Look no further for the BEST turkey seasoning recipe you will ever make! The combination of herbs and spices in this rub will flavor your turkey to perfection and it will be your go-to turkey rub.
All the classic herbs and spices of Thanksgiving dinner are packed into one perfect blend for your bird! Your turkey will take on the most amazing flavors. I love adding flavorful seasonings to make any meat or poultry taste incredible. Try this baked chicken, this delicious chicken recipe, or my favorite air fryer pork chops for tasty seasoned meat.
This turkey rub is a combination of aromatic dried herbs and savory spices. I love the blend of thyme, rosemary, and sage because they are all meant to be together on a turkey. There is just something about their complementary flavors that make Thanksgiving turkey magic!
Rubbing these flavors into your turkey will guarantee the tastiest bird your guests will ever have. I guarantee that you will always be asked to be in charge of the turkey after everyone tastes this dry rub. And if you’re asked to be in charge of the turkey, you can make the meal complete with my Grandma’s stuffing, my Dad’s potatoes, and these easy 1-hour rolls!
The best part about this turkey seasoning rub is that you most likely have all the herbs in your cupboard! These delicious herbs and spices are the perfect combination to enhance the flavors of your turkey. You will LOVE the taste of your turkey and this will be your go-to rub recipe for every turkey you cook.
Roasting up a beautifully bronzed turkey is the crowning jewel of many holiday meals. But achieving full, robust turkey flavor requires more than just popping the bird in the oven. Proper seasoning is key for imbuing the turkey with flavor from skin to bone. From brines to rubs and bastes, here is your guide to seasoning a turkey like a pro.
Why Season Your Turkey?
You may be wondering if it’s even necessary to season a turkey. After all, the bird already has built-in flavor, right? While turkey does have a mild, pleasant taste on its own, seasoning amps up the flavor and ensures the meat stays juicy and tender. Here are some of the benefits of seasoning your holiday bird:
- Brings out the natural flavor of the turkey
- Keeps the turkey moist during roasting
- Adds complementary flavors like herbs, citrus, spices
- Accentuates crispy, flavorful skin
- Balances flavors between white and dark meat
- Provides seasoning throughout, not just on surface
Simply put, a well-seasoned turkey is tastier turkey. Keep reading to find out how.
Seasoning Methods for Turkey
There are several techniques for getting flavor into your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. Here are some of the most popular options:
Brining
Brining involves soaking the raw turkey in a saltwater solution for hours prior to cooking The salt in the brine seasons the meat while also helping it retain moisture Aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, citrus, onions, and garlic can be added to the brine to complement the turkey.
- Wet brining – Submerging turkey in brine solution
- Dry brining – Rubbing turkey with salt/seasonings then refrigerating
Brining requires some advance planning but yields super juicy, seasoned meat.
Seasoning Rubs
Rubs are dry spice blends or wet pastes rubbed directly onto the turkey skin and flesh. Common rub ingredients include salt, pepper, paprika, herbs, brown sugar, citrus zest, garlic, and onion powder. Let the rubbed bird sit at least a few hours for maximum flavor impact.
Stuffing Aromatics
Placing fresh herbs, citrus, onions, garlic cloves, or other aromatics inside the cavity or body of the turkey gently perfumes the meat from the inside out.
Basting
Basting involves spooning pan juices, melted butter broth or other flavorful liquids over the turkey as it roasts. Basting keeps the turkey moist and adds flavor.
Injecting
Flavored liquids can be injected deep into the turkey using an injection needle for built-in moisture and seasoning. Marinades, broths, melted butter work well.
Glazing
Brushing a sweet glaze over the turkey skin during the last 30 minutes of roasting gives a glossy sheen and candied flavor when caramelized.
Step-by-Step Turkey Seasoning Guide
Now let’s walk through the process of seasoning a turkey using a few of these key techniques:
1. Thaw Safely
- Always thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hrs for every 4-5 lbs.
- Place turkey on tray to catch drips while thawing.
2. Remove Giblets
- Check inside both body cavities for packaged giblets or neck. Discard or use for gravy.
3. Dry Skin and Cavities
- Pat turkey skin and cavities dry using paper towels. Drying allows rubs and seasoning to stick.
4. Apply Aromatics and Herbs
- Stuff neck and body cavities with onions, garlic, citrus, fresh herbs for built-in flavor.
5. Prepare Wet Brine (Optional)
- In large container, combine 1 cup salt per gallon of water. Add any other brine flavors.
6. Submerge Turkey in Brine (Optional)
- Place turkey in brine solution, cover and refrigerate 8-24 hrs.
7. Remove and Rinse Turkey
- Drain, rinse turkey and pat very dry with paper towels after brining.
