A basic spice blend made with herbs, homemade poultry seasoning takes regular chicken or turkey to new heights. Simply flavorful, customizable, and forgiving seasoning that you can add to almost anything!.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I’m a fan of homemade seasonings. That’s because you know exactly what’s in your seasonings and can adjust them to suit your tastes. If you can’t pronounce it, why eat it?.
Additionally, homemade poultry seasoning is even more versatile as it isn’t just for poultry. This deliciousness even kicks veggies up a notch or two. You won’t believe how far a dash of this poultry seasoning can take you, so let’s get rolling!.
The name “poultry seasoning” evokes memories of warm family get-togethers, aromatic stuffing, and golden-brown turkeys. However, what is this enigmatic mixture made of, and how can you use it to make your Thanksgiving meal even more delicious?
Unveiling the Mystery
Poultry seasoning is a versatile blend of spices traditionally used to enhance the flavor of turkey and other poultry dishes. The exact composition can vary, but the core ingredients typically include:
- Sage: This aromatic herb adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s quintessentially Thanksgiving.
- Thyme: This fragrant herb brings a touch of citrus and floral notes to the mix.
- Marjoram: This herb, closely related to oregano, adds a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Black pepper: This classic spice provides a touch of heat and complexity.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a hint of warmth and spice, reminiscent of pumpkin pie.
These core ingredients are often combined with other spices such as rosemary, celery seed, and paprika, depending on the specific blend.
Beyond the Bird: Exploring the Versatility of Poultry Seasoning
While poultry seasoning is a Thanksgiving staple its uses extend far beyond the holiday bird. Here are some ways to incorporate this versatile blend into your cooking:
- Stuffing: Elevate your stuffing game by adding a generous spoonful of poultry seasoning. It will complement the savory flavors of the bread, vegetables, and herbs.
- Roasted vegetables: Sprinkle poultry seasoning over your favorite roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes, for a burst of flavor.
- Soups and stews: A teaspoon of poultry seasoning can add depth and complexity to your favorite soups and stews.
- Dips and spreads: Mix a tablespoon of poultry seasoning with Greek yogurt for a delicious dip for crudités or crackers.
- Salads: Whisk poultry seasoning with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt for a flavorful salad dressing.
DIY Poultry Seasoning: Taking Control of Your Flavor
Even though pre-made poultry seasoning is widely accessible, making your own blend lets you tailor the flavor profile to your preferences. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons ground sage
- 3 teaspoons ground thyme
- 2 teaspoons ground rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground marjoram
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a tightly sealed container.
- Store for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste.
- If you don’t have ground rosemary, you can grind it yourself using a coffee grinder or spice grinder.
- This recipe makes approximately 3 tablespoons of poultry seasoning. Double or triple the recipe for a larger batch.
A culinary powerhouse, poultry seasoning can enhance your Thanksgiving dishes and more. Whether you make your own or use a pre-made blend, this adaptable seasoning will undoubtedly become a kitchen staple. Try new things, see what works, and let the wonderful scent of poultry seasoning fill your home this Thanksgiving and all year long.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe
Sage and dried thyme deliver that prominent woodsy aromatic flavor in every dish. Moreover, rosemary, marjoram, black pepper, and white pepper give the classic flavor foundation that pairs so nicely with chicken and turkey. And you know I can’t resist a dash of nutmeg (not much, just enough for a cool twist).
Some blends include oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, celery flakes, ginger, bell pepper, cayenne, and allspice. Check out the ingredients on the label of your favorite store-bought blend. Then have fun playing with the ingredients until you develop your own homemade specialty.
- Herbs: Compared to rubbed sage, ground sage is heavier and more concentrated. Sage, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram are all members of the mint family, so they must be excellent herbs.
- Spices: A hint of nutmeg, black and white pepper, smoked paprika, and celery seeds give the food an earthy, smoky flavor.
How to Make Poultry Seasoning
- Mix all the seasonings well.
- Store it in an airtight mason jar, spice jar, or other container. Because the spices have a tendency to settle, thoroughly stir the mixture before using.
- Spicy: Add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper and chili flakes to the mixture to make it spicier.
- Additional Herbs: You can replace the herbs with basil, oregano, and Italian seasonings to increase the flavor of the herbs.
- Zesty: Try it with a zesty, refreshing note from dried lemon zest for a fun twist.
- Make it your own: Looking back at the ingredient list, the ingredients are listed according to quantity. The yield of the first ingredient is highest, and the yield of the last ingredient is lowest. I start with a tablespoon of the first few ingredients. Subsequently, reduce it to half a teaspoon or a teaspoon for the following ingredients.
- Use a blender, coffee grinder, mortar and pestle, or spice grinder to create a powdered version.
- If you mix in some rice grains or silica gel packets, the seasoning mixture won’t clump.
- Shake the spice jar briefly before using, as some of the herbs may sink to the bottom.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe – Bell’s Turkey Seasoning Copycat Recipe
FAQ
What is poultry seasoning made of?
What can I use in place of poultry seasoning?
What is turkey seasoning made of?
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of poultry seasoning?