The combination of herbs and spices in this rub will flavor your turkey to perfection and become your go-to turkey rub. Look no further for the BEST turkey seasoning recipe you will ever make!
Thanksgiving dinner’s traditional herbs and spices are all perfectly blended into one blend for your bird, giving it the most incredible flavors! I love to season meats and poultry with flavorful spices to make them taste amazing. For delicious seasoned meat, try this baked chicken, this amazing chicken recipe, or my favorite air fryer pork chops.
A blend of savory spices and aromatic dried herbs make up this turkey rub. Because thyme, rosemary, and sage are meant to be together on a turkey, I adore the combination of them. Thanksgiving turkey is magical because of their complimentary flavors, for some reason!
Incorporating these tastes into your turkey ensures that it will be the most delicious bird your guests have ever had. After everyone tries this dry rub, I promise they will always ask you to oversee the turkey. And if you’re asked to handle the turkey, you can finish the meal with these simple one-hour rolls, my dad’s potatoes, and my grandmother’s stuffing!
These tasty herbs and spices are the ideal combination to enhance the flavors of your turkey, and the best part of this seasoning rub for turkey is that you probably already have all of the herbs in your cupboard! Your turkey will taste AMAZING, and you’ll use this rub recipe exclusively for all future turkeys you cook.
Turkey is a classic holiday dish, and its flavor can be enhanced with the right herbs and spices This guide will explore the best herbs and spices to use for turkey, providing you with the information you need to create a delicious and memorable meal
Popular Herbs and Spices for Turkey
- Thyme: Thyme is a classic herb for turkey, with its earthy and slightly minty flavor. It pairs well with other herbs like rosemary and sage.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong, piney flavor that adds depth to turkey. It can be used fresh or dried.
- Sage: Sage has a warm, slightly peppery flavor that complements the richness of turkey. It is often used in combination with thyme and rosemary.
- Parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to turkey. It is often used as a garnish, but it can also be added to the seasoning rub.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky flavor and a vibrant red color to turkey. It is available in sweet, smoked, and hot varieties.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a coarse salt that enhances the flavor of turkey. It is preferred over table salt because it dissolves more slowly and evenly.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a spicy kick to turkey. It is best to use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, garlicky flavor to turkey. It is a versatile spice that can be used in many dishes.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder adds a sweet and savory onion flavor to turkey. It is often used in combination with garlic powder.
How to Use Herbs and Spices for Turkey
There are several ways to use herbs and spices for turkey:
- Seasoning Rub: Combine the herbs and spices into a rub and apply it to the turkey before roasting.
- Brine: Add the herbs and spices to a brine solution and soak the turkey in it overnight.
- Stuffing: Add the herbs and spices to the stuffing for a flavorful addition.
- Gravy: Add the herbs and spices to the gravy for a richer flavor.
Tips for Using Herbs and Spices for Turkey
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible. Fresh herbs have a more intense flavor than dried herbs.
- If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs.
- Taste the seasoning before applying it to the turkey. This will help you adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. There is no right or wrong way to season turkey.
Using the right herbs and spices can elevate the flavor of your turkey and make it a truly memorable dish. By following the tips in this guide you can create a delicious and flavorful turkey that your guests will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best herb and spice combination for turkey?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best herb and spice combination for turkey will vary depending on your personal preferences. However, some popular combinations include thyme, rosemary, and sage; thyme, rosemary, and paprika; and thyme, sage, and garlic powder.
How much seasoning should I use?
The amount of seasoning you use will depend on the size of your turkey and your personal preferences. A good starting point is to use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of turkey.
Should I use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs have a more intense flavor than dried herbs, so if possible, use fresh herbs. However, dried herbs can also be used, and they will still add flavor to your turkey.
How do I apply the seasoning to the turkey?
You can apply the seasoning to the turkey in several ways. One option is to rub it all over the turkey before roasting. Another option is to add it to a brine solution and soak the turkey in it overnight. You can also add the seasoning to the stuffing or gravy.
What are some other tips for using herbs and spices for turkey?
- Taste the seasoning before applying it to the turkey. This will help you adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices. There is no right or wrong way to season turkey.
- Use high-quality herbs and spices. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your turkey.
What are some other recipes that use herbs and spices for turkey?
- Turkey and stuffing
- Turkey gravy
- Turkey soup
- Turkey sandwiches
Additional Resources
How To Store Turkey Seasoning
A unique blend of seasonings for your Thanksgiving turkey is this homemade turkey rub. You will never purchase turkey seasoning from the store again after making this at home. Homemade seasonings are superior because the flavors can be customized and the herbs are more fresh.
- Following the mixing of your ingredients, place the seasoning in an airtight container and seal it. Store in a dark, cool place for up to two months.
How to Make the Best Seasoning For Turkey
The simplest part of Thanksgiving dinner is making this turkey seasoning—it only takes five minutes to prepare, and you’ll be amazed at how quick it is! The best thing is that this dry rub can be prepared in advance and stored for when you need it. In my opinion, anything that you can make before Thanksgiving is a success!
- Mixing the Ingredients: Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with a whisk.
- Rub: Completely coat a 10–13-pound turkey with the spice mixture, being sure to coat the top and bottom. Then cook your seasoned turkey according to your recipe.
- Store: For up to two months, if you won’t be using it right away, keep it in a sealed container.
My absolute favorite seasonings are homemade ones because you can adjust the amount of heat, add extra flavor, or even double the recipe to ensure you always have some on hand. Here are some suggestions for varying this turkey seasoning.
- Make Ahead: To ensure it’s ready for Thanksgiving, I like to make this turkey rub a few weeks in advance. Making a large amount of seasoning means you’ll always have it on hand for any time you need to season meat, fish, or poultry.
- How Much Seasoning to Use: You can use about 1/3 cup of this recipe to season a 10- to 14-pound turkey.
- Use Dried Herbs Rather Than Fresh: Dried herbs keep much longer in your spice cabinet than fresh herbs. Because fresh herbs typically contain more moisture, they are more susceptible to deterioration and the early growth of mold.
- Less salt: Cut back on the salt gradually if you think it’s a little too salty. The best salt is Kosher salt because it allows you to better regulate the flavor than table salt.
- Make it Spicy: Use a small amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder to give your seasoning some kick.
- Try incorporating one tablespoon of brown sugar into the rub to make it a little sweeter. It adds a touch of sweetness and caramelizes a bit.
