I promise that the reason we are always in charge of the turkey on Thanksgiving Day is because, regardless of how we cook it, we generously season it with our own homemade rub.
Making homemade gravy with the drippings is our favorite recipe because the spices bring out the most delicious gravy flavor. My grandmother declared that it tastes just like her favorite deli gravy from the grocery store . It’s that good!
We’ve used this very turkey seasoning on almost all cuts of turkey and they always turn out some flavorful, whether you’re cooking a large Thanksgiving turkey or a smaller turkey tenderloin!
It makes sense that one of our most well-liked Thanksgiving recipes is this one for turkey seasoning. This turkey seasoning is what really makes our Thanksgiving turkey taste so good, and we use it every year.
It’s savory, a little bit smokey, and slightly sweet. It makes an incredible dry rub for turkey by combining some of the greatest common spices, like oregano, thyme, and garlic powder.
“I’m excited to share and impress my family at Thanksgiving with this amazing dry rub! The house smelled amazing and the turkey tasted even better! I also appreciate that all of the ingredients were already in my cupboard,” said Erica.
The following spices for turkey are probably already in your pantry. All the advantages of actually being able to pronounce the ingredients, plus the fact that we can assure you that this seasoning will be more flavorful than any store-bought turkey seasoning:
Are you searching for the perfect turkey seasoning recipe to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further! This comprehensive guide combines the best insights from two popular culinary websites, The Recipe Critic and Fit Foodie Finds, to provide you with everything you need to create a mouthwatering, unforgettable turkey.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Turkey Seasoning:
- Aromatic Herbs: The classic Thanksgiving herbs – thyme, rosemary, and sage – are essential for their complementary flavors that enhance the natural taste of the turkey.
- Savory Spices: Paprika, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth and complexity to the seasoning, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Optional Additions: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or brown sugar to customize the flavor to your liking.
Two Fantastic Turkey Seasoning Recipes:
1. The Recipe Critic’s Turkey Rub:
This recipe focuses on the classic Thanksgiving herbs and spices, creating a perfectly balanced seasoning for your turkey.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to blend evenly.
- Generously rub the seasoning all over the turkey, ensuring it covers both the top and bottom.
- Cook your seasoned turkey according to your preferred recipe.
2. Fit Foodie Finds’ Flavorful Turkey Seasoning:
This recipe offers a slightly different take on turkey seasoning, incorporating additional spices for a more complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 teaspoons coarse salt
- 4 teaspoons pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large container or mason jar.
- Stir well to create a homogenous spice blend.
- Generously sprinkle the seasoning over the entire turkey, including the breasts, legs, and under the skin for optimal flavor.
Tips for Using Turkey Seasoning:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. This way, you’ll have it ready whenever you need to season your turkey.
- Adjust Seasoning Amount: The amount of seasoning you use will depend on the size of your turkey. As a general guideline, use 1.5 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of turkey.
- Use Butter or Oil: Rubbing butter or oil on the turkey before applying the seasoning helps create a golden and crispy skin.
- Experiment with Variations: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences. Add more heat with cayenne pepper, a touch of sweetness with brown sugar, or explore other spices to create your own unique blend.
Additional Resources:
- The Recipe Critic: https://therecipecritic.com/turkey-seasoning/
- Fit Foodie Finds: https://fitfoodiefinds.com/flavorful-turkey-seasoning/
With these delicious turkey seasoning recipes and helpful tips, you’re well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving turkey that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Remember, the key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations to find the perfect seasoning for your taste. Happy cooking!
How much does this seasoning for turkey yield?
About 1/3 cup is produced by this recipe, which is sufficient seasoning for a 15 lb. turkey. For smaller or larger birds, use 1. 5 tablespoons of seasoning per lb. of turkey.
Dry Rubs and Seasonings
How to Season Your Turkey | Weber Grills
FAQ
What should you season your turkey with?
Should I put butter or oil on my turkey?
How do you get the best flavor out of a turkey?
What spices do you use in Turkey seasoning?
Dried herbs: Rosemary, sage, marjoram and thyme are classic herbs in any poultry seasoning. Don’t use fresh; dried is the best for rubs and seasonings. Spices: Garlic powder and black pepper add a subtle kick to the seasoning. Salt: Kosher salt is a must for your turkey spices. If you only have table salt, use just half the amount called for.
What healthy seasonings can I use this new year?
All natural seasonings are healthy, like onions, garlic, herbs, dried herbs and their mixtures. My favorites are thyme, rosemary, garlic, onion, freshly ground pepper and curry.
How much seasoning do you put in a Turkey?
For smaller or larger birds, use 1.5 tablespoons of seasoning per lb. of turkey. Seasoning a turkey is simple and our #1 tip is to put it everywhere! After mixing up the spice blend, simply sprinkle it on top of the skin and in between the legs. Then, use your hands to rub it in. You can even rub it under the skin for optimal flavor.
Can you make seasoning mix before cooking a Turkey?
Let the seasoned turkey sit in the fridge for 24 hours or at least overnight. For the crispiest skin, leave it uncovered. Yes, you can make your seasoning mix ahead of using it. Store in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid in a cool, dark, dry place until ready to use.