Anyone hosting Thanksgiving dinner for their family wants to make sure they impress even the pickiest of family members with their cooking skills, and that means finding the best possible recipes for a juicy, flavorful and delicious centerpiece for the entire meal-the Thanksgiving turkey.  

Cooking a perfect bird is the best way to show everyone you know exactly what you're up to in the kitchen, and these eight chef-inspired preparations may be just what you need to be crowned the King or Queen of Thanksgiving dinner: 

Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey With Apple Cider Gravy 

For someone with a lot of patience, Chef Anne Burrell's recipe that takes 48 hours of time to ensure a perfect bird is a winner. Not only does letting the turkey sit in a homemade brine for so long ensure juicy pieces of meat when sliced, but the Apple Cider gravy on top give it a extra sweet Fall flavor.  

Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage, Smoked Bacon, and Cornbread Stuffing 

It's a safe bet that bacon is a favorite food for lots of people, so Tyler Florence's recipe is sure to be a hit at any dinner with bacon enthusiasts, with its strips of bacon cooked on top of the turkey.  

Cider Brined Turkey with Maple-Cider Glaze 

Even Rachel Ray can't give you turkey in 30 minutes or less, but her 15-hour recipe allows you to give your turkey a distinct maple flavor that is sure to please.  

Triple Citrus Buttered Turkey 

Kick your turkey's flavor up a notch with this recipe from Sandra Lee. The recipe, which adds lemon, lime and orange to the mix is a unique twist on the classic dinner.  

Black Pepper-Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Turkey 

Bobby Flay may be known best for his mastery when it comes to grilling, but his recipe for a Turkey that combines the sweet and spicy proves he has other specialties as well.  

 Roast Turkey With Garlic, Sage and Fennel 

For a more classic recipe that's still full of flavor, this Food Network Kitchen version is a good bet. The spices give it just enough flavor to be tasty, without overpowering the turkey. The fact that it's a small twist on a classic recipe is sure to also satisfy picky eaters who aren't prone to liking anything too out there or different.  

Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey with Wild Rice Stuffing 

Cat Cora's take on a Pomegranate-flavored turkey also brings intriguing flavor components with a stuffing of wild rice and chestnuts inside, held in during cooking by slices of Pancetta.  

Roast Turkey with Apple-Sourdough Bread Stuffing 

This deconstructed recipe is not only easier to cook because it's already broken up into smaller pieces, but it's served over a flavorful stuffing and has plenty of herbs on it for a distinct taste.  

Tags: thanksgiving dinner ideas