Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday centered around food, family, and reflection. The traditional main course for Thanksgiving dinner is turkey. Turkey has become so synonymous with Thanksgiving that quotes and sayings about turkeys are now a fun part of the holiday tradition.
The History of the Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition
Turkey being the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal dates back to the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe celebrating the first Thanksgiving together in 1621. Turkeys were plentiful in the area where the Pilgrims settled. Turkey hunting was easy for the Pilgrims because turkeys are non-migratory birds. There are accounts of the Pilgrims feeding wild turkeys during the first winter to ensure there would be enough for a hearty Thanksgiving feast the following autumn. By the late 1600s, serving turkey was widespread at Thanksgiving meals in New England.
By the 1800s, turkey was firmly established as the traditional Thanksgiving centerpiece across America. Sarah Josepha Hale, the influential editor who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday in the 1800s, routinely published Thanksgiving recipes centered around roast turkey in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Turkey continued growing in popularity through the 1900s. Today, about 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving in the United States.
Popular Thanksgiving Turkey Quotes
With turkey being so deeply connected to Thanksgiving, it is no surprise that quotes about turkeys abound. Here are some popular funny and inspirational turkey quotes associated with Thanksgiving:
Humorous Turkey Quotes
- “An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day.” – Irv Kupcinet
- “Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” – Erma Bombeck
- “A turkey never voted for an early Christmas.” – Unknown
- “Turkeys, like chickens, quickly get cold feet.” – Unknown
- “If you stand in the meat section at the grocery store long enough, you start to get mad at turkeys. There’s turkey ham, turkey bologna, turkey pastrami. Someone needs to tell the turkey, ‘Man, just be yourself.'” – Mitch Hedberg
Inspirational Turkey Quotes
- “Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” – Edward Sandford Martin
- “Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.” – Robert Caspar Lintner
- “Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.” – Wilbur D. Nesbit
- “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” – W.J. Cameron
- “The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.” – William Blake
Famous Thanksgiving Turkey Quotes from Pop Culture
Thanksgiving turkey quotes are often featured in iconic pop culture moments.
From TV Shows
- “Please pass the sweet potatoes, not the sweet potatoes.” – Bart Simpson, The Simpsons
- “If the pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for? Their age.” – Rev. Lovejoy, The Simpsons
- “Turkeys, why do they always send us turkeys? I hate turkeys. I eat chicken.” – Sophia Petrillo, The Golden Girls
From Movies
- “I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!” – Ralphie, A Christmas Story
- “What am I thankful for? Well, poise, charm, and the ability to juggle multiple inbound baked goods.” – Gwen Stacy, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
- “We should talk about the elephant in the room which is actually a turkey.” – Migs, Over the Hedge
Methods for Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Choosing the right turkey quote sets the tone for your Thanksgiving, while cooking method you select ensures you end up with a mouth-watering main course. Here are some popular techniques for cooking the perfect holiday turkey:
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting produces a classic roasted turkey flavor with crisp, golden brown skin. Key tips include:
- Thaw turkey completely before roasting
- Pat turkey dry and coat with oil or butter
- Use a roasting rack in a deep roasting pan
- Roast at 350°F, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound
- Baste turkey with juices every 30 minutes
Grilling
Grilling imparts a delicious smoky, charred flavor. Key tips include:
- Use a covered grill to control flare-ups
- Place turkey on grill breast-side up
- Grill over medium heat, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound
- Rotate turkey frequently and mop with sauce
- Let turkey rest before carving
Deep Frying
Deep frying produces an ultra-crisp, juicy turkey in less time. Key tips include:
- Use peanut or canola oil
- Maintain oil temperature of 350-375°F
- Allow 3-5 minutes per pound
- Monitor oil temperature carefully
- Fry turkey outdoors only
Selecting the Best Frozen Thanksgiving Turkey
Frozen turkeys provide an easy shortcut for Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some tips for picking the best frozen turkey:
Turkey Type
Choose a whole frozen turkey, or opt for a turkey breast or other portion to suit your party size.
Turkey Size
Pick a 1⁄2 to 1 1⁄2 pound turkey per guest. A 12-15 pound turkey feeds 8-10, while a 20-24 pound turkey feeds 16-20.
Brand Reputation
Select a reputable national turkey brand such as Butterball, Shady Brook Farms, Jennie-O, or Cargill.
USDA Grade
Check for USDA Grade A to indicate higher quality.
Minimally Processed
Avoid injected or self-basting turkeys, which have higher sodium.
Thaw Properly
Thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1 day per 4-5 pounds. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Turkey Size | Cooking Time Unstuffed | Cooking Time Stuffed |
---|---|---|
8 to 12 pounds | 2 3/4 to 3 hours | 3 to 3 1/2 hours |
12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3 3/4 hours | 3 1/2 to 4 hours |
14 to 18 pounds | 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours | 4 to 4 1/4 hours |
18 to 20 pounds | 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours | 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours |
20 to 24 pounds | 4 1/2 to 5 hours | 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours |
For optimum safety, cook stuffing separately and roast turkey at 325°F, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound.
Making Creative Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Leftover turkey after Thanksgiving provides endless possibilities for creative recipes. Here are some tasty ideas:
Turkey Pot Pie
Sauté vegetables, mix with turkey, gravy, and cream. Bake with a pie crust topping.
Turkey Tetrazzini
Sauté spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms, and peas. Make a creamy sauce and bake topped with cheese.
Turkey Chili
Cook turkey with beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers and chili seasoning for a hearty chili.
Turkey Casserole
Combine turkey, stuffing, veggies, and cream soup. Top with cheese and bake.
Turkey Soup
Simmer turkey, veggies, beans, pasta, and broth for a nourishing, comforting soup.
Thanksgiving Turkey FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Thanksgiving turkeys:
Should I Brine My Turkey?
Brining helps keep turkey moist and seasoned. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge turkey, and refrigerate 8-16 hours before roasting.
When Should I Thaw My Turkey?
Thaw frozen turkey 1 day per 4-5 pounds in the refrigerator. Place on a tray to catch drips. Do not thaw at room temperature.
How Long Is Turkey Good For After Thanksgiving?
Refrigerate leftover cooked turkey for 3-4 days. Slice turkey, refrigerate in shallow airtight containers, and use for recipes and sandwiches.
Can You Cook a Turkey from Frozen?
It is not recommended. Thawing ensures the turkey cooks evenly. If needed, cook a smaller frozen turkey breast up to 6 pounds.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Turkey?
Slice turkey and reheat gently in turkey gravy, chicken broth or au jus on the stove or in the oven. Avoid microwaving large portions.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving turkey quotes add levity and set the tone for the holiday. Traditional oven roasting produces time-honored results, but grilling and deep frying offer festive alternatives. Leftovers inspire creative recipes for days after. With proper thawing, handling and storage, and by following cooking guidelines, you will enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving turkey dinner.