozy, delicious Christmas meal.

1. Classic Herb-Roasted Christmas Turkey

This timeless turkey brings aromatic herbs and buttery flavor to every slice.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup softened butter
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Pat turkey dry and rub with butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic.
Roast 3–3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes.
Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

How to Serve It

Add extra rosemary sprigs and lemon slices around the platter.

2. Maple-Glazed Christmas Turkey

A sweet and savory maple glaze makes this turkey irresistibly rich.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Whisk maple syrup, butter, soy sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Brush turkey thoroughly and roast 3–3.5 hours.
Brush with additional glaze every hour.

How to Serve It

Pair with mashed sweet potatoes for a warm holiday flavor.

3. Garlic Butter Christmas Turkey

Rich garlic butter keeps every bite tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 turkey (10–12 lbs)
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Brush under and over the turkey skin.
Roast 2.5–3 hours, basting twice.

How to Serve It

Top with fresh parsley and serve with roasted garlic.

4. Lemon-Herb Christmas Turkey

Fresh lemon brings a bright seasonal twist.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
3 lemons
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Zest 2 lemons and mix with butter, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub all over the turkey.
Roast 3 hours, adding lemon slices halfway.

How to Serve It

Garnish with thyme and lemon wedges.

5. Cranberry-Glazed Christmas Turkey

A festive glaze adds tart sweetness and a gorgeous color.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Heat cranberry sauce, honey, and butter.
Brush over turkey and roast 3–3.5 hours.
Reapply glaze every 45 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side.

6. Apple Cider Brined Turkey

A cider brine keeps the meat juicy and full of holiday warmth.

Ingredients

1 turkey (14 lbs)
8 cups apple cider
8 cups water
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 apples, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Combine cider, water, salt, and sugar.
Submerge turkey for 12–18 hours.
Pat dry and roast at 325°F (165°C) for 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted apples.

7. Butter-Soy Roasted Christmas Turkey

A savory fusion twist with rich color and flavor.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Whisk soy sauce, butter, sugar, and pepper.
Brush turkey and roast 3 hours.
Add extra glaze halfway through.

How to Serve It

Great with simple white rice.

8. Honey-Orange Christmas Turkey

A bright citrus glaze brings sweetness and holiday aroma.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup honey
Juice of 2 oranges
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix honey, orange juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
Brush on turkey and roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Add orange slices around the platter.

9. Rosemary Butter Turkey

Fragrant rosemary infuses every bite.

Ingredients

1 turkey (10–12 lbs)
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Rub butter, rosemary, salt, and pepper under the skin.
Roast 2.5–3 hours.

How to Serve It

Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

10. Brown Sugar Mustard Turkey

Sweet, tangy glaze gives irresistible flavor.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix brown sugar, mustard, olive oil, and pepper.
Brush on turkey.
Roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Perfect with roasted carrots.

11. Apple-Sage Christmas Turkey

Apple and sage bring earthy, cozy holiday flavor to every slice.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
2 apples, sliced
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Mix butter, sage, salt, and pepper; rub under the skin.
Fill the cavity with apple slices.
Roast 3 hours, basting twice.

How to Serve It

Add roasted apple slices around the platter for color and aroma.

12. Smoked Paprika Turkey

A smoky, rich crust gives this turkey bold flavor and beautiful color.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub all over turkey.
Roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted potatoes for a hearty pairing.

13. Herb Butter Turkey Breast

Perfect for smaller gatherings with big flavor.

Ingredients

1 turkey breast (4–5 lbs)
1/3 cup butter
1 tbsp thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Rub over turkey breast.
Roast 1.5–2 hours.

How to Serve It

Add a drizzle of melted butter before serving.

14. Pear-Glazed Christmas Turkey

A lightly sweet glaze adds elegant flavor.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1 cup pear nectar
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Warm pear nectar, honey, and butter.
Brush the turkey and roast 3 hours.
Add glaze again in the last 45 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted pears.

15. Garlic-Parmesan Turkey

For garlic lovers who enjoy a savory, cheesy crust.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix butter, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Rub under and over the skin.
Roast 3 hours.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.

16. Citrus-Honey Glazed Turkey

Citrus adds brightness and a festive aroma.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix citrus juices, honey, salt, and pepper.
Brush all over turkey.
Roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Add fresh citrus slices to the platter.

17. Brown Butter Sage Turkey

Brown butter adds rich, nutty holiday depth.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup butter, browned
2 tbsp sage
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Brown the butter until golden.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix brown butter with sage, salt, and pepper.
Rub generously and roast 3 hours.

How to Serve It

Spoon extra brown butter over the carved meat.

18. Ginger-Honey Turkey

A warm, comforting holiday flavor with sweet spice.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix honey, ginger, soy sauce, pepper, and salt.
Brush on turkey.
Roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Top with a few thin ginger slices.

19. Butter-Basted Turkey

Simple and delicious with buttery flavor throughout.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
3/4 cup melted butter
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Brush turkey heavily with butter, salt, and pepper.
Roast 3–3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Drizzle remaining butter over carved slices.

20. Dijon-Herb Turkey

A tangy, herb-packed crust makes this a holiday standout.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 325°F.
Mix mustard, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread all over turkey.
Roast 3 hours.

How to Serve It

Add fresh thyme around the platter.

21. Sweet Chili Christmas Turkey

A mild sweet heat adds fun holiday flavor.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 325°F.
Whisk sauce, honey, soy sauce, and pepper.
Brush turkey fully.
Roast 3 hours.

How to Serve It

Best with rice or roasted vegetables.

22. Herb-Citrus Butter Turkey

A bright and aromatic combination perfect for Christmas.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12–14 lbs)
1/2 cup butter
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
2 tbsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix butter, zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rub under and over skin.
Roast 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Add citrus slices for décor.

23. BBQ-Spiced Turkey

A holiday-friendly version of barbecue-style roasting.

Ingredients

1 turkey (12 lbs)
2 tbsp BBQ seasoning
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Heat oven to 325°F.
Mix spices with olive oil.
Rub all over.
Roast 3 hours.

How to Serve It

Best paired with cornbread or roasted corn.

24. Mustard-Brown Sugar Turkey Breast

A sweet and tangy option for smaller celebrations.

Ingredients

1 turkey breast (4–5 lbs)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix mustard, brown sugar, and oil.
Coat turkey breast.
Roast 1.5–2 hours.

How to Serve It

Serve with mashed potatoes.

25. Christmas Herb-Brined Turkey

A simple brine keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 turkey (14 lbs)
1/2 cup salt
1/3 cup sugar
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp peppercorns
12 cups water

Instructions

Dissolve salt and sugar in water.
Add herbs and peppercorns.
Submerge turkey 12–18 hours.
Pat dry and roast at 325°F for 3–3.5 hours.

How to Serve It

Add fresh herbs and lemon on the platter.

Conclusion

Christmas dinner is all about comfort, family, and flavors that bring everyone together. These turkey recipes give you plenty of delicious options to make your holiday meal shine. Try one, bookmark your favorites, or share them with someone planning their festive menu this year. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious holiday feast!

Emily Carter