8. Prepare Seasoning Rub
- Make wet paste or dry spice rub. Try salt, pepper, fresh herbs, citrus zest, paprika, garlic powder.
9. Coat Turkey with Rub
- Gently loosen skin from breast and rub mix directly onto meat. Apply rub all over and inside cavities.
10. Air Dry Rubbed Turkey
- Let sit 1-24 hours in fridge for rub to penetrate meat. Uncovered.
11. Prepare Baste (Optional)
- Melt butter, herbs, citrus, garlic, broth to spoon over turkey while roasting.
12. Roast Turkey
- Roast turkey according to recipe, basting every 30 minutes if desired.
13. Make Glaze (Optional)
- Simmer glaze ingredients like juice, sweeteners, spices. Brush on turkey last 30 minutes.
Quick Turkey Seasoning Ideas
If you’re crunched for time, here are some shortcut ways to add big flavor:
- Coat with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with seasoning salt or poultry rub
- Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, fresh herbs
- Inject with chicken broth, melted butter, or prepared seasoning mix
- Rub with sage pesto or herb-infused oil
- Brush with warmed chili-garlic sauce or hoisin sauce
With so many seasoning possibilities, there’s no limit to the flavors you can infuse into your holiday bird. Experiment with different techniques and flavors to make it your own. Just remember that proper seasoning is the secret to a juicy, flavor-packed turkey everyone will rave about.
How to Make the Best Seasoning For Turkey
Making this turkey seasoning is the easiest part of your Thanksgiving dinner! It only takes 5 minutes to put it together, and you will love how fast it is. The best part is that you can make this dry rub ahead of time because it will be ready to go when you need it. Anything that you can make before Thanksgiving day is a win in my book!
- Combine Ingredients: Place all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine.
- Rub: Rub the entire seasoning mix all over a 10-13 pound turkey making sure to get the top and bottom. Then cook your seasoned turkey according to your recipe.
- Store: If you aren’t using it right away, store it in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Homemade seasonings are my very favorite because you have complete control over your end result! You can change up the heat level, add additional flavor, or even double the recipe so that you always have some on hand. Here are a few ideas on how to change things up with this turkey seasoning.
- Make Ahead: I like to make this turkey rub a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving so that it’s ready to go! It’s great to make a big batch of seasoning because you have it on hand anytime you need to season poultry, meat, or fish.
- How Much Seasoning To Use: This recipe makes about 1/3 cup and is good to rub over an entire 10-14 pound turkey.
- Use Dried Herbs, Not Fresh: Dried herbs in your spice rack have a much longer shelf life than using fresh herbs. Fresh herbs tend to have a higher moisture content and can lead to spoiling and growing mold early on.
- Less salt: If you find it a tad too salty, then reduce the salt a little bit at a time. Kosher salt is best because you can control the salt flavor better than table salt.
- Make it Spicy: Add some spice to your seasoning with a little cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Make it a Little Sweet: Try adding 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the rub. It adds a touch of sweetness and caramelizes a bit.
How To Store Turkey Seasoning
This homemade turkey rub is a custom blend of seasonings for your Thanksgiving turkey. Once you make this at home and see how delicious it is, you will never buy turkey seasoning at the store again! Homemade seasonings are the best because the herbs are fresher and you can customize the flavors.
- In a Sealed Container: Once you have mixed your ingredients together then store the seasoning in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dark place then store for up to 2 months.
How to Season Your Turkey | Weber Grills
How do you season a turkey breast under the skin?
While you can season right on top of the skin, you’ll get the best flavor by rubbing your seasoning under the skin and inside the turkey. This way the seasoning will have direct contact with the meat. To season the breast meat under the skin, use your fingers to pull the skin away from the meat, and massage the rub underneath, directly on the meat.
How do you season a fried turkey?
Once the bird is as dry as possible, season away! Stick with salt and pepper, put herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to work, or take spicy Cajun seasoning for a spin for some kick. Whatever blend you choose, spread it all over the turkey—on top, underneath, between the body and wings and legs, under the skin, and even in the cavity of the bird.
How do you season a frozen turkey?
Follow these tips and tricks on seasoning your turkey for a juicy and flavorful meal. It can be tempting to sprinkle your seasonings right on top of the frozen turkey (obviously after defrosting it) as you’d do with any other protein. To get the most flavor, however, it’s best to season under the skin.
How do you season a Turkey with seasoning?
Be sure to get your seasoning blend into all the nooks and crannies of the turkey—even on the inside. This will give your roast the most flavor possible. Use this trick whether you’re roasting a turkey, grilling turkey, or even deep-frying a turkey. Instead of filling your bird with stuffing, fill it with aromatics.