5 Ways to Prepare Turkey for Thanksgiving 

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting crisp, and best of all, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare the turkey for Thanksgiving. This year, why not mix things up and try one of these five unique methods for preparing your bird?  

1. The Classic Roast 
If you're looking for a tried-and-true method, look no further than the classic roast. Simply preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, then place your turkey in a roasting pan breast side up. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like, then cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Roast the turkey for two hours, then remove the foil and continue roasting until the skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. 

2. Deep Fried 
For a crispy skin and juicy meat, deep frying is the way to go. Heat oil in a large pot or fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then carefully lower your turkey into the hot oil. Cook for three to four minutes per pound, then remove from the oil and allow to drain on a wire rack. Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions when deep frying—hot oil can be dangerous! 

3. Smoked 
Smoking adds amazing flavor to turkey and is perfect if you're feeding a crowd. To smoke a turkey, you'll need access to a smoker or grill. Set up your smoker or grill for indirect heat, then place your turkey on the grate away from the heat source. Smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit—the smoking process will add approximately 30 minutes of cook time per pound. 

4. Braised 
Braising is a great way to infuse flavor into your bird while keeping it moist and tender. To braise a turkey, brown it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until all sides are golden brown. Add chicken stock or water to cover half of the turkey, then bring to a simmer and cover with a lid. Braise until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit—this will take approximately 30 minutes per pound. 

5. Spatchcocked 
Spatchcocking is a method of preparation that involves removing the backbone so that the turkey can be flattened out before cooking. This results in even cooking and crispy skin all over. To spatchcock a turkey, use poultry shears or a sharp knife to remove the backbone by cutting along either side of it. Once removed, open up the bird like a book and press down firmly so that it lies flat—you may need to break some bones to get it fully flattened out. Season as desired, then roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour—cooking times will vary depending on the size of your bird. 

No matter which method you choose, remember that there's no such thing as too much flavor when it comes to Thanksgiving turkey! From classic roast to deep fried and everything in between, these five methods are sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your holiday table this year. Happy cooking!