I’ve heard a rumor that some families are planning to ignore CDC guidelines for Thanksgiving this year and have a family gathering anyway. If that’s your family, why not host an outdoor Thanksgiving event with one of these tasteful turkey feasts?

Fried Turkey

Everyone likes fried chicken, but have you tried fried turkey for Thanksgiving? Today’s frying techniques include deep frying, air frying, and chicken-fried recipes. Choose your favorite and enjoy the day with your family and friends.

Rachael Ray says you can cook a 12-pound turkey in the deep fryer in 45 minutes. To keep it moist, and add some additional flavor, she recommends brining it first. Of course, you can always smoke it before you fry it. Alton Brown also has a delicious deep-fried turkey recipe.

Baked Turkey

Instead of roasting, why not bake your turkey?

Baking is a versatile cooking method that works whether you stuff your turkey with dressing first, baste it in your favorite wine or flavorful sauce, or get creative. This delicious baked butter herb turkey recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

If I were you, I’d choose my favorite baked turkey recipe and head to Lake Palestine for a great day in the outdoors with family and friends.

Smoked Turkey

Smoking is a fun way to prepare any meat, and it almost always produces an excellent taste. It’s not a quick way to prepare turkey, however. Still, smoking packs in a ton of flavors. To keep from drying the meat in the process, brine it first to keep it moist.

The best way to flavor your turkey is to make the right choice of heat source. Hickory is a perennial favorite in Texas. For a sweeter taste, though, smoke it with honey. 

Grilled Turkey

Grillin’ is chillin’, as they say in Texas. If you are planning an outdoor event this Thanksgiving, whether at home or on the lake, you can’t go wrong with grilled turkey. So lighten up your day with your favorite grilled turkey recipe. 

Most families wouldn’t turn to grilling as the first method of preparing their holiday bird, but I can vouch for grilled turkey being one of the best.

Bacon-Wrapped Turkey 

If you’re one of those people who believes anything is made better with bacon, then bacon-wrapped turkey is sure to be a treat at your Thanksgiving holiday dinner. Guy Fieri fans will love his bacon-wrapped turkey recipe.

Put a cap on 2020 by celebrating Thanksgiving Day with a non-traditional turkey treat and rent a cabin at Lake Palestine for the day. Wrap your turkey in bacon and shove it in the oven. Serve with your traditional sides.