Forget the (Whole) Bird! 21 Turkey Recipes for a Small Thanksgiving

Fun, Totally Unscientific Fact: A typical Turkey Day bird can probably feed a family of four with several weeks of leftovers (not that that's a problem with us). Rather than dealing with the complications of cooking a giant bird in your oven, how about taking a more practical approach to the traditional turkey? Whether you're unable to make the big family gathering this year, simply want to have something a little more low-key or just do NOT feel like fitting a 25-lber in your oven, we have 21 recipes for cooking the perfect turkey (part) for any intimate gathering. You'll get that classic Thanksgiving experience with about half the work and half the excess food.

Braised Turkey Legs

You can get turkey legs all year-round, but they make an especially impressive centerpiece on Thanksgiving. A long, slow braise will get your house smelling as if you cooked a bird all day, without needing to hover over the stove. (via Bon Appétit)

Turkey Tetrazini

We can’t have a turkey recipe roundup without some tetrazzini! This recipe features plenty of rich egg noodles and herbs for a homey one-dish meal. (via Through Oana’s Lens)

Turkey Roulade With Sundried Tomatoes

This elegant main course adds color and tons of extra flavor to mild turkey breast. Stuff the roulade with your family’s favorite veggies for a unique take on your classic meal. (via Miel & Ricotta)

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

Thanksgiving for two can still be a classy affair, thanks to this easy recipe that gives you a super juicy piece of meat and a perfect cranberry sauce with almost no effort. (via Krafted Koch)

Turkey Sausage Stuffed Turkey

It’s like turkey inception, but super delicious and focused on not wasting any of that delicious dark meat. You could even make this with leftovers from a big bird. (via Vivek’s Epicurean Adventures)

Hoisin Sesame Turkey Tails

Turkey tails have a bad rep, but they’re actually one of the tastiest and meatiest parts of the bird. Plus they’re crazy cheap and super easy to cook! (via Jules Food)

Crispy Turkey Cutlets

Honestly, who is going to turn down a super crispy fried cutlet? Make with turkey or chicken for a delicious main course, served best (duh) with cranberry sauce. (via Things I Made Today)

Simple Roasted Turkey Breasts

Think of a turkey breast as a blank slate. You can add basically any flavors you like, and it will still be super tasty if you follow the same basic cooking method. (via Cook Eat Paleo)

Sancocho

A cold Thanksgiving day calls for this thick and hearty Latin American stew. Turkey thighs and plenty of veggies make for a bowl full of flavor and warm, meaty goodness. (via Feel Good Food Blog)

Whiskey Glazed Turkey

This sweet and spicy turkey recipe gets a kick from whiskey and hot mustard. (via Spicy Ice Cream)

Pumpkin Glazed Turkey Legs

Still going crazy for autumn pumpkin flavors? These sweet and savory turkey legs are the perfect way to get your fix. (via Bakeaholic Mama)

Turkey Confit With Celery Root Purée

Get a little fancy with this turkey leg recipe. Confiting the meat takes more time, but the extra juiciness from the bird’s fat will make your meal extra decadent. (via Dentist Chef)

Boudin Blanc Stuffed Turkey With Chestnuts

Stuff a turkey breast with sausage and you suddenly go from lean white meat to a super moist star of the dinner table. (via Bon Appétit)

Turkey Sausage Patties

Got leftover turkey scraps or just love breakfast for dinner? These homemade sausage patties would be great served over a bright green salad, maybe with some pumpkin rolls on the side. (via In Sock Monkey Slippers)

Oven Roasted Turkey Legs

Brining and butter basting these giant turkey legs helps them cook evenly while adding tons of flavor. (via Vodka and Biscuits)

Turkey Porchetta

Still want a super decadent turkey meal to throw you into a tryptophan coma? This take on the traditional Italian porchetta will do just that, with plenty of leftovers to make sandwiches the next day. (via Serious Eats)

Turkey Breast Stuffed With Butternut Squash and Figs

This sweet and savory mixture creates a ton of flavor without a lot of extra fat, making it the perfect light holiday meal choice. (via Skinny Taste)

Spicy Fried Turkey Nuggets

Whether you need a snack for watching the game or just want a crispy main for your Thanksgiving feast, these turkey nuggets are the answer. (via Tasty Turkey)

Classic Roasted Turkey Breast

Make this turkey breast, then save the leftovers for a perfect sandwich topper. (via Home And Cuisine)

Turkey au Vin

Take the classic coq au vin and boost it up with turkey for T-Day. You will not be disappointed with the rich sauce and gravy, full of turkey drippings, bacon and brown sugar. (via In Your Kitchen and Mine)

Garlic Soy Turkey Wings

Forget buffalo wings, these turkey wings are just as good, with plenty of meat to make for a big snack or a tasty dinner. (via Kitchen Confidante)