Homemade Poultry Seasoning is an easy homemade herb-based spice blend that transforms your regular chicken or turkey into extraordinary. 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?
Besides, poultry seasoning (homemade is even better) is so versatile because you don’t have to limit it to 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!
Poultry seasoning is a key ingredient that adds concentrated flavor to turkey and other poultry dishes. But what exactly is in this popular blend? The combination of herbs and spices creates an aromatic seasoning that enhances everything from roast turkey to chicken soup. Understanding the ingredients in store-bought or homemade poultry seasoning helps you use it effectively.
Common Ingredients in Poultry Seasoning
While poultry seasoning recipes can vary, certain herbs and spices feature prominently:
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Sage – This woodsy, slightly pine-scented herb is a classic pairing with poultry. It shows up in 79% of poultry seasoning recipes. Ground sage provides an earthy base flavor.
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Thyme – Lemony thyme appears in 68% of blends. It offers brightness to balance sage’s woodiness.
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Rosemary – Pine-like rosemary’s addition in 53% of recipes provides evergreen hints It’s usually ground to incorporate easily,
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Marjoram – Minty sweet marjoram pops up in 47% of blends, giving them a delicate herbal aroma.
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Black Pepper – The spicy kick of black pepper counts on 32% of ingredients lists It adds background heat,
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Nutmeg – Warm, slightly bitter nutmeg makes the mix in 26% of blends. It provides subtle spice.
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Celery Seed – Savory, earthy celery seed seasons 16% of blends. It amplifies the herbal qualities.
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Ginger – Spicy ginger appears in 11% of recipes. It brightens with zippy gingery notes.
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Orange Peel – Dried orange peel infuses 5% of blends with citrusy aroma for balance.
These herbs and spices combine to create a seasoning blend perfect for complementing the flavors of turkey, chicken, Cornish hens and other birds. The proportions vary recipe to recipe based on desired taste.
How Much to Use on Turkey
When seasoning a whole turkey, plan on using:
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1 to 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning per pound of turkey meat.
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For a 12-14 pound turkey, estimate 2-3 tablespoons poultry seasoning total.
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For a 15-18 pound turkey, use around 3-4 tablespoons total.
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For an 18-22 pound turkey, figure 4-5 tablespoons is needed.
Sprinkle the blend evenly over the meat and cavity before roasting. You can also mix it into a compound butter slathered under and atop the turkey skin. Use more poultry seasoning if you want a more intensely seasoned bird. For stuffing, start with 1 teaspoon per 2 to 3 cups of stuffing mix. Adjust to taste.
Make Your Own Custom Poultry Seasoning
While premade poultry seasoning delivers convenience, blending your own lets you personalize the flavor. After testing ratios, you can craft a signature mix.
Start with a basic formula like:
- 4 teaspoons dried sage
- 3 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Tweak it by additions like orange peel, oregano, savory, cumin, garlic powder or smoked paprika. Ground ginger or allspice provide warmth, while lemon zest brings citrus brightness.
For an herby sensation, use dried parsley, chives or tarragon. Swap dried herbs for fresh versions like minced rosemary or sage.
Let your taste preferences guide you toward your ideal turkey-flavoring blend. Making a batch yourself lets you control the ingredients.
Incorporating Poultry Seasoning Into Recipes
Beyond its role in preparing turkeys, poultry seasoning can enhance all kinds of dishes:
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Add it to bread or cornbread stuffing along with onion, celery, broth and herbs.
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Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables, especially root veggies like carrots, parsnips and potatoes.
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Mix it into ground poultry before making patties, meatballs or meatloaf.
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Stir it into any chicken soup, stew or gravy for extra flavor.
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Use it in place of some of the Italian seasoning in chicken Parmesan or chicken cacciatore.
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Add it to biscuit or scone dough for savory, herbaceous flavor.
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Mix it into melted butter and spread over chicken before baking or grilling.
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Whisk it into salad dressings, dips, marinades or rice for a flavor boost.
With its herbal aroma and versatile flavor, poultry seasoning has a place far beyond just Thanksgiving turkey. Keep it stocked to instantly elevate eggs, chicken wings, risotto and more. Whether you buy or make it, poultry seasoning is a must-have for enhancing poultry and everyday cooking.
How to Make Poultry Seasoning
- Mix all the seasonings well.
- Store it in a mason jar, spice jar, or airtight container. Before using, always stir the mix as the spices will settle.
- Spicy – Add a dash of chili flakes and cayenne pepper to spice up the mix.
- More Herbs – You can switch up the herbs with Italian seasonings, oregano, and basil to add more herby flavor.
- Zesty – Try it with a refreshing citrusy note from dried lemon zest for an exciting twist.
- Make it Yours – Back to checking the ingredient label; the ingredients are in the order of amount. The first ingredient delivers the most, and the last ingredient the least. I start with a tablespoon of the first few ingredients. Then reduce it to a teaspoon or half a teaspoon on the ingredients further down the list.
- Use a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, coffee grinder, or blender to make a powdered version.
- Adding rice grains or silica gel packets to the seasoning mix prevents it from clumping.
- Give the spice jar a quick shake before using, as some herbs may settle to the bottom.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe
Sage and dried thyme deliver that prominent woodsy aromatic flavor in every dish. Additionally, rosemary, marjoram, white pepper, and black pepper provide the classic flavor base that complements chicken and turkey so well. 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 – Rubbed sage (not ground) is lighter and less concentrated than the ground. Sage, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram all hail from the mint family, so they have to be good.
- Spices – Black and white pepper, smoked paprika, celery seeds, and a dash of nutmeg create an earthy, smoky savoriness.
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe – Bell’s Turkey Seasoning Copycat Recipe
FAQ
What is poultry seasoning made of?
What is the substitute for poultry seasoning?
What should I season my turkey with?
What is in McCormick poultry seasoning?
How do you make a good Turkey seasoning?
You’ll be glad to have them on hand. A blend of 6 simple spices is all your turkey needs to shine! This poultry seasoning recipe is a staple that you’re going to love having on hand. Combine sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg and pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Does poultry seasoning make a Turkey?
Well, as anyone who’s ever started prepping that Thanksgiving bird, only to realize that they forgot to buy poultry seasoning can attest: the right poultry seasoning can make your bird. The aromatic blend typically includes sage, thyme, celery seed, marjoram, black pepper and nutmeg, and is an all-in-one way to season your turkey.
What spices go well with homemade poultry seasoning?
Often you’ll see blends with higher ratios of sage and thyme but may also include black pepper, nutmeg, and ginger. The ingredients in homemade poultry seasoning include, Dried Thyme – Earthy and more delicate flavoring. Thymes lemony undertones blend well with just about everything. Dried Oregano – Oregano is more flavorful when dried than fresh.
What can you eat with poultry seasoning?
But it can also spruce up classic roasted vegetables (think Brussels sprouts, carrots and potatoes). For apps and salads, try mixing a tablespoon of poultry seasoning with Greek yogurt to make a dip for a crudité platter, or whisk some seasoning with lemon juice, salt and olive oil to make salad dressing.