The New England Thanksgiving shopping list may vary from one year to the next (“Is this the year we try to convince Nana she’ll like homemade cranberry sauce?” some of you may be wondering), but there’s one thing we can most definitely be sure of — for turkey and stuffing fans, that list will include a box of Bell’s Seasoning. 
If you want your holiday turkey to be incredibly flavorful and juicy, using Bell’s Seasoning is the secret. This versatile blend of herbs and spices perfectly complements turkey, infusing it with savory flavor. In this article, I’ll explain what Bell’s Seasoning is, provide tips for using it on turkey, and share some delicious Bell’s turkey recipes.
What is Bell’s Seasoning?
Bell’s Seasoning is a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, onion, and garlic created by Bell’s Foods in New England. Some of the key ingredients include:
- Thyme
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Nutmeg
- Pepper
- Parsley
- Celery Seed
This special mixture packs a flavor punch, with savory, aromatic notes from the blend of herbs and spices. It provides seasoning without being overly salty.
Bell’s has been used for years in stuffing mixes, but it’s also fantastic as a rub or seasoning for poultry. The blend was designed to pair perfectly with turkey, chicken, and other birds.
Why Use Bell’s Seasoning on Turkey?
There are several reasons why Bell’s Seasoning really shines when used on turkey:
- Enhances flavor – The combination of herbs and spices adds tons of savory flavor.
- Keeps turkey moist – It helps retain moisture and prevents the turkey from drying out.
- Easy to use – Bell’s can be rubbed on the skin, put under the skin, or even blended into a compound butter.
- Versatile – It complements smoked, roasted, grilled, or fried turkey.
- Traditional taste – Bell’s gives turkey that nostalgic flavor you expect at holiday meals.
So if you’re looking to take your turkey up a notch this year reach for the Bell’s!
Tips for Using Bell’s Seasoning on Turkey
Here are some tips on the best ways to use Bell’s to season your turkey
- Generously coat the skin with Bell’s seasoning. The herbs and spices will form a flavorful crust.
- Rub Bell’s under the skin. Slide your fingers under the skin and massage the seasoning directly onto the meat.
- Make a Bell’s compound butter. Blend Bell’s into softened butter and schmear under and on top of the skin.
- Sprinkle Bell’s into the main turkey cavity. It will add flavor to the interior meat.
- Add Bell’s to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.
- Create a brine with Bell’s seasoning. Dissolve some in the saltwater to infuse the turkey.
- Use it alongside other aromatics. Bell’s complements onion, garlic, citrus, and fresh herbs.
Don’t be shy – turkey can handle a good amount of seasoning. 1-3 tablespoons of Bell’s is perfect for a 12-15 lb bird.
Bell’s Turkey Recipes
Here are some stellar recipes that harness the flavor power of Bell’s Seasoning:
Bell’s Ultimate Roast Turkey
Coat the turkey skin and underside with a butter mixture blended with Bell’s. Roast alongside quartered apples and onions also tossed in Bell’s.
Bell’s Turkey Burger
Add Bell’s to ground turkey when forming patties. Top the burger with more Bell’s mayo.
Bell’s Turkey Meatloaf
Combine Bell’s with ground turkey, bread crumbs, egg, and any veggies or cheese in a meatloaf.
Bell’s Turkey Pot Pie
Stir Bell’s into cooked turkey breast along with vegetables and gravy and bake under a pie crust.
Bell’s Turkey Soup
Build flavor by simmering Bell’s seasoned turkey carcass and veggies into turkey broth.
Bell’s Turkey Hash
Sauté diced turkey, potatoes, peppers and onions with generous Bell’s for delicious turkey hash.
As you can see, Bell’s Seasoning is endlessly versatile with turkey. It really takes the flavors to the next level. If you want rave reviews for your turkey this Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime – make sure to add Bell’s!
Bell’s Seasoning HistoryOne of the oldest spice mixes in the country, Bell’s dates back to 1867, when William F. Bell of Newton, Massachusetts created the blend from an old family recipe. Since then, nothing has changed…and come to think of it, neither has the bo Immediately recognizable with its colorful, (now) vintage looking label, lettering, and hand-drawn turkey, Bell’s is the throwback that never left.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe – Bell’s Turkey Seasoning Copycat Recipe
FAQ
What is in Bell’s seasoning for Thanksgiving?
Is Bell’s seasoning the same as poultry seasoning?
What should you season your turkey with?
What does Bell’s seasoning taste like?
How do you cook a Turkey with Bell’s seasoning?
Bell’s Seasoning Butter! It’s a luscious combination of salted butter and our classic Bell’s Seasoning. Spread it under and over the skin of your turkey to create a bird that bastes itself. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine softened butter with 2 teaspoons Bell’s Seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in small bowl; set aside.
How do you marinate a Turkey in Bell’s seasoning?
Harmon uses Bell’s Seasoning in his Thanksgiving turkey marinade to give it a traditional flavor. “When marinating the turkey, I mix Bell’s Seasoning with extra virgin olive oil and lemon,” he says. “Next, I rub the mixture under and on the skin two days before cooking. Each day, I also inject the turkey with the marinade, as well.”
What’s in Bell’s seasoning?
Here, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this versatile poultry seasoning, including its spice composition and how to properly store it. What is in Bell’s Seasoning? Bell’s Seasoning has just seven ingredients: rosemary, oregano, sage, ginger, marjoram, thyme, and pepper.
How do you season a fried turkey?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine softened butter with 2 teaspoons Bell’s Seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in small bowl; set aside. Liberally season outside of the turkey with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Starting at neck opening, gently loosen skin on turkey and evenly spread 2/3 of the butter mixture under skin.